Statement

A statement can refer to a summary of financial transactions, a document showing the status of assets and liabilities, or an instruction in a computer program.

Definition

A statement is a term with broad applicability in various fields including finance, accounting, and computing. It typically refers to:

  1. Financial Transactions Summary: A summary for customers of the transactions that occurred over the preceding month (or other period). For example, a bank statement lists all deposits and withdrawals, as well as the running account balances.

  2. Business Financial Document: A document drawn up by businesses to show the status of their assets and liabilities and the results of their operations as of a certain date. This is often referred to as a financial statement.

  3. Computer Programming Instruction: In a computer program, instructions that make up one unit of the program. Each line of the program is a statement.

Examples

  1. Bank Statement:

    • Lists all financial transactions including deposits, withdrawals, and fees.
    • Shows the opening and closing balance for the period.
    • Provides details useful for reconciling one’s own records.
  2. Financial Statement:

    • Income Statement: Reports revenue, expenses, and profit over a period.
    • Balance Sheet: Shows assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at a specific point in time.
    • Cash Flow Statement: Details cash inflows and outflows over a period.
  3. Programming Statement:

    • Example in Python: print("Hello, World!")
    • Example in JavaScript: var x = 10;

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a bank statement?

A bank statement provides a detailed summary of all transactions that occurred in an account over a designated period. It helps customers track their spending, check for unauthorized transactions, and reconcile their own financial records.

How often are financial statements prepared by businesses?

Financial statements are prepared periodically, typically on a quarterly and annual basis, to provide stakeholders with insights into the company’s financial condition and operating results.

Are all lines of code in a program considered statements?

Yes, in most programming languages, each line of code or instruction is considered a statement that forms part of the overall program.

What types of financial statements are there?

Common types of financial statements include the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. Each provides different insights into an organization’s financial health and performance.

How can I access my bank statement?

You can usually access your bank statement through online banking portals, mobile banking apps, or by requesting a physical copy from your bank.

  • Financial Statement: A record that shows the financial activities and position of a business, person, or other entity.
  • Balance Sheet: A financial statement that reports a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at a specific point in time.
  • Income Statement: A financial document that reports a company’s revenues and expenses over a specific period.
  • Cash Flow Statement: A financial report that indicates the cash generated and used during a specific period of time.
  • Programming Instruction: A code statement in a programming language that performs a specific action.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Financial Statements: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Creating Financial Reports” by Thomas Ittelson
  2. “Intermediate Accounting” by Donald E. Kieso, Jerry J. Weygandt, and Terry D. Warfield
  3. “Accounting Made Simple: Accounting Explained in 100 Pages or Less” by Mike Piper
  4. “Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes
  5. “JavaScript: The Good Parts” by Douglas Crockford

Fundamentals of Statement: Accounting, Finance, and Software Development Basics Quiz

### What is the primary purpose of a bank statement? - [x] To provide a detailed summary of account transactions over a period. - [ ] To show the financial position of an entire business. - [ ] To outline the yearly budget. - [ ] To list all loan balances. > **Explanation:** A bank statement provides a detailed summary of all transactions that occurred in an account over a designated period. It helps customers track their spending, check for unauthorized transactions, and reconcile their own financial records. ### How often are most financial statements prepared by companies? - [ ] Monthly - [x] Quarterly and annually - [ ] Every five years - [ ] Weekly > **Explanation:** Financial statements are typically prepared on a quarterly and annual basis to provide stakeholders with insights into the company's financial condition and operating results. ### Which document shows a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time? - [ ] Income Statement - [ ] Cash Flow Statement - [x] Balance Sheet - [ ] Bank Statement > **Explanation:** The balance sheet is a financial statement that reports a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time. ### In programming, what is considered a statement? - [x] Each line of code or instruction - [ ] Only the first line of code - [ ] Only variables - [ ] Only functions > **Explanation:** In most programming languages, each line of code or instruction is considered a statement that forms part of the overall program. ### What important detail does a cash flow statement provide? - [ ] Total debts owed - [x] Cash inflows and outflows over a period - [ ] Future financial projections - [ ] Employee salaries > **Explanation:** A cash flow statement provides details of the cash inflows (revenue) and outflows (expenses) over a specific period, giving insights into the liquidity of the business. ### What main components are included in an income statement? - [x] Revenue, expenses, and profit - [ ] Assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity - [ ] Loan balances and interest rates - [ ] Only the company's revenues > **Explanation:** The income statement includes components such as revenue, expenses, and profit, providing a financial overview of a company's performance over a specific period. ### How can customers typically access their bank statements? - [ ] Through newspaper publications - [ ] By phone call every week - [x] Through online banking portals, mobile banking apps, or by requesting a physical copy - [ ] By visiting international branches only > **Explanation:** Customers can access their bank statements through conveniences like online banking portals, mobile banking apps, or by requesting a physical copy from their bank. ### What type of statement is `print("Hello, World!")` in Python? - [ ] Arithmetic Statement - [x] Print Statement - [ ] Conditional Statement - [ ] Loop Statement > **Explanation:** `print("Hello, World!")` in Python is an example of a print statement, which outputs a specified string to the console. ### For what purpose do businesses primarily prepare financial statements? - [x] To provide stakeholders with insights into the company’s financial condition and operating results. - [ ] To list the daily activities of the company. - [ ] To register the business name. - [ ] To record employee records. > **Explanation:** Financial statements are prepared to provide stakeholders (including investors, company management, and regulators) with insights into the company’s financial condition and operating results. ### Which of the following is not considered a type of financial statement? - [ ] Income Statement - [x] Programming Statement - [ ] Balance Sheet - [ ] Cash Flow Statement > **Explanation:** While an income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement are types of financial statements, a programming statement refers to an instruction in a computer program and is not related to financial documentation.

Thank you for exploring the detailed definitions and applications of statements in various fields! Keep advancing your understanding of these critical concepts through continued study and practice.


Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Accounting Terms Lexicon

Discover comprehensive accounting definitions and practical insights. Empowering students and professionals with clear and concise explanations for a better understanding of financial terms.