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Making up company accounts - the basics

An annual company account is a financial document summarising a business’s financial performance over a year. It includes revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity, used to review the overall financial health of companies for future investments.

The annual company account is prepared by the country’s accounting standards and is usually published within the first 12 months of the financial year. But which fundamental elements should the document contain? Here are some ideas.


1. Profit and Loss Account


Creating a Profit and Loss Account is essential to running a successful business. It is a statement of income and expenses over a given period, usually a year. The Profit and Loss Account is used to measure the financial performance of a business and is used by management to make decisions about the company’s future direction.

The Profit and Loss Account should include all revenues and expenses related to the business, which includes sales, cost of goods sold, administrative fees, and other operating expenses. The Profit and Loss Account should also include non-operating income or expenses such as interest or interest expense.


2. Balance Sheet


A balance sheet is a financial statement summarising a business’s assets, liabilities and equity at a specific time. It is used to measure a company’s financial health and is used by both management and external stakeholders such as investors, creditors, and regulators.

The Balance Sheet should include all assets, such as cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and fixed assets. It should also have all liabilities, such as accounts payable, and short-term and long-term debt. Finally, it should include all equity, such as retained earnings and capital contributions.


3. Director’s Reports


A director’s report is a document that is presented to the board of directors of a company at the end of each financial year. This report provides an overview of the company’s performance in the previous year and outlines the goals and objectives for the upcoming year.

The report also provides information on any significant changes that have taken place in the company’s operations. It is a valuable tool for the board of directors to assess how the company is performing and ensure that it meets its objectives.


4. Auditor’s Reports


An auditor’s report is a document that is presented to the board of directors of a company at the end of each financial year. This report provides an independent and unbiased opinion on the company’s financial statements and accounts.

The report is prepared by an independent auditor who assesses the accuracy and reliability of the financial statements and accounts. The auditor’s report is vital for the board of directors to ensure that the company’s financials are accurate and per laws.


5. Account Notes


Account notes are notes that are included in a company’s financial statements. These notes provide important information about the company’s financials that are not included in the main body of the financial statements.

It can include information about the company’s accounting policies, significant transactions, and contingent liabilities. Account notes are essential for investors and other stakeholders to understand a company’s financials in greater detail.


Conclusion


Writing an annual company account is essential to running a successful business. A yearly company account overviews a company’s financial performance and position over time. With a yearly detailed company account, business owners can track their progress and make informed decisions to help the business grow.


Creating an accurate and up-to-date annual company account is a complex process requiring much research and analysis. It involves collecting and analysing financial data from all sources, including sales, expenses, investments, and more. It is also essential to consider non-financial data such as customer feedback and employee satisfaction surveys.

Greenways Accountants offers accountant services in Glasgow, helping businesses manage their finances through outsourcing. We aim to provide affordable accountants, making companies save on their costs—while still working on running a business seamlessly. Get a standard bookkeeping quote by browsing our website today.

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