What term describes an operating expense that is identifiable with and chargeable to the operation of a specific department?

The term that describes an operating expense identifiable with and chargeable to the operation of a specific department is "direct expense." Direct expenses are costs that can be directly traced to a particular department or function within a business. These expenses are incurred specifically for that department's operations and, therefore, can be allocated directly to the department's budget.

For example, if a marketing department incurs costs for promotional materials, those expenses would be classified as direct expenses because they are directly attributable to the marketing function. This classification is crucial for accurate financial reporting and budgeting, as it allows for a clear understanding of each department's costs and performance.

In contrast, indirect expenses are costs that cannot be directly traced to a single department but are necessary for overall operations, such as administrative salaries. Variable expenses fluctuate with the level of production or service delivery, while fixed expenses remain constant regardless of business activity levels. Understanding these distinctions is important for effective financial management and analysis.