Managing a small business is challenging. Owners have a variety of responsibilities, including managing staff, customers, sales, and marketing. With all of this on your desk, it’s understandable that financial reports aren’t at the top of your list of daily responsibilities. The truth is that being on top of your finances is far too vital to neglect. For a small business owner, regular monitoring of important financial reports can mean the difference between failure and success.
What is Financial Reporting?
Financial reporting is a common accounting method that employs financial statements to reveal financial data and performance over a specific period, commonly on an annual or quarterly basis. You need a financial report to know how much revenue you have, where it comes from, and where it needs to go. Financial reporting is key. It helps management base business ideas on accurate information about the company’s financial health. The financial reporting of your business will also be used by potential investors and banks to determine whether they want to make an investment or give you loans.
Types of Financial Reporting
The actual status of a company’s financial performance during a specific time period is shown in the financial statements of the business. All of these statements include the income statement, cash flow statement, balance sheet, and statement of retained earnings.
1. The Income Statement
An income statement, commonly referred to as the profit and loss statement, lists the revenues, costs, and profits of a business. The income statement calculates a business’ net income by displaying how much the company made or lost during a specific period of time.
2. The Balance Sheet
A balance sheet summarizes a company’s assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity at a particular point in time.
3. The Statement of Retained Earnings
A company’s equity variations over an accounting period are shown in a statement of retained earnings.
4. The Cash Flow Statement
A cash flow statement (CFS) shows the amount of money that enters and leaves a company. The CFS provides stakeholders with information on how a company manages cash to settle debt, pay for current expenses, and finance both current and future investments.
The Importance of Financial Reporting for Small Businesses
Small and large-scale businesses must provide an accurate picture of their financial status. The importance of a company’s financial statements is best appreciated when the company is making an effort to attract new investors. The following are the importance of financial reporting:
1. Improved Decision Making
Financial reports enable company owners to identify trends, identify potential issues, and study their cash flow. You will have the framework needed to make prompt and informed financial decisions if you stay abreast of your financial statements. If your financial reports are incorrect, you will be unable to make critical decisions, the majority of which will affect your business decisions and operations.
2. Industry Compliance
Your company will be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations if your financial reports are correct. Governmental organizations make sure that the company complies with all laws, rules, and guidelines. What happens if the figures in your bank accounts seem off? You might receive a fine, which would have an impact on your company. In light of this, a clear financial report will spare you all of this stress.
3. Management of Debt
Financial reporting determines a company’s ability to manage debt. Financial statements provide insight into your company’s past and present, allowing you to plan for the future.
4. Planning your finances
A financial report can be used by business owners to assess past spending, make adjustments for the future, and plan for unexpected expenses. If you keep detailed financial records, you won’t need emergency credit or loans to cover unexpected expenses.
5. Need for Loans
Nothing about the financial health of your business is ever guaranteed. If your cash flow is inconsistent compared to what you would like it to be, you may need to look for financing. To determine whether your company is viable enough to repay the loan, these funding providers would ask to see your financial statements. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial reporting is therefore crucial.
Conclusion
Financial reporting is one of the most crucial aspects of any organization. The importance of a company’s financial reports is most easily explained when it experiences notable successes or setbacks. As a small business owner, having well-organized finances—that is, having a system in place to guarantee an accurate financial reporting system—will help your company expand and, in turn, provide stakeholders with a positive impression of your company.
We hope this article helps you fix your business’ finances, and then you can enjoy the rewards that come from financial reporting. If you are looking to outsource your company’s call center operations, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at EmpireOne Contact Center. Our services are affordable, and we make use of the latest technology to give your customers a seamless experience.
