A profit and loss statement, balance sheet and cash flow information provide a useful starting point. Many businesses also need aged receivables, aged payables and a payroll summary. The right report pack depends on your decisions.
What this means in practice
Reports are only useful when the records behind them are reliable. Confirm the period, accounting basis and whether balances are reconciled. Compare results with prior periods or a budget where meaningful. Ask what a report is helping you decide: chasing overdue invoices, planning payments, reviewing margins or preparing for a tax obligation.
Your next steps
- Agree a reporting period
- Reconcile the underlying records
- Include reports tied to decisions
- Discuss unusual balances
Get help with the next step
If this relates to your business, tell us about your current records and the task you need help with. We can explain our service scope and the information needed before work starts.
General information prepared on 26 September 2026. Rules and individual circumstances can change. Confirm the treatment that applies to you before acting.
Prepared by the Affordable Bookkeeper content team. Our services and practitioner arrangements.
