How do I present my company accounts to a lender?

2 min read

CurrentNot out of date

ConsistentWith bank data

ExplainedAny anomalies

BothFiled + management

Lead with current figures

Provide your latest filed accounts as the baseline and add recent management accounts so the lender sees where the company is now, not just where it was at year-end. Current figures reassure; stale ones invite questions. If your filing is behind, fix that first — see overdue accounts.

Make the story consistent

The figures on the application, in the accounts and in the bank data should all agree. When they do, verification is quick and confidence is high. When they diverge, the underwriter slows down and probes. Reconcile before you submit rather than explaining discrepancies afterwards.

Explain the unusual

If a year shows a dip, a one-off cost, or a director's loan movement, add a short note. Underwriters prefer a clear explanation to a puzzle they have to solve. Pair the accounts with a cash-flow forecast for larger asks, and confirm affordability with the affordability calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need audited accounts?

Most small UK companies are exempt from audit and lenders do not require it. Properly prepared, filed accounts are enough. If your company is audited, provide the audited set.

Should I explain a bad year in the accounts?

Yes. A brief, honest explanation of a dip — and what changed since — is far better than leaving the underwriter to assume the worst. Context turns a weakness into a manageable point.