Crunching the Numbers: 5 Vital Financial Reports in Xero
In the world of accounting, having the right tools and resources is crucial for monitoring financial health and making informed decisions.
Xero, a leading cloud-based accounting software, has become a favourite among accountants and business owners alike for its user-friendly interface, powerful features and useful financial reports.
In this blog post, we'll dive into five vital financial reports in Xero that every business owner should be utilising for financial success.
1. Profit and Loss Statement (P&L)
The Profit and Loss Statement, also known as the Income Statement, is a fundamental report in Xero. It provides a clear overview of your business’s revenues and expenses over a specific period.
The two most important figures to understand from this report are:
Gross profit: Income minus cost of making and selling your products or services. This figure shows how efficient your sales process is.
Net profit: Income minus gross profit and other expenses, including tax, rent, salaries etc. This figure shows how sustainable your business is and how much money you are actually making once all other factors are taken into account.
By regularly reviewing your P&L, you can identify trends, manage expenses more effectively, and make strategic decisions to improve profitability.
To find this report in your Xero dashboard, go to the Accounting tab>Accounting Reports>Profit and Loss.
2. Balance Sheet
The Balance Sheet is another essential financial report in Xero. It gives a snapshot of your company's financial position at a specific point in time.
This report shows what your business owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and the value of the owner’s equity. You will see the initial value of the tangible assets your business owns, minus any depreciation which increases over time.
Important figures to understand in this report are:
Accounts receivable: The money you are owed by customers.
Accounts payable: The money you owe to suppliers.
If your accounts receivable is consistently high, it may be worth enforcing stricter payment terms for customers or clients, or offering an incentive for early payments. If you are struggling with large accounts payable amounts, consider how you can manage your own payment terms with your suppliers.
Regularly reviewing your balance sheet helps in assessing the liquidity and financial stability of your business, ensuring that you can meet your short-term and long-term financial obligations.
To find this report in your Xero dashboard, go to the Accounting tab>Accounting Reports>Balance Sheet.
3. Cash Flow Statement
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and the Cash Flow Statement in Xero provides a detailed view of how cash is moving in and out of your business.
This report is divided into three sections: operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. At the end of the report you will see the cash figure for the end of that period showing you how much you have left after expenses for the reporting period.
Understanding your cash flow accurately ensures that you have enough capital to cover your expenses and make critical business decisions.
To find this report in your Xero dashboard, go to the Accounting tab>Accounting Reports> Statement of Cash Flows - Direct Method.
4. Accounts Receivable Aging Summary
The Accounts Receivable Aging Summary is a useful report for monitoring and following up on overdue payments.
This report shows the outstanding invoices your business has, categorised by how long they have been outstanding. It helps in identifying overdue payments and enables proactive follow-up with customers.
If you find the same customers consistently paying late, you may want to change your payment terms to encourage regular prompt payment.
To find this report in your Xero dashboard, go to the Accounting tab>Accounting Reports> Aged Receivables Summary.
5. Budget Variance Report
Budgeting finances is key for any business, with the Budget Variance Report in Xero helping you to compare your actual financial performance against your budgeted figures.
This report highlights variances, both favourable and unfavourable, helping you understand where your business is overperforming or underperforming against its planned budget. You will need to have initially filled in the budget report on Xero for this to work correctly.
Regularly reviewing this report can aid in financial planning – enabling you to make necessary adjustments to your business strategies when the numbers change.
Want to Know How Xero’s Financial Reports Can Help your Business?
Understanding and utilising these five financial reports in Xero can significantly enhance your ability to manage your business’s finances effectively.
However, whilst software like Xero makes financial reporting more accessible, it's always beneficial to consult with a professional accountant to get the most out of these reports and apply them effectively to your business strategy. We can even edit them to show the information that is relevant to you and your business to make the most of the reports.
That’s where Linggard & Thomas’s pro-active team of Newquay-based accountants can help! We specialise in helping businesses leverage the power of Xero to streamline their financial processes and achieve their financial goals.
Our management accounts service helps you understand the data provided by financial reports such as these, going beyond the numbers to provide pro-active business advice based on the findings. Get in touch today to see how we can help your business grow.
