Handbook: Financial statement presentation
Handbook | October 2024
Latest edition: In-depth guide on presentation and disclosure requirements, plus a new chapter on interim reporting.
Using detailed Q&As and examples, we explain various presentation and general disclosure requirements included in the Codification (i.e. ASC 205 to ASC 280), other broad topics (e.g. related parties under ASC 850 and subsequent events under ASC 855) and SEC regulations. This October 2024 edition incorporates updated guidance and interpretations, including a new chapter on interim reporting.
Applicability
- All entities
Relevant dates
- Effective immediately
Key impacts
In the financial statement process, considerable time is devoted to determining what items get recorded and how to account for them, but the critical final mile is determining how they need to appear – i.e. how they are presented and disclosed.
Once the debits and credits have been settled, presentation and disclosure is how that information is conveyed to financial statement users in a transparent, understandable and consistent manner. Disclosure goes ‘behind the numbers’ and is necessary to fully understand the financial statements.
ASC 205 to 280 in the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification® are dedicated to presentation and disclosure and provide the baseline requirements. Other ASCs address more detailed requirements, specific to certain transactions or industries. For SEC registrants, there is yet more guidance that contains many additional requirements, and which has helped shape practices over the years for all other entities.
Report Contents
- Financial statements: general principles
- Balance sheet
- Income statement
- Comprehensive income
- Notes to the financial statements
- Risks and uncertainties
- Related parties
- Subsequent events
- Interim reporting
Download the documents:
Financial statement presentation
Download PDFExecutive Summary
Download PDFExplore more
Resource
Handbook: Statement of cash flows
Latest edition: Our comprehensive guide to the statement of cash flows, with Q&As and examples to explain key concepts.
Resource
Handbook: Segment reporting
Latest edition: Our comprehensive guide to ASC 280 – with analysis, Q&As and examples.
Resource
Handbook: Earnings per share
Latest edition: Our comprehensive guide to EPS, with new and updated interpretive guidance on forward purchase/sale contracts and unit structures.
Meet our team
Subscribe to stay informed
Receive the latest financial reporting and accounting updates with our newsletters and more delivered to your inbox.
Accounting Research Online
Access our accounting research website for additional resources for your financial reporting needs.