Financial reporting is facilitated by Simply ALT, which assists with the documentation and communication of financial activities and performances, typically on a quarterly or yearly basis. The reporting of financial information is utilized by companies to organize accounting data and report on the current financial status. Numerous financial reports are made available for public review and also aid in projecting future profitability, industrial position, and growth. The fulfillment of various major objectives of financial reporting is achieved through the provision of information in several primary statements, such as:
• Cash flow tracking
• Evaluation of assets and liabilities
• Analysis of shareholder equity
• Measurement of profitability
Why Financial Reporting?
Income and expenses are monitored
Income and expense tracking is a significant process supported by financial reporting. It not only provides insights into key areas of spending but is also crucial for effective debt management and budget allocation. Regularly tracking debts enables companies to remain transparent in competitive markets. The documentation methods used in financial reporting make it easier to track a company's current liabilities and assets. Financial reporting allows for the measurement of important metrics, including debt-to-asset ratios, which are used by investors to evaluate a company's effectiveness in paying down debts and generating revenue.
Compliance is ensured
Companies adhere to specific processes that are part of financial reporting in order to comply with mandatory accounting regulations. Many documents used to evaluate financial activities are associated with various financial regulatory institutions. Therefore, accurate documentation is of utmost importance to ensure that financial reports comply with tax regulations and financial reporting criteria. Error-free financial reporting clarifies tax, valuation, and auditing processes, thereby reducing the time spent on fulfilling necessary financial obligations and validating financial compliance.
Essential data is communicated
Current financial data is essential for making decisions, planning budgets, and monitoring performance. Open communication and transparency are crucial to support funding, investment opportunities, and financial review from key shareholders, executives, investors, and professionals. The information provided by companies in financial documentation is utilized by many investors and creditors to assess profitability, risk, and future returns.
Financial analysis and decision-making are supported
Financial statements in financial reporting play a vital role in conducting analysis that supports business decisions, as they enhance the accountability of critical financial data. The real-time information provided in income statements and balance sheets can be used to track historical performance, identify key areas of spending, and create more accurate forecasts. With the aid of well-developed data models and detailed financial analysis provided through reporting, businesses can evaluate current activities and make decisions for future growth.
Financial Reporting
Types of financial reports
At Simply ALT, we compile the primary records of a company's financial activities by documenting the Balance Sheet, Income statement, Cash flow statement, and statements of shareholder equity. While most companies base their financial data on three key statements, they sometimes include the statement of shareholder equity.
Balance Sheet
A Balance Sheet records the total assets, liabilities, and equity currently held by the company. It provides a quick overview of the total assets after deducting equity and liabilities. Generally, businesses track balance sheets on a quarterly basis, and when creating yearly reports, they collect data from balance sheets. The Balance Sheet serves as a real-time assessment of current asset liquidity and debt coverage, and it mainly outlines the following:
• Liquid assets, including cash, certificates of deposit, short-term securities, and treasury bills
• Current assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, and prepaid expenses
• Current liabilities, including short-term and long-term debt, accounts payable, payable wages and dividends, tax expenses, and prepayments from clients
• Shareholder and owner equity values, such as retained income, receivable dividends, capital gains, and stocks
Income Statement
Unlike the Balance Sheet, an income statement tracks the financial activities of a business over a longer time period. Many businesses monitor income statements on a quarterly basis to track financial processes throughout the year. An income statement reflects the performance for revenue, net income, expenses, and earnings per capital share, particularly for companies that have shares listed on the stock exchange. The income statement also indicates the profit and loss of the company. The other elements included in an income statement are:
• Operating revenue, essential for selling products or services
• Net and gross revenues, encompassing total sales revenue and remaining revenue after deducting costs
• Non-operating revenue from accrued interest, investment returns, royalty payments, and capital gains
• Primary expenses, including cost of goods sold (COGS), depreciation, and selling, general, and administrative costs (SG&A)
• Secondary expenses, such as debt or loan interest, asset loss, and capital loss