What information is needed to prepare a statement of cash flows?
Sarah Duran
Published Feb 20, 2026
The basic steps you’ll take include:
- Stating your net income for the period.
- Accounting for your non-cash expenses.
- Making appropriate adjustments for gains (or losses) on sales of assets.
- Noting changes in all current assets (that is, the difference between the earlier and later balance sheet entries)
Is a worksheet required to prepare a statement of cash flows?
The process of preparing a statement of cash flows involves the analysis of changes in non-cash balance sheet accounts. A worksheet is neither a component of financial statements nor a part of the formal accounting record of the company. Its preparation is, therefore, not mandatory.
What information does a firm’s statement of cash flows?
In financial accounting, a cash flow statement, also known as statement of cash flows or funds flow statement, is a financial statement that shows how changes in balance sheet accounts and income affect cash and cash equivalents, and breaks the analysis down to operating, investing, and financing activities.
When using a spreadsheet How do you prepare a statement of cash flows?
When using a spreadsheet to prepare the statement of cash flows, an increase in accounts payable is entered in the Analysis of Changes columns with a debit in the statement of cash flows section and a credit in the balance sheet section.
What is the indirect method for preparing a statement of cash flows?
What is the Indirect Method for Preparing a Statement of Cash Flows? The indirect method of preparing a statement of cash flows is a technique that begins with the net profit from the income statement, which is then adjusted for non-cash items such as depreciation.
What do you need to prepare Statement of cash flows?
The Data You Need to Prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. In order to prepare a statement of cash flows, you have to look back at the comparative balance sheets for XYZ company. From the two years of balance sheet data and some income statement data, you build your cash flows statement.
Which is the operating section of the statement of cash flows?
The operating section of the statement of cash flows can be shown through either the direct method or the indirect method. With either method, the investing and financing sections are identical; the only difference is in the operating section. The direct method shows the major classes of gross cash receipts and gross cash payments.
How are net cash flows calculated in a statement of cash flows?
As previously mentioned, the net cash flows for all sections of the statement of cash flows are identical when using the direct method or the indirect method. The difference is just in the way that net cash flows from operating activities are calculated and presented.