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The Global Insight

How many steps are involved in preparing the statement of cash flows using the indirect method?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on February 08, 2026

four steps
Answer: The four steps required to prepare the statement of cash flows are described as follows: Step 1. Prepare the operating activities section by converting net income from an accrual basis to a cash basis.

How do you solve cash flow statement?

Cash flow formula:

  1. Free Cash Flow = Net income + Depreciation/Amortization – Change in Working Capital – Capital Expenditure.
  2. Operating Cash Flow = Operating Income + Depreciation – Taxes + Change in Working Capital.
  3. Cash Flow Forecast = Beginning Cash + Projected Inflows – Projected Outflows = Ending Cash.

How do you solve indirect method?

Indirect Method

  1. Decrease in non-cash current assets are added to net income;
  2. Increase in non-cash current asset are subtracted from net income;
  3. Increase in current liabilities are added to net income;
  4. Decrease in current liabilities are subtracted from net income;

What is the difference between direct and indirect method of cash flow statement?

The cash flow direct method determines changes in cash receipts and payments, which are reported in the cash flow from the operations section. The indirect method takes the net income generated in a period and adds or subtracts changes in the asset and liability accounts to determine the implied cash flow.

How is statement of cash flows calculated using indirect method?

The statement of cash flows prepared using the indirect method adjusts net income for the changes in balance sheet accounts to calculate the cash from operating activities.

How is a statement of cash flows prepared?

A statement of cash flows can be prepared by either using a direct method or an indirect method. In the indirect method, the net income is adjusted for changes in the balance sheet accounts to calculate the cash from operating activities.

Why do we add net income to cash flow statement?

Similarly, Losses caused from Non Operating Activities (such as Lawsuits) reduce Net Income for the period. Since non operating Losses are occasional occurrences (Hopefully at least!) we add them back to Net Income to show the true picture of Cash Flow from Operations.

How is cash deducted from accounts payable in cash flow statement?

In this case, Cash is deducted from Accounts Payable. Here’s a general rule of thumb when calculating the cash flow from Operations using the Cash Flow Statement Indirect Method. Liability account increases: add the amount to Net income. Liability account decreases: subtract the amount from Net income.