Take the three statements provided for a small retail business and write a one-page assessment for its owner: what the numbers say about the health of the business, the two things you would investigate first, and one decision you would change.
How it will be assessed
Published in advance, because you should know what you are being marked on.
1
Reads the statements correctly
Identifies what each statement shows and draws accurate conclusions from the figures given, without misreading a line or confusing profit with cash.
2
Identifies the right priorities
The two items chosen for investigation are the ones that most affect the health of this business, with a reason given for each.
3
Written for the owner, not an accountant
Plain language, no unexplained jargon, and a clear recommendation the owner could act on this week.