A Fiscal Year Start and End is the defined period of time during which a business or organization calculates its financial performance. Generally, a fiscal year starts on either the first of January or the first day of the company’s accounting period and ends on the last day of that same period. This accounting period can range from twelve to eighteen months in length, giving businesses ample opportunity to compare financial data from one time period to another. By having an official Fiscal Year Start and End, a business can plan ahead and make sure their financial goals are aligned with their expectations.