> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/financial-statements/managing-statements/create-a-financial-statement.md).

# Add a financial statement

{% hint style="info" %}
User permission: Manage Custom Statements
{% endhint %}

You can add more Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements to the database to have different versions for different audiences. To do so, you can either duplicate an existing statement, use a template, or create a new statement from scratch.

For example, you might want to provide Profit and Loss statements with different levels of detail to satisfy the needs of different audiences. Compare the information required by three audiences in the table below.

| Board                                                                                                                                             | Management                                                                                                                                                                         | Branch                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| <p>Sales<br>Cost of Goods Sold<br>Gross Profit<br>Operating Expenses<br>Earnings Before Interest and Tax<br>Interest<br>Net Profit Before Tax</p> | <p>Sales<br>Cost of Goods Sold<br>Gross Profit<br>Sales & Marketing<br>Research & Development<br>General & Administration<br>Total Operating Expenses<br>Net Profit Before Tax</p> | <p>Sales<br>Direct Labor<br>Direct Materials<br>Total Direct costs<br>Gross Profit<br>Salaries & Wages<br>Marketing<br>Rent & Operating Expenses<br>Insurance<br>General & Other<br>Total Operating Expenses<br>Net Profit before Tax</p> |

{% embed url="<https://phocassoftware.wistia.com/medias/3eis3zdn5u>" %}

The statement template library includes templates for each statement type. Each template comes with pre-defined groups, calculations, and styles, so all you need to do after adding the statement is map your accounts.

Choose from a range of ready-made Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, and KPI report templates. Templates include simple and detailed layouts, as well as industry-specific options for sectors such as Distribution, Manufacturing, and Retail, helping you get started faster.

{% hint style="info" %}
The statement library is in active development. New templates and refinements are added over time. If there's a template you'd like to see, let your Customer Success consultant know.
{% endhint %}

### Duplicate a statement

Duplicating an existing statement is the simplest and quickest way to add a new statement, as you base the new statement on one that is already in your database, taking advantage of existing mappings and so on. You can then edit the new statement as required.

1. In the statement list, click the statement’s options menu.
2. Click **Duplicate**.
3. Enter a name for the new statement.
4. Click **Duplicate**.
5. Proceed to [edit the statement](/financial-statements/managing-statements/customize-a-financial-statement.md).

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/yDBitUI0CgacBOsnuEWn" alt="" width="398"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Add a new statement

When adding a new statement you can either start from one of the built-in templates, or base the statement on an existing account mapping.

1. At the bottom of the statement list, click **Add statement**.
2. Choose your starting point:
   * Use an existing account mapping: Select a dimension that is already mapped in Designer or via the Groups feature. The new statement reuses that account mapping. This option is useful when you want to build a different layout over an account structure that already works for you.
   * Use a template (recommended): Pick from the built-in templates listed for that statement type.
3. If you used an existing account mapping, review the preview on the right to confirm the structure matches what you need.
4. Enter a name for the statement.
5. Click **Add**.
6. If you used a template, open the **Map accounts** tab and correctly map your accounts.
7. Edit the statement to refine its structure as needed.

If you're not sure which option to choose:

* Using an existing account mapping is best when you want to reuse mappings that have already been set up for your business.
* Templates are the fastest way to get a complete, ready-to-use statement structure.

{% hint style="success" %}
Not sure what to do? Read the [Overview of dimensions](/financial-statements/getting-started/overview-of-the-link-between-financial-statements-and-dimensions.md) to help you select which dimension to use.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.phocassoftware.com/financial-statements/managing-statements/create-a-financial-statement.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.