Financial statements report the business activities and financial performance of a company. Learn how they are used by executives, investors, and lenders.

A business transaction, such as obtaining financing, often requires companies to provide financial statements that have been evaluated by an outside independent party. Accountants are outside parties ...

An audit engagement is a critical exercise for stakeholders such as employees, owners, investors and lenders. For the sake of efficiency, auditors must focus on standard audit tasks; they can't focus ...

Charlene Rhinehart is a CPA , CFE, chair of an Illinois CPA Society committee, and has a degree in accounting and finance from DePaul University. Katrina Ávila Munichiello is an experienced editor, ...

Learn what certified financial statements are, when you need them, and how to obtain them. Includes costs, timelines and a complete prep checklist.

When you apply for business funding, lenders and investors want to ensure they won’t lose money on your venture. That’s why bringing detailed financial statements to your pitch meeting is crucial.