bilanse

Bilanse is a term used in several languages to denote a financial statement commonly referred to in English as a balance sheet. It summarizes a company’s financial position at a specific date by listing what it owns (assets) and what it owes (liabilities) along with the owners’ residual interest (equity).

Assets are resources controlled as a result of past events that are expected to bring future economic benefits. Liabilities are present obligations to transfer resources, and equity represents the owners’ claim after liabilities are settled. The fundamental accounting equation underpins a bilanse: assets equal liabilities plus equity. It is often presented as two sides or as clearly separated sections.

Bilanse are typically prepared at the end of an accounting period, most commonly annually, and may also be produced for interim periods. They are prepared from accounting records and adjusted for accruals, estimates, and contingencies, in accordance with applicable standards such as IFRS, GAAP, or local regulations.

Users of a bilanse include management, lenders, investors, regulators, and tax authorities. They use the document to assess liquidity, solvency, capital structure, and financial performance. Limitations include that a bilanse is a snapshot at a point in time and may not reflect current market values, especially for intangible assets, or future earning potential.

Etymology: the term derives from the word bilan or bilanse in several languages, related to the French “bilan” meaning summary or tally. See also balance sheet, financial statements, assets, liabilities, equity.