The spelling of the word "financial year" is phonetically transcribed as /faɪˈnænʃəl jɪər/, with emphasis on the second and third syllables. The word refers to a period of 12 months designated for accounting and financial purposes. It is commonly used by businesses, governments, and organizations to report their financial performance. The word "financial" is derived from the Latin words "finis" meaning end and "facere" meaning to make, while "year" is from the Old English word "gear" meaning season.
A financial year, also known as a fiscal year or accounting year, refers to a specific period during which organizations and governments prepare their financial statements and assess their financial performance. It is a twelve-month period used for financial record-keeping and reporting purposes, typically chosen by an entity based on its operational requirements or legal regulations.
The financial year may or may not align with the calendar year, depending on regional practices or management decisions. While some entities adopt a financial year starting on January 1st and ending on December 31st, others may follow a different pattern. Common alternatives include a financial year starting on April 1st and ending on March 31st or a financial year starting on July 1st and ending on June 30th.
Within the designated financial year, organizations track their revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, maintaining necessary documentation and records to ensure accurate financial reporting. The financial year's end marks the completion of the organization's financial accounting cycle, including activities like closing the books, preparing financial statements, conducting audits, and reviewing financial performance. It provides stakeholders, such as shareholders, investors, and regulatory bodies, with important financial information to evaluate the entity's financial health and make informed decisions regarding investments, taxation, and compliance.
In summary, a financial year is a defined period where entities measure and report their financial activities, serving as a fundamental framework for financial management, internal control, and external accountability.
The word "financial" has Latin origins and derives from the Latin word "finis", meaning "end" or "boundary". It entered the English language in the 16th century, referring to matters related to finance or money management.
The term "year" traces back to the Old English word "gear", which is similar in meaning. It can be traced back to several Indo-European languages, such as German "Jahr" and Latin "annus".
Therefore, the phrase "financial year" combines the word "financial", related to money matters, and "year", referring to the 12-month period. It is used to denote a specific accounting or reporting period for financial purposes.