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International Financial Reporting Standards

 
 

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Investment Dictionary: International Accounting Standards - IAS
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An older set of standards stating how particular types of transactions and other events should be reflected in financial statements. In the past, international accounting standards (IAS) were issued by the Board of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC).

Since 2001, the new set of standards has been known as the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and has been issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Investopedia Says:
IASC has no authority to require compliance with its accounting standards. However, many countries require the financial statements of publicly-traded companies to be prepared in accordance with IAS.

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Accounting Dictionary: International Accounting Standards (IAS)
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A set of international accounting and reporting standards that will help to harmonize company financial information, improve the transparency of accounting, and ensure that investors receive more accurate and consistent reports. Statements of International Accounting Standards issued by the Board of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) between 1973 and 2001 are designated International Accounting Standards. The International Accounting Standards Board (Iasb) announed in April 2001 that its accounting standards would be designated International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Also in April 2001, the IASB announced that it would adopt all of the International Accounting Standards issued by the IASC.

 
Business Encyclopedia: International Accounting Standards
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Comparable, transparent, and reliable financial information is fundamental for the smooth functioning of capital markets. In the global arena, the need for comparable standards of financial reporting has become paramount because of the dramatic growth in the number, reach, and size of multinational corporations, foreign direct investments, cross-border purchases and sales of securities, as well as the number of foreign securities listings on the stock exchanges. However, because of the social, economic, legal, and cultural differences among countries, the accounting standards and practices in different countries vary widely. The credibility of financial reports becomes questionable if similar transactions are accounted for differently in different countries.

To improve the comparability of financial statements, harmonization of accounting standards is advocated. Harmonization strives to increase comparability between accounting principles by setting limits on the alternatives allowed for similar transactions. Harmonization differs from standardization in that the latter allows no room for alternatives even in cases where economic realities differ.

The international accounting standards resulting from harmonization efforts create important benefits. Investors and analysts benefit from enhanced comparability of financial statements. Multinational corporations benefit from not having to prepare different reports for different countries in which they operate. Stock exchanges benefit from the growth in the listings and volume of securities transactions. The international standards also benefit developing or other countries that do not have a national standard-setting body or do not want to spend scarce resources to undertake the full process of preparing accounting standards.

The most important driving force in the development of international accounting standards is the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC), an independent private-sector body formed in 1973. The broad objective of the IASC is to further harmonization of accounting practices through the formulation of accounting standards and to promote their worldwide acceptance.

One hundred and forty-three professional accounting organizations in one hundred and four countries are IASC members. The IASC Board, presently consisting of sixteen member organizations, is responsible for establishing accounting and disclosure standards. The board follows due process in setting accounting standards, thus allowing for a great deal of consultation and discussion and ensuring that all interested parties can express their views at several points in the standard-setting process. The final standard requires approval by at least twelve member organizations.

On May 24, 2000, a new structure for IASC was approved unanimously by its membership. Under the new structure, IASC will be established as an independent organization that will have two main bodies, the Trustees and the Board. The Trustees will appoint the board members, exercise oversight and raise the funds needed, whereas the board will have sole responsibility for setting accounting standards. It is expected that the new structure would come into effect on January 1, 2001.

The IASC has issued forty International Accounting Standards (IASs) to date covering a range of topics, such as inventories, depreciation, research and development costs, income taxes, segment reporting, leases, business combinations, investments, earnings per share, interim financial reporting, intangible assets, employee benefits, impairment of assets, and financial instruments. It has also issued a Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements that sets forth the concepts underlying the preparation and presentation of financial statements for external users.

International Accounting Standards initially tended to be too broad, allowing many alternative accounting treatments to accommodate country differences. This was a serious weakness in achieving the objective of comparability. To gain acceptability of its standards, in 1989 the IASC undertook a project (called the Comparability Project) aimed at enhancing comparability of financial statements by reducing the alternative treatments. An important part of this effort was its work plan to produce a comprehensive core set of high-quality Standards (Core Standards project). The IASC has completed its Core Standards project, and the revised standards are a significant improvement over the earlier ones.

