The BWA (betriebswirtschaftliche Auswertung) – the standard monthly management report generated from the bookkeeping in Germany, typically by the tax advisor – is an indispensable tool for SMEs and start-ups to gain a comprehensive insight into their company's financial situation. By customising the BWA structure in programs such as DATEV, companies can produce even more meaningful reporting. Reviewing the BWA received from the tax advisor (Steuerberater, StB) is also essential in order to identify variances immediately and act accordingly. Nortos uses specific templates for this to increase the efficiency and precision of the review process.
Customising the BWA in DATEV
DATEV offers extensive options for customising the structure and content of the BWA. This flexibility allows companies to develop a reporting format tailored precisely to their needs and to the specifics of their business model. Customisation makes it possible to highlight key figures and areas that are particularly relevant for managing and monitoring the business.
- Benefits of customisation:
- A targeted focus on company-specific KPIs.
- Better comparability with prior periods and plan figures.
- Greater transparency and clarity for decision-makers.
Reviewing the BWA
Reviewing the BWA prepared by the tax advisor is a critical step in ensuring that the report is correct and meaningful. Variances identified straight away can point to operational or accounting inconsistencies and should be addressed without delay. Nortos uses special templates and checklists to make the review systematic and efficient. These templates help to capture and assess the most important aspects of the BWA quickly.
- Review steps with Nortos templates:
- Comparing the current BWA with prior periods and plan figures.
- Analysing significant variances in revenue, costs and earnings.
- Checking the data for completeness and plausibility.
Tips for SMEs and start-ups
- Customise it: Use the options offered by software such as DATEV to tailor your BWA to your business.
- Review it regularly: Review your BWA regularly, ideally using specialised templates and checklists.
- Communicate actively with your tax advisor: Work closely with your tax advisor to design and use the BWA to best effect.
- Use Nortos templates: Implement systematic review procedures with Nortos templates to maximise the quality and informative value of your BWA.
Conclusion
The BWA is more than just a reporting tool; it is a strategic instrument that, when properly customised and reviewed, provides crucial insights into a company's financial position. By customising it in DATEV and reviewing it systematically with Nortos templates, SMEs and start-ups can significantly improve the quality of their reporting. This leads to better financial management, greater transparency and, ultimately, a stronger market position.
