Financial close management[1] (FCM)[2] is a recurring process in management accounting by which accounting teams verify and adjust account balances at the end of a designated period[3] in order to produce financial reports representative of the company's true financial position[4] to inform stakeholders such as management, investors, lenders, and regulatory agencies.

Overview

Closing the books involves consolidating transactions from multiple accounts, reconciling the information to ensure its validity, and identifying irregularities and errors that need to be adjusted.[5][6] Accountants typically perform the close process monthly or annually.[7] In the end, the trial balance — the list of all accounts from the general ledger — must balance: The sum of all debts must equal the sum of all credits.[8]

Fluctuation analysis

In addition to reconciliations and adjustments, accounting teams track the health of the company by conducting fluctuation analysis (flux analysis).[9] Flux analysis involves aggregating data from multiple periods and identifying material fluctuations from period to period, and what caused them. This helps businesses identify warning signs before they turn into major issues, though — given the labor-intensive nature of the month-end close — many businesses struggle to find the time and energy to conduct a thorough fluctuation analysis.

Reporting

Businesses report differently based on their stakeholders and other interested parties.

For small businesses, reporting on a cash basis is considered adequate. For larger businesses, typically backed by investors, it is necessary to provide more in-depth reporting based on Generally Accepted Account Principles (GAAP) in the United States and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) elsewhere.[10] These principles are a set of rules for accurate and consistent financial reporting and are mandatory for publicly traded companies.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Markets". The Wall Street Journal. September 17, 2019.
  2. ↑ "LINKING NUMBERS AND NARRATIVES: Correlating Quantitative Reports with Qualitative Analysis" (PDF). CFO Magazine. August 2012.
  3. ↑ "Technology Speeds Up Timeline on Quarterly Close". The Wall Street Journal. August 14, 2017. Tasks such as account reconciliation were previously left to the end of ...
  4. ↑ "Beginners' Guide to Financial Statement". SEC.gov. February 5, 2007.
  5. ↑ "How close management software can eliminate big headaches". Accounting Today. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  6. ↑ "Building Blocks of a Successful Financial Close Process". Journal of Accountancy. 2011-12-01. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  7. ↑ "Closing Entries | Financial Accounting". courses.lumenlearning.com. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  8. ↑ "Financial Close". www.money-zine.com. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  9. ↑ "Financial Reporting Fluctuation ("Flux") Analysis" (PDF). www.corporateservices.noaa.gov. US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
  10. ↑ "The Comprehensive Guide to Understanding GAAP". Accounting.com. Retrieved 2018-12-21.
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