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How do I prepare financial statements for my business?

Short answer

Reconcile every bank, card and loan account, record accruals and depreciation, review the balance sheet for errors, then run the profit & loss, balance sheet and cash-flow reports from your accounting software.

Detailed answer

Prepare the ledger first

Reports are only as reliable as the underlying entries. Reconcile cash and borrowing, review receivables and payables and check inventory, fixed assets and tax balances. Under an accrual basis, expenses and income may need adjustments even where cash has not yet moved. The correct reporting basis depends on your purpose and applicable rules.

Review before sharing

Compare figures with earlier periods and investigate unusual movements or negative balances. A lender may require a particular reporting format or accountant-prepared statements, not an ordinary software export. Label the period and accounting basis, retain supporting schedules and have significant estimates and year-end adjustments reviewed by a qualified professional.

Country differences: rules, thresholds and terminology differ between the US, UK, Australia and Canada. Check the official source for your country below.

Official sources

Published by Expert Bookkeeping Services · Last updated 2026-11-01. General information only — confirm specifics for your situation with a qualified adviser.

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