Start networking and exchanging professional insights

Register now or log in to join your professional community.

Follow

Distinguish between corresponding figures and comparative financial statements in a set of financial statements. ?

user-image
Question added by Frank Mwansa , ACCOUNTING LECTURER , FREELANCER
Date Posted: 2023/05/15
Mohammed Bouzana
by Mohammed Bouzana , مدير مكتب ومحاسب , شركة بابيلون للسياحة والأسفار

In a set of financial statements, corresponding figures and comparative financial statements serve different purposes and provide different types of information:

  1. Corresponding Figures: Corresponding figures refer to the amounts or values reported in the financial statements of a prior period that are included for comparison purposes. These figures are typically presented alongside the current period figures to facilitate comparison and analysis. Corresponding figures are useful in assessing the financial performance and position of a company over time. They help identify trends, changes, and variations between different reporting periods.

  2. Comparative Financial Statements: Comparative financial statements, on the other hand, are financial statements that present the financial information of an entity for multiple periods side by side. They typically include the financial statements for the current period and the immediately preceding period(s), such as the previous year's financial statements. Comparative financial statements enable users to compare the financial performance, financial position, and cash flows of a company over a specific period. They provide a comprehensive view of the changes that have occurred in the company's financials over time.

In summary, corresponding figures are specific amounts from a prior period included in the current financial statements for comparison purposes, while comparative financial statements present the financial information for multiple periods in a structured format for analysis and comparison. Both are important tools for understanding and evaluating a company's financial performance and position.