Financial Due Diligence

Accrual Accounting

Accounting that records revenue and expenses when earned or incurred, not only when cash moves. Why it matters: This gives owners a clearer way to understand buyer questions, advisor comments, and negotiation tradeoffs during a sale process.

Related terms

Advisor

A professional who helps with the sale, such as a broker, M&A advisor, CPA, attorney, or investment banker. Why it matters: The right advisor can help prepare materials, explain tradeoffs, manage buyers, reduce surprises, and keep the owner from negotiating complex deal terms alone.

Revenue

The total money the business brings in before expenses. Why it matters: Buyers look at revenue trends, customer mix, and repeatability to understand whether the business is growing, shrinking, or dependent on a few sources.

Buyer

The person, company, investor, or fund trying to buy the business. Why it matters: Different buyers value different things, so knowing the buyer type helps an owner understand likely questions, risks, financing needs, and negotiation style.

More from Financial Due Diligence

Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable AP Aging AR Aging Balance Sheet Bank Reconciliation Budget Cash Flow Statement Cash-Basis Accounting Chart of Accounts Customer Deposits Deferred Revenue

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