Task 1 550 words

Select an organisation you have worked for or know well obtain the latest copy of their published financial accounts. These will normally contain three financial documents:

• A balance sheet
• A profit / loss statement
• A source and application of funds

Based on these accounts explicitly address each of the following:

1.1: Determine what financial information is needed and assess its validity.

1.2: Analyse different financial documents and information and formulate conclusions about financial performance levels and needs of stakeholders.

1.3: Conduct comparative analysis of financial information and data.

1.4: Critically review and question financial information and data.

In doing so, use a range of financial analysis techniques such as profitability ratios, efficiency ratios, liquidity ratios, stability ratios, investor ratios. In addressing criteria 1.1, 1.2 and 1.4 note the relevance of the organisations decision action cycles and also explicitly differentiate between financial data used for decision making and financial information which can concluded from your analysis.

Note 1: There may be a difference in accounting terminology between UK, US, the EU and other countries.

Note 2: An organisation must follow the accounting rules and conventions of the country in which the accounts are prepared. The rules and conventions adhered to can usually be found in the notes and explanations published with the financial documents.

Assessment Criteria

1.1: Determine what financial information is needed and assess its validity.

1.2: Analyse different financial documents and information and formulate conclusions about financial performance levels and needs of stakeholders.

1.3: Conduct comparative analysis of financial information and data.

1.4: Critically review and question financial information and data.