How can you effectively present final accounts?

Final accounts are the financial statements that show the performance and position of a company at the end of an accounting period. They are essential for reporting to shareholders, creditors, regulators, and other stakeholders. However, preparing and presenting final accounts can be challenging, especially if you have to comply with different accounting standards, regulations, and frameworks. In this article, you will learn how to effectively present final accounts in the context of corporate accounting.

1 Understand the purpose and audience

Before you start presenting final accounts, you need to understand the purpose and the audience of your presentation. Are you presenting to internal or external stakeholders? Are you presenting for compliance or decision-making? Are you presenting for audit or disclosure? Depending on the purpose and the audience, you may have to adjust the level of detail, the format, the language, and the tone of your presentation. For example, if you are presenting to external stakeholders for compliance, you may have to follow a specific accounting standard, such as IFRS or US GAAP, and use formal and technical language. However, if you are presenting to internal stakeholders for decision-making, you may have to focus on the key performance indicators, such as revenue, profit, cash flow, and return on investment, and use simple and clear language.

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Tomi Akinwale ACCA, ACA, ACTI, B.TECH, FMVA, AAT.

Tax | Deloitte | Financial Reporting & Modelling |
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To effectively present final accounts, the first step is to Understand the purpose and audience. This will determine the tone of your presentation and the formats required. The audience also varies based on different stakeholder needs.

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Sanjeev Pandey

Cluster Head | International Accounting Specialist | Driving Financial Excellence | LinkedIn’s Top Management Accounting Voice
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Understanding the purpose and audience is crucial. Final accounts serve various stakeholders, including investors, shareholders, creditors, and regulatory authorities. Tailoring the presentation to address their specific needs and expectations ensures relevance and engagement. For instance, investors may focus on profitability and financial health, while regulatory bodies may require compliance with accounting standards.

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2 Prepare the content and structure

Once you have identified the purpose and the audience of your presentation, you need to prepare the content and structure of your final accounts. This includes selecting relevant accounting policies and principles, gathering and verifying data and transactions, performing calculations and adjustments, organizing and summarizing in a clear format, highlighting significant items, changes, and trends, comparing with previous periods, budgets, industry averages or benchmarks, identifying strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats in your final accounts, and providing recommendations and action plans. The content should include the income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, notes to the accounts. The structure should include an introduction, overview, analysis and conclusion.

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Sanjeev Pandey

Cluster Head | International Accounting Specialist | Driving Financial Excellence | LinkedIn’s Top Management Accounting Voice
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Preparing the content involves compiling accurate financial data and organizing it in a clear and logical manner. This includes income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and any accompanying notes or disclosures. Ensuring accuracy and transparency builds credibility and trust with stakeholders.

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3 Deliver the presentation and communication

The final step in presenting final accounts is to deliver the presentation and communication to your audience. To ensure success, you need to practice and rehearse your presentation beforehand, prepare visual aids and handouts, adapt the presentation to your audience, start and end with a strong message, use transitions and signposts, emphasize the key takeaways, anticipate questions and objections, and seek feedback. Additionally, you should make sure to speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively, use appropriate body language and eye contact, engage with your audience by asking questions and answering queries, and solicit feedback. Following these tips will help you deliver an effective presentation of your final accounts.

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Sanjeev Pandey

Cluster Head | International Accounting Specialist | Driving Financial Excellence | LinkedIn’s Top Management Accounting Voice
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Structuring the presentation involves determining the sequence and format that best conveys the information. It’s essential to strike a balance between detail and clarity, providing enough depth for understanding without overwhelming the audience. Using visual aids such as charts, graphs, and tables can enhance comprehension and retention.

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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you effectively present final accounts?

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1 Understand the purpose and audience

2 Prepare the content and structure

3 Deliver the presentation and communication

4 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Accounting

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