Difference Between Cash Flow and Fund Flow Statement 

The cash/fund availability is a vital aspect for the routine survival of the business. Cash flow statement and fund flow statement are two key statements prepared by companies. However, these two statements are often confused since the purpose of both is to demonstrate the cash/fund availability in the organization. The key difference between the cash flow statement and fund flow statement is that cash flow statement is a statement that records the cash inflows and outflow for a financial year whereas fund flow statement is a statement used to assess the change in financial position of a company between two accounting periods that shows the inflow and outflow of funds.

CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Cash Flow Statement
3. What is a Fund Flow Statement
4. Side by Side Comparison – Cash Flow vs Fund Flow Statement
5. Summary

What is a Cash Flow Statement?

Cash flow statement is a statement that records the cash inflows and outflow for a financial year. Cash is one of the most important assets to a company for the smooth flow of routine operations and is the most liquid. Liquidity is vital for both survival and long term profitability of the business. Transactions in the cash flow statement are recorded upon a cash receipt or a payment i.e., in cash basis.

There are 3 main types of activities recorded in the cash flow statement

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

This section records the cash resulting from routine operational activities.

E.g. Sale of goods, cash received from debtors

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Cash resulting from purchase or sale of assets are recorded as investing activities.

E.g. Cash received from sale of plant and equipment, short term borrowings

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

In this section of the statement the cash inflow and outflow received from investors are recorded.

E.g. Interest paid on loan, dividend paid

Given below is the format of the cash flow statement.

Once the cash balance is identified, the company can make decisions regarding management of cash. If there is a cash surplus (positive cash balance), short term investments can be considered to earn extra income. If there is a cash deficit (negative cash balance) there is a need to consider burrowing funds in order to continue operations in a smooth manner.

What is a Fund Flow Statement?

Fund flow statement is a statement used to assess the change in financial position of a company between two accounting periods that shows the inflow and outflow of funds. This statement is prepared in an accrual basis and records the sources and applications of funds.

Sources

These refer to the fund inflows to the organization.

E.g. issue of shares, sale of fixed assets

Applications

Applications include the fund outflows from the organization.

E.g. Redemption of shares, purchase of fixed assets

Unlike the cash flow statement, fund flow statement is not a part of published financial statements; thus are mainly prepared for internal purposes. It displays the financial status of an organization and function as a useful comparison tool between two accounting periods. It also assists in understanding the variability in the assets, liabilities and equity of the company.

What is the difference between Cash Flow and Fund Flow Statement?

Summary – Cash flow Statement vs Fund Flow Statement

The difference between cash flow and fund flow statement mainly depends on the components associated with each statement. Cash flow statement records the inflows and outflows of cash while fund flow statement reports the sources and applications of funds. These statements are an indication of the cash position and financial status of the organization respectively. Net cash position and fund position becomes vital for all types of organizations for planning future operating and investment activities.

Reference:
1. Heakal, Reem. “What Is a Cash Flow Statement?” Investopedia. N.p., 04 May 2017. Web. 09 May 2017. <http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/033104.asp>.
2. “Cash flow statements.” Cash flow statements | Students | ACCA Global | ACCA Global. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 May 2017. <http://www.accaglobal.com/lk/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-study-resources/f3/technical-articles/cashflow-statements.html>.
3. Batra, Karan. “Funds Flow Statement: Meaning & How to Prepare.” Chartered Club. N.p., 27 Feb. 2017. Web. 09 May 2017. <http://www.charteredclub.com/funds-flow-statement-meaning-how-to-prepare/>.
4. “Preparation of Funds Flow Statement (With Specimen).” YourArticleLibrary.com: The Next Generation Library. N.p., 03 July 2015. Web. 08 May 2017. <http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/accounting/funds-flow-statement/preparation-of-funds-flow-statement-with-specimen/61960/>.