IASC standards are not mandatory. However, the acceptability of IASs has been on the rise, with an increasing number of companies stating that they prepare financial reports in accordance with IASs. Many countries endorse IASs as their own standards with or without modifications, and many stock exchanges accept IASs for cross-border listing purposes. For example, the Arab Society of Certified Accountants, comprising twenty-two Arab nations, has signed a declaration supporting IASs as the national accounting standards in all its member countries. Some European countries are developing legislation to allow not only foreign but also domestic companies to use IASs in their consolidated financial statements.

In the United States as of mid-2000, IASs are not an acceptable basis for financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Although the SEC has expressed support for the IASC's objective of developing accounting standards for financial statements used in cross-border offering, it has also stated that such standards must be comprehensive, possess high quality, and be subject to rigorous interpretation and application. The SEC is under increasing pressure to make U.S. capital markets more accessible to non-U.S. issuers.

Internationally, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), an organization comprised of securities regulators from more than eighty countries, as of mid-2000 is considering the endorsement of IASs for cross-border capital raising and listing purposes in all global markets.

Many other organizations also play an important role in the march toward international accounting standards. Among the more important are those discussed below.

IFAC. The International Federation of Accountants is a worldwide association formed in 1977 to develop the accounting profession, harmonize its auditing practices, and reduce differences in the requirements to qualify as a professional accountant in its member countries. It currently has a membership of one hundred and forty-three national professional organizations in one hundred and four countries representing more than 2 million accountants. The IFAC issues International Standards on Auditing (ISA) aimed at harmonizing auditing practices globally. The IFAC Council also appoints country representatives on the IASC Board (thirteen in total).

UN. Several organizations within the United Nations have been involved in international accounting standards. Its Group of Experts prepared a four-part report in 1976, "International Standards of Accounting and Reporting for Transnational Corporations." The report listed financial and nonfinancial items that should be disclosed by multinational corporations to host governments. More recently, it has worked to promote the harmonization of accounting standards by discussing and supporting best practices in a variety of areas, including environmental disclosures.

OECD. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development formed in 1960 currently has twenty-nine of the world's developed, industrialized countries as its members. A valuable contribution of the OECD is its surveys of accounting practices in member countries and its assessment of the diversity or conformity of such practices. Its Working Group on Accounting Standards supports efforts by regional, national, and international bodies promoting accounting harmonization. In 1998, the OECD issued "Principles of Corporate Governance" that support the development of high-quality, internationally recognized standards that can serve to improve the comparability of information between countries.

EU. The European Union, the powerful regional alliance of fifteen nations, aims to bring about a common market that allows free mobility of people, capital, and goods among member countries. To promote the cross-country economic integration, the EU has made significant progress in the harmonization of laws and regulations. Its Commission (European Commission) establishes standardization and harmonization of corporate and accounting rules through the issuance of Directives. Directives incorporate uniform rules (to be implemented exactly in all member states), minimum rules (which may be strengthened by individual governments), and alternative rules (which members can choose from). Directives are mandatory in that each member country has the obligation to incorporate them into its respective national law. However, each country is free to choose the form and method of implementation and also to add or delete options.

The Fourth and Seventh Directives deal exclusively with accounting issues. The Fourth Directive, adopted in 1978, covers financial statements, their contents, method of presentation, valuation methods, and disclosure of information. The Seventh Directive, adopted in 1983, requires worldwide consolidated financial statements regardless of the location of the parent company. Given the large variety of alternatives for consolidation permitted in member countries prior to its issuance, the Seventh Directive is regarded as a major development toward harmonization. The European Commission announced in 1995 its decision to rely heavily on IASC to produce results that meet the needs of capital markets. It is also investigating the possibility of requiring all member states to require listed companies to report under IASs.

NAFTA. The North American Free Trade Agreement was formed in 1993 among Canada, Mexico, and the United States to create a common market. It will phase out duties on most goods and services and promote free movement of professionals, including accountants, among the three countries. There are projects under way to analyze the similarities and differences between financial reporting and accounting standards of the member countries of NAFTA.

Other organizations. Some regional organizations—such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Community of Sovereign States, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Baltic Council, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), and Nordic Federation of Accountants (NFA)—have made efforts toward harmonizing accounting and disclosure standards. G4—a group of standard-setting bodies in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has also started playing an important role in the harmonization of international accounting standards.

