Improvement of the mechanism of enterprise cost management in modern conditions

The article considers the current issues of improving the mechanism of enterprise cost management in the conditions of modern economic instability, increased competition and constant changes in legislation, which is especially acutely manifested in Ukrainian realities. It is proven that effective cost management is critically important for ensuring the viability, financial stability and competitiveness of enterprises. Traditional approaches focused only on accounting and control no longer meet market dynamics, which necessitates the need to integrate cost management with other management processes and digital technologies. Scientific approaches to cost management are analyzed, in particular the works of foreign and domestic researchers who emphasize the importance of a strategic approach, the integration of management accounting with financial analysis, as well as the adaptation of models to the characteristics of Ukrainian enterprises. At the same time, it is emphasized that practical tools for strategic cost management based on the analysis of the external environment and digitalization are not yet sufficiently developed. The article proposes a comprehensive cost management methodology that involves a systematic analysis of the cost structure, identification of inefficient items, formation of an optimization strategy, implementation of organizational, technological and motivational changes, as well as constant monitoring and adjustment of actions. Modern cost management tools are described: analytical methods (ABC analysis, functional cost analysis, standard costing), information technologies (ERP systems), organizational approaches (KPI, outsourcing, Lean methods) and financial instruments (budgeting, reserve funds). The cost management mechanism is considered as a flexible, adaptive system that covers planning, accounting, control, motivation and regulation of costs, ensuring transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of management decisions. The proposed approach allows enterprises not only to reduce costs, but also to form long-term competitiveness in a changing external environment.