Annual financial statements in accountingChallenges and practical ways to overcome them

For finance managers and CFOs, the annual financial statements are a complex and challenging task every year. In addition to complying with legal requirements and completing them on time, it is important to ensure the quality and reliability of the figures. These are not only of key importance for external stakeholders such as investors and banks, but also for internal strategic decisions.

However, the processes surrounding the annual financial statements can quickly reach their limits – whether due to a lack of staff, increasing regulatory requirements or the need to prepare financial statements in accordance with various standards such as HGB and IFRS. Added to this are technical hurdles and the growing importance of digitalization. An in-depth look at the typical problem areas and their practice-oriented solutions can help to better meet the challenges.

Typical stumbling blocks in the annual financial statements

Time pressure and personnel bottlenecks

Many accounting departments are already working at their limits. In the year-end closing phase, there are additional tasks such as reconciling accounts, preparing reports and clarifying valuation issues. It becomes particularly difficult when key employees suddenly leave or the team is already weakened by staff turnover.

One example: In a medium-sized company with several locations, the closing had to be postponed due to a lack of staff. Department heads complained about night shifts and mistakes made under high pressure. The result was a late submission, which not only complicated internal processes but also cooperation with auditors.

HGB and IFRS financial statements

Companies that have to comply with both national and international standards are faced with the challenge of taking different valuation approaches into account. While the HGB primarily focuses on prudence and creditor protection, the IFRS standard emphasizes a realistic representation of the economic situation.

A typical example is the valuation of inventories. While the lowest value (production cost or market price) is recognized under HGB, the IFRS standard allows an increase in value under certain conditions. Another example is provisions, which can often be recognized more generously under HGB than under IFRS. Companies that apply both standards are therefore faced with the challenge of presenting these differences precisely and comprehensibly.

Intercompany reconciliations and transfer pricing

The reconciliation of intragroup transactions is another major issue in corporations or groups of companies. Errors in consolidation, for example due to sales between subsidiaries that have not been eliminated, can significantly impair the quality of the financial statements.

A practical case: A manufacturing company with subsidiaries in several countries received a tax audit because the transfer pricing documentation was inconsistent. The lack of clarity led to a high additional payment and a lengthy legal dispute.

Digitalization – a key to greater efficiency

Digitalization has the potential to alleviate many of the challenges mentioned above. Modern software solutions facilitate the automation of routine activities, improve data quality and create transparency. However, the introduction of such systems is not possible without effort and requires employees to be trained accordingly and processes to be adapted.

In practice, it has been shown that the automation of accounting processes is particularly helpful with large volumes of data. Examples include

• Automated account reconciliations: Instead of laboriously comparing Excel tables, modern tools can automatically detect and highlight discrepancies.
• Real-time reporting: Cloud-based systems make it possible to monitor key financial figures in real time and create reports without manual effort.
• AI-supported error detection: Artificial intelligence can be used to identify errors in accounting or irregularities in data at an early stage before they lead to major problems.

A medium-sized company in the service industry was able to reduce the closing time by two weeks and cut error rates by 30% by using a new ERP system. This was achieved by introducing automated processes for incoming invoices and accruals.

Practical solutions for complex challenges

Interim managers as game changers for your annual financial statements!

The annual financial statements are a challenging phase for CFOs and finance managers, requiring a high degree of precision, in-depth knowledge and often perseverance. Time pressure, staff shortages and complex regulatory requirements do not make this task any easier. However, with clear planning, the right use of digital tools and targeted expertise, the process can be made much easier.

If bottlenecks nevertheless occur, interim finance managers can provide valuable support. They have the necessary experience to deliver precise and reliable results even under time pressure and relieve the internal team exactly where it is needed most. For many companies, they are not just a short-term help, but a strategic partner who contributes to long-term optimization. This means that the annual financial statements are not just an obligation, but also an opportunity to improve the company’s financial processes in the long term.

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