The primary purpose of a statement of cash flows is to explain the change in cash and cash equivalents during a period. Even though it usually takes a back seat to the balance sheet and income statements, the statement of cash flows is required as part of a full set of financial statements for all business entities. Often times the nuances of this statements are a mystery to those in public practice, and key matters may be missed, improperly disclosed, or improperly classified. A short refresher on the statement, through the lens of Topic 230, “Statement of Cash Flows” will help us put together an action plan for ensuring the reliability of this data for users of the financial statements.
Publication Date: June 2022
Designed For
Anyone with financial reporting responsibilities and those in public accounting serving clients who utilize US GAAP.
Topics Covered
- Overview of the specifics ASC 230, "Statement of Cash Flows"
- Common items misclassified within the statement
- Areas where the practitioner can aid users of the financial statement
- Consideration of ASU 2016-05 and its impact on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash disbursements
Learning Objectives
- Recognize how to quickly spot and recognize reporting errors and provide corrective guidance
- Identify how to apply new accounting standards, particularly ASU 2016-05
- Recognize how to gain the ability to guide clients and those who prepare financial statements through an efficient and effective process for completing the statement of cash flows
- Recognize the importance of the message provided to users of the statement via each category (i.e., operating, investing, financing)
- Identify the primary purpose of a statement of cash flows
- Describe the three categories of cash flows included on a statement of cash flow
- Differentiate ASUs and how they apply to cash flow
- Recognize what is excluded from investing activities
- Differentiate presentation methods and how they apply to cash flow
Level
Update
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Accounting (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
Basic understanding of cash flow and US GAAP.
Advance Preparation
None
Instructor
Lewis R. Fisher
Lewis R. Fisher is a partner with Moss Adams, LLP in the Automotive & Dealer Services Group, with over 20 years of experience of private and public accounting experience. He began his career working in retail finance at a domestic dealership, and then moved to the corporate office for the largest privately held automotive group in the United States. Lewis' focus is providing assurance and consulting services to automotive dealership clients, as well as other heavy truck and equipment dealers, including those with significant rental operations. He has experience directing all phases of assurance engagements, working with a mix of SEC clients and large privately held clients. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.