Which companies are required to prepare financial statements?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Feb 18, 2026
The following companies are required to have its financial statements audited:
- public companies.
- state owned companies,
- any company that falls within any of the following categories in any particular financial year:
Do all companies have to prepare financial statements?
Annual financial statements must be prepared by all entities except small proprietary companies. The Corporations Law also provides that consolidated financial statements must be prepared where the preparation of such statements is required by an accounting standard.
Can a company secretary sign financial statements?
As Companies Act itself gives a right to a CS to sign on the Financials Statement of the Company, here are some important documents a CS shall ask the CFO before signing the Financials. This document will help you to increase the self-awareness about the document/ Financial statement you are signing.
Is a balance sheet a legal requirement?
There is no legal requirement for an unincorporated business to prepare a balance sheet for tax or any other reason. It may also not be cost-effective to prepare one for a very small business.
Do all companies need an audit?
Companies that must have an audit Your company must have an audit if at any time in the financial year it’s been one of the following: an Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities ( UCITS ) management company. a corporate body and its shares have been traded on a regulated market.
Is it mandatory for CS to sign financials?
The financial statements are required to be approved by the Board before they are signed on behalf of the Board by the chairperson of the company where he is authorised by the Board or by two directors out of which one shall be managing director, if any, and the chief executive officer (CEO), the chief financial …
Who will sign the balance sheet?
“The financial statement, including consolidated financial statement, if any, shall be approved by the Board of Directors before they are signed on behalf of the Board at least by the chairperson of the company where he is authorised by the Board or by two directors out of which one shall be managing director and the …
Do small businesses need a balance sheet?
No matter what type of small business you run, you’re going to want to get comfortable with creating a balance sheet. Both current and future investors can get an informed look at your assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity with each balance sheet you produce.
Does a sole trader need to prepare a balance sheet?
Sole traders do not have to file accounts with a public body (like Companies House for limited companies). However, they should prepare a balance sheet and profit & loss account each year. Maintaining proper records enables you to manage your business, but also provides an audit trail for tax purposes.
Do companies need to prepare financial statements?
What is compiled financial statement?
Financial statements prepared by an accountant based on the amounts provided by a client. The accountant does not review or audit the amounts provided and therefore does not provide any assurances regarding the validity of the amounts.
Why do companies draw up financial statement?
The general purpose of the financial statements is to provide information about the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows of an organization. The income statement informs the reader about the ability of a business to generate a profit.
Who needs to submit financial statements to CIPC?
All public and state-owned companies must file a copy of the latest approved Audited Financial Statements on the date that the annual returns are filed with the CIPC. Financial statements must comply with the published Financial Reporting Standards.
When do financial statements have to be compiled?
A company’s financial statements must be regarded as having been compiled internally, unless they have been “independently compiled and reported”, as defined in regulation 26 [Reg 27 (2)]. Therefore, there is an assumption of “compiled internally”, if not “independently compiled and reported”.
Why are compiled financial statements not audited or certified?
A compiled statement has been prepared by an accountant but has not been audited or certified. The usual reason for the release of compiled statements before they are certified is timeliness. The company has financial information that it wants or needs to be released promptly to investors. The certifying process would delay its disclosure.
What does compilation of unaudited financial statements mean?
Compilation of unaudited Financial Statements: Compilation of accounts or reports means compilation of unaudited Financial Statements of a private company. Profit and loss statements, balance sheet and financial statement are compiled to give an outlook on the company’s financial standing.
How does an accountant prepare a financial statement?