The IAS 7 accounting standard helps users understand a company's financial health by requiring a cash flow statement. This statement breaks down cash flows into operating, investing, and financing activities. There are two methods for calculating operating cash flows: direct and indirect. The investing section covers long-term asset transactions, while the financing section includes sources of future cash like share issuances and loan repayments. IAS 7 also mandates a detailed breakdown of cash and cash equivalents in a separate note.