How to Create Accounting Reports in Odoo Without Writing Code

Financial data is most useful when it’s presented in the right way. While businesses rely on accurate bookkeeping, decision-makers need customized reports to analyze performance, track expenses, and plan ahead. Traditionally, creating such reports required developers to write code. With Odoo, that barrier is removed so you can build and customize accounting reports through its no-code framework, directly from the interface.

Odoo’s No-Code Reporting Building Blocks

Odoo provides a modular framework that makes reporting highly flexible:

• Root Reports – Master templates used to create multiple versions.

• Variants – Localized or customized versions of root reports.

• Lines – Each row in the report (e.g., Revenue, Expenses, Adjustments).

• Expressions – Logic defining how values are calculated.

• Columns – Metrics like current year, previous year, or variance.

• Grouping – Breakdowns by analytic account, department, or team.

• Engines – Methods like domain filters, prefix logic, or formulas to fetch data.

With these elements, even non-technical users can design powerful financial insights.

Creating a Custom Report: Example

Suppose you want a “Departmental Expense & Income Analysis” report. Here’s how to do it in minutes:

1. Create a New Report
   Go to Accounting → Configuration → Accounting Reports and add a new root report. Name it “Departmental Expense & Income Analysis” and link it to the menu.

2. Set Grouping
   Configure grouping by analytic_account_id so results are broken down by department.

3. Add Report Lines

   • Department Income: Use filters on income accounts.

   • Department Expenses: Include accounts starting with expense prefixes.

   • Adjustments: Enable manual entry for corrections.

   • Net Result: Use a formula (Income – Expenses + Adjustments).

4. Define Columns
   Add columns for “This Year,” “Last Year,” and “Variance” to compare performance.

5. Adjust Options
   Enable features like multi-company support, analytic filters, or journal restrictions as needed.

6. Test the Report
   Save it and view under Reporting. You can refine lines, adjust filters, and export to PDF or Excel instantly.

Best Practices

• Start by copying a standard report (like Profit & Loss) to simplify customization.

• Use clear account codes and analytic tags for easier filtering.

• Keep formulas simple and readable.

• Document your custom reports for future users.

• Use developer mode if you need to understand existing computation logic.

Conclusion

With Odoo’s no-code reporting framework, you can create tailored financial reports quickly and without technical expertise. Whether it’s departmental analysis, tax schedules, or performance dashboards, Odoo makes it possible to adapt reports as your business evolves.

At Surekha Tech, we help businesses unlock the full potential of Odoo — from implementing standard features to building advanced reporting solutions that align with your unique workflows.