How to code a 3rd party component that hooks into Virtuemart admin panel?

[Genius WebDesign]

Hi,

I´m thinking about coding a component for Virtuemart 2, which handles expenses for the shop, and I would like to make this component integrate in the VM admin panel.
How do I hook an external component into the VM admin panel, so that it adds a menu item to the VM admin "Shop" menu?