The process of harmonizing international accounting standards has come a long way on a path that has been far from smooth. While some critics still doubt the need and feasibility of such standards, it is becoming increasingly clear that the question is not whether but when the Inter national Accounting Standards will be required and followed by business and other entities worldwide. The likely endorsement by the IOSCO and SEC will make that time sooner rather than later.

(See also: International Federation of Accountants)

Bibliography

International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC). http://www.iasc.org.uk. (April 2000).

McGregor, Warren. (1999). "An Insider's View of the Current State and Future Direction of International Accounting Standard Setting." Accounting Horizons June: 159-168.

Pactor, Paul. (1998). "International Accounting Standards: The World's Standards by 2002." The CPA Journal July: 14-21.

Saudagardan, Shahrokh. (2001). International Accounting: A User Perspective. Cincinnati, OH: South-Western College Publishing.

Zeff, Stephen A. (1998). "The IASC's Core Standards: What Will the SEC Do?" Journal of Financial Statement Analysis Fall: 67-78.

[Article by: MAHENDRA GUJARATHI]

 
Abbreviations: IAS
Top
is short for:

Meaning Category
I Am SickInternet->Chat
IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual MeetingAcademic & Science->IEEE
Iasi, RomaniaRegional->Airport Codes
Ideas Action And SuccessCommunity->Educational
Immediate Access StorageComputing->General
Increased Attack SpeedGovernmental->Military
Independent Art StructuresCommunity->Media
Indian Administrative ServiceGovernmental
Indian Administrative StudiesAcademic & Science->Universities
Indian Administrative SystemGovernmental
Indicated AirspeedGovernmental->Transportation
Inertial Active SuspensionAcademic & Science->Chemistry
Inertial Active SystemGovernmental->NASA
Inmate Assignment SystemCommunity->Law
Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, FranceGovernmental->NASA
Intelligence Analysis SystemGovernmental->Military
International Accounting StandardsBusiness->Accounting
International Approval ServicesBusiness->International Business
International Armaments StrategyGovernmental->Military
International Aviculturists SocietyMedical->Veterinary
Internet Addiction SyndromeInternet
Internet Authentication ServerComputing->Networking
Internet Authentication ServiceInternet
Irish Association for SuicidologyCommunity->Non-Profit Organizations

Click here to submit an acronym.


 
Wikipedia: International Financial Reporting Standards
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Accountancy
Key concepts

Accountant
Bookkeeping
Trial balance
General ledger
Debits and credits
Cost of goods sold
Double-entry system
Standard practices
Cash and accrual basis
GAAP / IFRS

Financial statements

Balance sheet
Income statement
Cash flow statement
Ownership equity
Retained earnings

Auditing

Financial audit
GAAS
Internal audit
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Big Four auditors

Fields of accounting

CostFinancialForensic
FundManagementTax

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are Standards, Interpretations and the Framework (in the absence of a Standard or an Interpretation) adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

In the absence of a Standard or an Interpretation that specifically applies to a transaction, management must use its judgement in developing and applying an accounting policy that results in information that is relevant and reliable. In making that judgement, IAS 8.11 requires management to consider the definitions, recognition criteria, and measurement concepts for assets, liabilities, income, and expenses in the Framework. This elevation of the importance of the Framework was added in the 2003 revisions to IAS 8.[1]

International Accounting Standard IAS 8, paragraph 11 provides:

In making the judgement, management shall refer to, and consider the applicability of, the following sources in descending order:

(a) the requirements and guidance in Standards and Interpretations dealing with similar and related issues; and
(b) the definitions, recognition criteria and measurement concepts for assets, liabilities, income and expenses in the Framework.[2]

Many of the standards forming part of IFRS are known by the older name of International Accounting Standards (IAS). IAS were issued between 1973 and 2001 by the Board of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC). In 2000 IASC Member Bodies approved IASC's restructuring and a new IASC Constitution. In March 2001, IASC Trustees activated Part B of IASC's new Constitution and established a non-profit Delaware corporation, named the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation, to oversee the IASB. On 1 April 2001, the new IASB took over from the IASC the responsibility for setting International Accounting Standards. During its first meeting the new Board adopted existing IAS and SICs. The IASB has continued to develop standards calling the new standards IFRS.

