A financial calendar is a useful tool to analyze economic trends. The calendar includes information on economic indicators compiled by The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires. The statistics in the calendar are in nominal terms and are adjusted for inflation using the relevant deflator. This allows investors to quickly compare the strength of a country’s economy to others around the world.
By using a financial calendar, key fiduciaries in an organization can better monitor financial information and fulfill their fiduciary duties. A financial calendar can also help organizations meet best practices for accountability and transparency. It can help guide key financial oversight roles, such as the audit process, by providing a timeline for the completion of tasks. It is also helpful for guiding the timing of key tasks and meetings.
Some companies choose to structure their fiscal year around the U.S. government’s fiscal year, which begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. Companies that depend on government contracts often structure their fiscal years to end in late September, when budgets are released and new government projects are finalized. In contrast, technology companies tend to have strong sales during the first half of the year, which is why many tech companies end their fiscal year in late June.
In addition to being useful for finance staff, a financial calendar can be used by many other departments within an organization. For example, a finance calendar can be useful for investment committee meetings and board meetings, as well as for outside professional advisors, vendors, and auditors. It can even be useful for IT professionals, fundraising staff, and website content managers.
To use a financial calendar, you should first choose an accounting cycle. In this way, you can see which period to compare with which. In general, financial periods last for four or five weeks. These periods are also consistent with each other, so comparisons can be easily made. In addition, you can also view the calendar for the next three months.
The financial calendar lists important events related to financial markets. Important dates include quarterly financial reports, investor presentations, and dividend timings. It also includes reminders that you should be aware of. Keep in mind, however, that the calendar is a guideline and is subject to change. When using a financial calendar, remember to consult it regularly and make any necessary changes before putting it to use.
A financial calendar can be useful for budgeting and reporting purposes. One important thing to note is that the fiscal year may be different from the calendar year. For example, the fiscal year for a company could start on Jan. 1 and end on Dec. 31. A calendar year may be longer than the fiscal year and may also differ from the calendar year for another company.
