Forum Discussion
Hi Maddi
This is because the balance sheet report figure balance doesn’t reflect the currency gain/loss on a foreign currency. As the exchange rate changes over time, foreign currency transactions can become worth more or less when compared to the local currency.
For example, an invoice is issued for $100 USD might be worth $75 AUD when its issued. At the end of the year, if the exchange rate has changed so the $100 USD might now be worth $95 AUD. An unrealised gain would occur if this $100 USD invoice hasn’t been paid.
An unrealised loss would occur if the invoice was now worth less than $75 AUD and hadn’t been paid at the end of the year.
In order to reflect currency gains/losses at the end of a reporting period, a journal entry needs to be done with the assistance from an accounting advisor.