How to Calculate Cash Flow & Prepare a Cash Flow Statement | IE Consultant
A
cash flow statement is about documenting where the money is going in your
business and whether you’re suffering a loss or making a profit. Business
Trends contacted a variety of experts to get the lowdown on how to calculate
cash flow and prepare a cash flow statement which combines the numbers from any
financing, operations and investing your business does.
Cash
flow is the lifeblood of a business — In fact, a study found over
80% of business failure can be attributed to poor cash flow issues.
How
to Calculate Cash Flow
Here
is how you can start to put those numbers together into a statement using these
three simple steps to understand formulas.
Operating
Cash Flow:
This
is one of the fundamental formulas that you’ll need in order to get everything
else right. It’s an important number that small businesses can use to determine
whether they have enough finances to expand or if they need outside help.
Simply put, this is the amount of money your business makes from routine
operations.
It’s
no surprise there is a regulatory framework for this calculation from the
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Ask if they use this if you’re
using an accountant.
Like
the name suggests, the operating cash flow takes a look at the numbers from
everyday activities. You’ll need to put together the cash flows from financing,
operating and investing.
The
easiest way to calculate and prepare a cash flow statement is by using
cloud-based accounting software. Not only does this save you time, but it also
reduces chances of errors.
Cash
Flow of Investment Activities:
Next,
you’ll need to consider this. The actual practice of getting this number is
simpler than the name might suggest. IE Consultant suggests that you can get this data
by simply subtracting cash outflows from cash inflows.
These
focus on different kinds of investments and changes in assets that are
long-term like when your small business buys or sells equipment or property.
Cash
Flow of Financial Activities:
This
calculation is done the same way as the one above by subtracting cash flows
from cash inflows. In this part of the formula these numbers need to relate
directly to things like loan payments loans and other financial tools.
Remember
when you add the three formulas together, you’ll come up with a number called
the net cash flow. If it’s positive, your business is doing well. On the other
hand, if that number is negative, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.
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