There are three objectives underlying this paper. The first objective is to demonstrate some advantages that latent variable SEM may offer over the well established techniques of multiple regression analysis and path analysis to advance the theoretical development of management accounting. The second objective is to undertake a critical review of empirical management accounting papers that utilize SEM, to determine shortcomings, limitations, and opportunities. Recent papers [for example, Hartmann and Moers, 1999] that highlight flaws in the application of regression based analyses in management accounting, point to the importance of considering methodological shortcomings of SEM. The final objective is to identify ways in which management accounting researchers can use SEM to advance knowledge in the discipline.