The balance sheet is a financial statement that shows your business's assets, liabilities and equity at a specific point in time. It follows the equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity.
The balance sheet (also called the statement of financial position) is one of the three core financial statements. Unlike the profit and loss statement which shows performance over a period, the balance sheet is a snapshot at a specific date - showing what your business owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities) and the residual value belonging to owners (equity). The fundamental accounting equation must always balance: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. This means every transaction affects at least two line items to keep the equation in balance (this is the basis of double-entry bookkeeping). Key ratios derived from the balance sheet include the current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities), debt-to-equity ratio and return on equity. Lenders, investors and business partners use the balance sheet to assess your financial health. SortBooks ensures your balance sheet is always accurate by correctly categorising every transaction and maintaining proper asset, liability and equity tracking in Xero.
SortBooks helps with the bookkeeping behind balance sheet by connecting to your Xero account and using AI to suggest the right account for transactions sitting in catch-all accounts, learning from your own past coding. Instead of fixing balance sheet by hand, you review each suggestion, approve it, and SortBooks updates Xero, GST code included. Then ask the AI CFO about your numbers, using live Xero data.
The P&L (also called the income statement) shows your business revenue, expenses and resulting profit or loss over a specific period.
Equity represents the owner's residual interest in the business after all liabilities are deducted from assets. It includes contributed capital, retained earnings and reserves.
An asset is anything of value that your business owns or controls. Assets are listed on the balance sheet and include cash, receivables, inventory, equipment, property and intangible items.
A liability is a financial obligation your business owes to another party. Liabilities are listed on the balance sheet and include loans, accounts payable, tax payable and accrued expenses.
Double-entry bookkeeping is a system where every transaction is recorded in at least two accounts - a debit and a credit - ensuring the accounting equation always balances.
Connect Xero, check the AI's suggestions and approve the changes. SortBooks updates Xero for you.