The financial statements of a company are developed from the bookkeeping process of the business firm. As the firm records the financial transactions of the firm over an accounting time period, the financial statements begin to appear.

Relationships Between Statements

They are developed through recording the transactions in the accounting journal and the general ledger. The financial statements come together from those records and paint a picture of the financial health of your small business. The SBA suggests that understanding your financial statements is essential to the success of your small business, and function as a roadmap to steer you in the right direction and help you avoid costly breakdowns.

The financial statements are based on the accounting equation , which is stated as:. In the accounting equation, owner's equity is made up of revenue and expenses. Revenue increases owner's equity and expenses decrease owner's equity the money the owner's have invested in the company. The income statement statement of profit and loss shows how profitable the firm is and can be viewed as your report card.

A positive net income means the firm is making money. A negative net income means the firm is losing money. The income statement is developed from the accounting entries for revenues and expenses over the accounting period. The Statement of Retained Earnings is developed after the Income Statement because it uses data from the Income Statement. The net income from the income statement is either retained by the firm or paid out as dividends or a combination of both.

What is the difference between a balance sheet and a cash flow statement? | Investopedia

The business firm's balance sheet shows how much money the firm is worth -- its net worth. It is a window into your financial health.

The balance sheet items are stated in terms of book value.

The two sides of the accounting equation mirror the format of the balance sheet. The two sides of the balance sheet have to balance since every asset has to be purchased with either a liability, like a bank loan , or owner's equity, such as a portion of the retained earnings. The balance sheet is an indicator of net worth while the income statement or statement of profit and loss is an indicator of profitability.

Does your business have the cash to stay afloat? This is where you look.

The Statement of Cash Flows uses data from both the income statement and balance sheet. Thus, it is the last financial statement that is developed. The statements we have discussed are essential elements of a business plan.

Some software programs, such as Excel, offer templates. Of course, in building and interpreting these financial statements you should consult your accounting professionals.

Search the site GO. Business Finance Small Business Starting a Business Obtaining Financing Budgeting Accounting Basics Financial Management Crowdfunding Basics Crowdfunding Platforms Crowdfunding News Business Math. Updated June 14, The Balance Sheet and the Accounting Equation The business firm's balance sheet shows how much money the firm is worth -- its net worth.

The Statement of Cash Flows Does your business have the cash to stay afloat?

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