Individuals need cash to survive, so do companies and organizations. According to an article from Medium, cash is identified as the lifeblood of a business. It is also the heart and soul of every business transaction and operations. Without it, a company or organization will not survive in the industry and will cease to exist. That is why it is necessary to keep a financial statement, particularly recording the inflow and outflow of cash in your business. Hence, the need for a cash flow statement. In this article, you will be able to understand the importance and purpose of a cash flow statement. Scroll down below.
What is a Cash Flow Statement?
A cash flow statement or statement of cash flows (SCF) is one of the many essential accounting forms that any business, especially small businesses, should prioritize. This type of financial statement summarizes and records the in and out cash flows of a company or organization from business operations, external investments, and other business activities in a specified period. Cash flows statements are also a requirement under the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Besides identifying the inflow and outflow of cash in a business, cash flow statements also provide favorable advantages that companies and organizations will be able to benefit from. In an article from Medium, managing a cash flow statement enables entrepreneurs to examine the short-term viability of their business, allows them to create a concrete financial plan, and gives them a high rate of accuracy in future business forecasts.
FREE 10+ Cash Flow Statement Samples and Templates in MS Word | MS Excel | PDF
Below are cash flow statement samples that contain pre-made layout and well-written suggestive content that you can customize anytime. These sample templates are also available for immediate print using MS Excel, MS Word, and PDF file formats. Check these professionally made sample templates now!
1. Cash Flow Statement Template
2. Sample Cash Flow Statement Template
3. Proforma Monthly Cash Flow Statement
4. Statement of Cash Flows Template
5. Personal Cash Flow Statement
6. Monthly Cash Flow Statement Template
7. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
8. Format of Cash Flow Statement Template
9. Monthly Cash Flow and Investment Schedule
10. Investment Cash Flow Fund
11. Printable Cash Flow Statement
How to Prepare a Cash Flow Statement
As classified in an article from Medium, cash flow statements (CFS) are maybe the most important financial statement. Thus, it is imperative to make sure that everything that is written in the statement of cash flow is relevant, accurate, and is well-presented. However, if you have no idea how to start and prepare a cash flow statement, then follow the tips that we provided below. Here’s how.
1. Create the Outline
Start preparing your company’s cash flow statement by creating its outline. By this, you have to preformat your accounting worksheet and put columns and rows where you will place the data and figures. In doing so, you can make use of any software that you want, as long as it allows you to develop tables conveniently. Nonetheless, make sure that your outline will be able to carry out and present your data accordingly. Once that is done, then you can already proceed in setting the necessary data into your document.
2. Place the CF from Operations
CFS is listed in three ways, and the first one is the cash flow from operations. In essence, you have to place the cash flows from your company’s operating activities. This area starts with net income from your income statement and changes in working capital. It also comprises the cash receipts from sales of products and providing services. However, you still need to gather your business’s CF from operations data that are covered in the same accounting period.
3. Indicate the CF from Investments
The next important thing that you must put in your cash flow statement is the cash flow from your company’s investing activities. This may include the purchase of long-term assets, such as properties and equipment. To get the accurate data for this, you may scan your asset inventory form or purchase receipts that fall with the same accounting period as your CFO. Make sure that you get even the smallest amount of purchase to make your figure valuable.
4. Apply the CF from Financing Activities
Last but definitely not least is the cash flow from your business’s financing activities. In this section, you have to show the net flow of cash used to support and fund your company. The financing activities in your cash flow statement contains business transactions that comprise debt, equity, and dividends. CFF is essential since it allows business owners and investors to have a birdseye view of the company’s financial status.
What are the types of cash flows?
Cash flows are divided into three types, depending on the transaction domain. The first type of cash flows is operating, which includes cash activities related to the net income of a company. The second type is investing. This type of cash flow consists of the noncurrent assets of a company. Last is the financing—contains activities linked to noncurrent liabilities and owner’s equity. These cash flow types are necessary to ensure that you have excellent data and figures of your business’s financial health.
What are the implications of poor cash flow?
Cash flow statements (CFS) are considered as an essential financial statement along with the balance sheet and profit and loss statement. That is why it is imperative to do it right. Failure to do so will result in problems, such as it slows down business operations, puts the existence of your business in danger, cuts credit ratings, and consumes your company’s competitive edge.
What is the difference between cash flow and fund flow?
Although both financial statements are necessary for a business to have, they each serve a different purpose. Cash flow refers to the documentation of the in and out cash flows of a company during a reporting period. This type of financial statement is aggregated in three different sections. On the other hand, fund flow refers to the outmoded format for reporting changes in an entity’s net working capital from the start to the end of the accounting period.
As the old saying goes, “it takes money to make money,” it is necessary for business owners to determine not only its profits and loss but also the inflows and outflows of cash in their business. It also provides excellent advantages for business owners. Therefore, it is imperative to issue a cash flow statement. So, if you ever need an impressive and effective statement of cash flow, browse the sample templates provided above. Download now!
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