How to Create Balance Sheet Report in Odoo 18

How to Create Balance Sheet Report in Odoo 18


What is a Balance Sheet?

A balance sheet is a snapshot of assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific date. In Odoo 18, the Balance Sheet report consolidates data from the general ledger to present a structured view. This guide walks you through accessing the report, applying filters, adjusting display and export settings, and understanding each section. You will find practical tips to tailor the report using Odoo's reporting engine for governance-ready statements.


Accessing the Report in Odoo 18

In Odoo 18, the Balance Sheet lives in the Accounting app. Use the navigation to reach the report and set the snapshot scope for the period.

StepAction
1Open the Accounting app
2Navigate to Reporting > Balance Sheet
3Choose the as-of date and the company (for multi-company setups)
4Click Refresh or Apply to render the report


Applying Filters

Filters tailor the balance sheet to a specific scope, such as a period, a business unit, or a consolidated view. Use them to compare periods, isolate entities, or focus on particular asset, liability, or equity groups.

FilterPurposeTypical Use
Date / As-ofPinpoint balances to a fixed dateAs-of 2024-12-31; year-end close review
CompanyChoose the legal entity in multi-company environmentsConsolidated vs. single-entity view
Target MovesInclude posted moves or also include draftsFinalized snapshots for reporting
ConsolidationGroup balances across subsidiariesGroup-level financial position


  • Date as-of — Fixes balances to a point in time, essential for annual closes and cross-period comparisons.
  • Date as-of — Fixes balances to a point in time, essential for annual closes and cross-period comparisons.
  • Company — In multi-company setups, selecting a company isolates balances for that entity, reducing noise in consolidation or performance reviews.
  • Target Moves — Showing only posted moves improves external reporting accuracy; including drafts helps during the close process.
  • Consolidation — A consolidated view supports executive oversight of total liquidity and capital structure.

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Adjusting Display & Export Settings

Display and export options tailor how the balance sheet appears and how it is shared with stakeholders. Decide on currency presentation, how accounts are aggregated, and the most useful export format for your audience.

SettingDescription
Display CurrencyChoose the functional currency or enable multi-currency presentation
Consolidation ViewToggle between consolidated and entity-level balances
Include Zero BalancesShow or hide accounts with zero balance
Export OptionsExport to PDF, CSV, or Excel

  • Display Currency — Decide whether to present balances in a single functional currency for internal reviews or in multi-currency view for international reporting.
  • Consolidation View — Consolidated balances give executives a group perspective; entity-level views support local management and auditors.
  • Include Zero Balances — Including zeros can aid reconciliation, while hiding them reduces clutter for management reviews.
  • Export Options — PDFs suit formal packs; CSV/Excel suits data analysis and integration with other tools.


Deep Dive into Assets

Assets are resources owned by the company that provide future economic benefits. They are typically split into current assets (convert to cash within 12 months) and non-current assets (longer-term resources).

Asset TypeTypical AccountsNotes
Current AssetsCash and cash equivalents; Accounts receivable; Inventory; Prepaid expensesHighly liquid items that convert to cash within 12 months
Non-current AssetsProperty, plant & equipment; Intangible assets; Long-term investmentsLonger-term resources not intended for quick cash conversion

  • Cash and cash equivalents — The most liquid assets; track daily cash position and forecast short-term liquidity.
  • Accounts receivable — Monitor aging and collectability; link to customer credit risk controls.
  • Inventory — Include obsolescence reserves; manage turnover impact on liquidity.
  • Non-current assets — Depreciation, impairment, and amortization affect future expense recognition and asset book value.


Deep Dive into Liabilities

Liabilities are obligations the company must settle in the future. They are categorized by timing, with current liabilities due within 12 months and non-current liabilities due later.

Liability TypeTypical AccountsNotes
Current LiabilitiesAccounts payable; Short-term borrowings; Accrued expensesObligations due within 12 months
Non-current LiabilitiesLong-term debt; Deferred tax liabilitiesObligations due after 12 months

  • Accounts payable — Track vendor obligations and payment terms to optimize cash flow.
  • Short-term borrowings — Include lines of credit and short-term loans; monitor covenants and maturities.
  • Long-term debt — Plan for debt service and refinancing needs; reflect current portions where applicable.


Deep Dive into Equity

Equity represents the owner’s residual interest after liabilities are subtracted from assets. It includes share capital, retained earnings, and reserves.

Equity ComponentTypical AccountsNotes
EquityShare capital; Retained earnings; ReservesOwner’s residual claim on assets

  • Share capital — Funds invested by owners and any paid-in capital.
  • Retained earnings — Accumulated profits kept in the business for growth or debt repayment.
  • Reserves — Legal or discretionary reserves used for risk management and future needs.


Advanced: Customizing the Report via Odoo’s Engine

Odoo’s reporting engine offers several ways to tailor the Balance Sheet to your organization’s needs. Start with built-in filters and groupings, then move to more advanced customization if required.

OptionDescription
Filters & GroupingFine-tune the view by date, company, and grouping by account type
Odoo Studio CustomizationUse Studio to reorder sections, rename labels, or add fields to the report
QWeb TemplatesModify the HTML template for complex layout changes (requires developer access)
Custom ModulesCreate a dedicated financial statement or report variant to fit governance needs


Practical steps to begin: start with the default Balance Sheet, apply date and consolidation filters to match your close calendar, then use Group By options to break down by account type. If your requirements exceed the built-in capabilities, consider Studio for quick layout tweaks or a small custom module for a tailored statement.

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Full Workflow Recap

StepWhat to DoWhere in Odoo
1Open Accounting > Reporting > Balance SheetBalance Sheet screen
2Set as-of date and companyFilters pane
3Apply relevant filters (date, company, consolidation)Filters pane
4Validate assets, liabilities, and equity blocksReport content
5Export or save a template for close packsExport options / Save as Template


Next Steps

  • Map your chart of accounts to Balance Sheet sections and ensure each line item has a clear owner.
  • Establish a consistent as-of date across reports to support cross-period comparison.
  • Use consolidation and groupings to create both entity-level and group-level views for different stakeholders.
  • Leverage Studio or a small module for any bespoke layout or extra fields you need for governance or investor reporting.
  • Plan regular close packs and automate data flows where possible to reduce manual effort.