How do I create a balance sheet?

original publication on November 12, 2012; updated on February 26, 2013

‍The balance sheet compares the assets (assets) to the liabilities (liabilities) of a company. It must be prepared at the start of business and at the end of each fiscal year. The balance sheet reflects the financial situation of the company at a specific point in time.

On the asset side, there is current and fixed assets. Current assets include, among other things, cash holdings, bank and postal checking account balances, and accounts receivable (outstanding customer invoices). Fixed assets consist particularly of the values of movables (e.g., machines, tools, furniture, vehicles) and real estate.

In contrast to the asset side, the liabilities are presented. These are made up of external and equity capital. The liability side provides information on how high the debts (external capital) and the (equity) capital of the company are.

A minimal structuring is mandatory for the corporation (Art. 959a OR).