Financial information definition — AccountingTools (2024)

What is Financial Information?

Financial information is data about the monetary transactions of a person or business. This information is use to derive estimates of credit risk by creditors and lenders. Examples of financial information are credit card numbers, credit ratings by third party credit analysis firms, financial statements, and payment histories.

Anyone using financial information has a duty to keep the information secure, since it could be used by third parties to engage in identity theft.

How is Financial Information Used?

Financial information is usually summarized into an organization’s financial statements, which are then perused by financial statement users to discern the financial position, financial results, and cash flows of the reporting entity. In this context, financial information can be used in the following ways:

  • To alter operations. The managers of a business use financial information to decide whether changes should be made to operations, perhaps to invest in certain product lines, shut down others, scale back hiring, and so forth.

  • To grant credit. Financial information is used by lenders and creditors to decide whether a business is in a position to pay back a loan or pay an invoice. Updates to financial information may be used to restrict existing credit or an existing loan.

  • To invest. Investors use financial information to decide whether to invest funds in a business, or to sell off their interests in an existing business.

  • To pay taxes. Financial information is used to complete tax returns and decide how much money a business must pay to the relevant taxing authorities.

Related AccountingTools Courses

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Financial information definition —  AccountingTools (2024)

FAQs

Financial information definition — AccountingTools? ›

Financial information is data about the monetary transactions of a person or business. This information is use to derive estimates of credit risk by creditors and lenders.

What is the meaning of financial information in accounting? ›

Simply put, financial information is anything related to the financial activities and performance of a business. Most often, this information is collected through financial statements or reports that cover a specific aspect of a business's finances, such as cash flow and profitability.

What is financial information quizlet? ›

Financial information is any record or data related to an individual's or business's financial activities. Give at least three examples of personal financial information. bills (rent, utilities, wireless, etc.)

What is a financial information system in simple words? ›

A Financial Information System (FIS) is a software system that helps manage the finances and business aspects of a company. These systems store, process, and analyze financial data, enabling companies to track income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and other financial details in real time.

What is financial accounting answers? ›

What Is Financial Accounting? Financial accounting is a specific branch of accounting involving a process of recording, summarizing, and reporting the myriad of transactions resulting from business operations over a period of time.

What is basic financial information? ›

Typically, you'll need all four: the income statement, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flow, and the statement of owner equity. By preparing these four accounting financial statements, you will be able to see how well your company's finances are doing or find areas that need improvement.

What is the difference between financial information and accounting information? ›

If you want to take a specific look at a company's books, you're probably more into accounting. It's often said that accounting looks back to a company's past financial transactions, whereas finance looks forward to plan future acquisition of assets.

What does financial accounting information provide? ›

there are three main areas where financial accounting helps with decision-making: It provides investors with a baseline of analysis for—and comparison between—the financial health of securities-issuing corporations. It helps creditors assess the solvency, liquidity, and creditworthiness of businesses.

What is classified as financial information? ›

A classified financial statement is a consolidated set of financial statements that break down an organization's numbers into different categories. The three major classifications found on such statements are: • Assets and liabilities • Income and expenses • Current operating income or loss and expenses.

What is the best definition of what financial accounting provides? ›

Financial Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing and reporting transactions and revenue-expense generations in a time period. For example, investors or sponsors need to verify an account statement before showing interest in associating with the business.

What is a simple definition of accounting information system? ›

An accounting information system (AIS) is a system that a business uses to collect, store, manage, process, retrieve, and report its financial data. This data can then be used by accountants, consultants, business analysts, managers, chief financial officers (CFOs), auditors, regulators, and tax agencies.

What is the best definition of the financial system? ›

A financial system is the set of global, regional, or firm-specific institutions and practices used to facilitate the exchange of funds. Financial systems can be organized using market principles, central planning, or a hybrid of both.

What is in the financial statement? ›

The line items in a financial statement will vary from one corporation to the next, but the most common among them are revenues, costs of goods sold, taxes, cash, marketable securities, inventory, short-term debt, long-term debt, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash flows from investing, operating, and ...

What is financial short answer? ›

Finance is a term broadly describing the study and system of money, investments, and other financial instruments. Finance can be divided broadly into three distinct categories: public finance, corporate finance, and personal finance. More recent subcategories of finance include social finance and behavioral finance.

What is accounting very short answer? ›

Accounting is the process of recording financial transactions pertaining to a business. The accounting process includes summarising, analysing, and reporting these transactions to oversight agencies, regulators, and tax collection entities.

What is the basic function of financial accounting answer? ›

Key PointsThe basic function of financial accounting is to provide accurate and reliable financial information about a company's financial position and performance to its stakeholders.

What is an example of a financial information? ›

Examples of financial information are credit card numbers, credit ratings by third party credit analysis firms, financial statements, and payment histories. Anyone using financial information has a duty to keep the information secure, since it could be used by third parties to engage in identity theft.

What is financial accounting information and why is it important? ›

Financial accounting allows companies to convey their financial status to outside parties, which is essential for conducting business deals. Companies need financial accounting in order to qualify for loans and coordinate with suppliers.

What is financial accounting basic information? ›

Financial Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing and reporting transactions and revenue-expense generations in a time period. For example, investors or sponsors need to verify an account statement before showing interest in associating with the business.

What is the meaning of financial data in accounting? ›

Financial data refers to quantitative information that is used by organizations to make financial decisions. It is essentially data concerning a company's financial health and performance. This data includes information about an organization's income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and cash flow.

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