5. Identify internal and external users of financial information and their needs

A distinction can be made between users of financial information.

Internal users are company executives.

The interests of financial information for internal users are :

• a means of knowing the company's financial situation;

• a decision-making tool ;

• a forecasting tool ;

• a means of control.

Financial information for internal users is grouped under management accounting.

All other users are considered external. The purpose of financial accounting is to transmit information to external users.