How to Create Financial Reports from the User Interface in Odoo 18

Business management software like Odoo 18 provides a comprehensive suite of tools to help companies manage their operations efficiently—especially when it comes to financial oversight. One of the most powerful features within Odoo is its ability to generate and customize financial reports directly from the user interface (UI), allowing even non-technical users to access key financial insights.

With Odoo 18, users can create tailored reports such as Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements, all without writing a single line of code. These reports can be configured to match specific business requirements, improving strategic planning and decision-making.

Step 1: Activate Developer Mode

Before customizing or creating new financial reports, you need to enable Developer Mode:

1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Scroll down to the Developer Tools section.
3. Click Activate Developer Mode.

Once activated, you’ll gain access to additional technical settings and features necessary for advanced financial report configurations.

Step 2: Access Financial Report Management

1. Go to the Accounting module.
2. Click on Configuration in the top menu.
3. Select Management > Accounting Reports.

Here, you’ll find existing reports and have the option to create new ones. You can either create a Root Report (a base template) or a Variant, which is a modified version of an existing root report.

• Root Reports act as the core structure—like the standard Balance Sheet or P&L.
• Variants allow for region-specific or custom versions of these reports, inheriting the main structure but enabling local adjustments.

Step 3: Create and Customize Financial Reports

To create a custom report:

1. Click Create in the Accounting Reports screen.
2. Choose a Root Report if you're creating a Variant.
3. Define the report name, output format, and necessary configurations.

To make your report visible in the main menu:

• Open the report.
• Click Action > Create Menu Item.
• Refresh the page—your report will now appear under Accounting > Reporting.

Step 4: Add and Edit Report Lines

Each financial report consists of lines, which define the sections, subtotals, or figures in the report. To add a line:

1. Go to the Lines tab.
2. Click Add a line.

You’ll need to provide:

• A Name (displayed in the report).
• An optional Code (used for formulas or references).
• Action, if the line should link to another view.
• Level, to structure lines hierarchically (e.g., Level 1 is top-level).
• Group By options to display breakdowns (e.g., by account or partner).
• Foldable to allow collapsible sections.
• Print on New Page or Hide if Zero for better formatting.

Step 5: Define Report Expressions

Each line can contain expressions that define how values are calculated. To add one:

1. Open the line.
2. Under Expressions, click Add a line.

Set:

• Label (a unique name).
• Computation Engine (method of calculation).
• Formula (defines the value logic).

Common computation engines include,

• Odoo Domain: Filters accounting entries using domain rules.
• Tax Tags: Retrieves data based on tax tag names.
• Aggregate Other Formulas: Performs calculations using results from other expressions.
• Prefix of Account Codes: Targets accounts by code prefixes (e.g., "4" for expense accounts).
• External Value: Allows manual or imported data (useful for forecasts).
• Custom Python Function: For advanced, developer-defined logic.

You can also use Subformulas to add conditions (e.g., if_above, if_below, or rounding=X).

Step 6: Configure Report Columns

Columns determine how data is displayed (e.g., current balance, previous period, percentage change). To add a column:

1. Go to the Columns tab.
2. Click Add a line.

Each column links to specific expressions and defines the type of financial data shown.

Step 7: Set Report Options

Under the Options tab, you can configure:

• Filters: Add fields like Date Range, Journal, Partner, Draft Entries, etc.
• Multi-Company Support: Choose between company selector, tax unit, or disable.
• Display Settings: Set default periods, grouping logic, and comparison options.
• Advanced Features: Enable toggles like Cash Basis, Unfold All, and Period Comparison.

These settings help refine the user experience and ensure reports display the most relevant data.

Final Thoughts

Odoo 18’s reporting system is a key part of its business management software suite, allowing users to build powerful financial reports tailored to their operations. From simple summaries to complex, multi-level reports with conditional logic and grouped details, the platform offers flexibility and precision.

By following this step-by-step guide, businesses can unlock deeper insights into their finances, improve compliance, and drive more informed decision-making—all within a user-friendly interface.

Book an implementation consultant today.