Contents

Structure of IFRS

IFRS are considered a "principles based" set of standards in that they establish broad rules as well as dictating specific treatments.

International Financial Reporting Standards comprise:

  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) - standards issued after 2001
  • International Accounting Standards (IAS) - standards issued before 2001
  • Interpretations originated from the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) - issued after 2001
  • Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC) - issued before 2001

There is also a Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements which describes of the principles underlying IFRS...

Framework

The Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements states basic principles for IFRS.

Objective of financial statements

A framework is the foundation of accounting standards. The framework states that the objective of financial statements is to provide information about the financial position, performance and changes in the financial position of an entity that is useful to a wide range of users in making economic decisions, and to provide the current financial status of the entity to its shareholders and public in general.

Underlying assumptions

The underlying assumptions used in IFRS are:

  • Accrual basis - the effect of transactions and other events are recognized when they occur, not as cash is gained or paid
  • Going concern - the financial statements are prepared on the basis that an entity will continue in operation for the foreseeable future.

Qualitative characteristics of financial statements

The Framework describes the qualitative characteristics of financial statements as having

  • Understandability
  • Relevance
  • Reliability
  • Comparability
  • Materiality
  • Neutrality
  • Substance over form
  • Faithful representation
  • Prudence
  • Predictability

Elements of financial statements

Recognition of elements of financial statements

An item is recognized in the financial statements when:

  • it is probable that a future economic benefit will flow to or from an entity and
  • when the item has a cost or value that can be measured with reliability.

Measurement of the Elements of Financial Statements

Measurement is how the responsible accountant determines the monetary values at which items are to be valued in the income statement and balance sheet. The basis of measurement has to be selected by the responsible accountant.Accountants employ different measurement bases to different degrees and in varying combinations. They include, but are not limited to:

  • Historical cost
  • Current cost
  • Realizable (settlement) value
  • Present value

Historical cost is the measurement basis chosen by most accountants.[3]

Concepts of Capital and Capital Maintenance

[4]

Concepts of Capital

A financial concept of capital, e.g. invested money or invested purchasing power, means capital is the net assets or equity of the entity. A physical concept of capital means capital is the productive capacity of the entity.

Concepts of Capital Maintenance and the Determination of Profit

Accountants can choose to measure financial capital maintenance in either Nominal monetary units or units of constant purchasing power. [5]

Physical capital is maintained when productive capacity at the end is greater than at the start of the period.The main difference between the two concepts is the way asset and liability price change effects are treated.Profit is the excess after the capital at the start of the period has been maintained.

When accountants choose nominal monetary units, the profit is the increase in nominal capital. When accountants choose units of constant purchasing power, the profit for the period is the increase in invested purchasing power. Only increases greater than the inflation rate are taken as profit. Increases up to the level of inflation maintain capital and are taken to equity. [6]

Features of IFRS

References

References to IFRS standards are given in the standard convention, for example (IAS1.14) refers to paragraph 14 of IAS1, Presentation of Financial Statements..

Content of financial statements

IFRS financial statements consist of (IAS1.8)

  • a Statement of Financial Position
  • Comprehensive income statement
  • either a statement of changes in equity(SOCE) or a statement of recognised income or expense ("SORIE")
  • a cash flow statement
  • notes, including a summary of the significant accounting policies

Comparative information is provided for the previous reporting period (IAS 1.36). An entity preparing IFRS accounts for the first time must apply IFRS in full for the current and comparative period although there are transitional exemptions (IFRS1.7).

On 6 September 2007, the IASB issued a revised IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. The main changes from the previous version are to require that an entity must:

  • present all non-owner changes in equity (that is, 'comprehensive income' ) either in one statement of comprehensive income or in two statements (a separate income statement and a statement of comprehensive income). Components of comprehensive income may not be presented in the statement of changes in equity.
  • present a statement of financial position (balance sheet) as at the beginning of the earliest comparative period in a complete set of financial statements when the entity applies an accounting
  • 'balance sheet' will become 'statement of financial position'
  • 'income statement' will become 'statement of comprehensive income'
  • 'cash flow statement' will become 'statement of cash flows'.

The revised IAS 1 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009. Early adoption is permitted.

Consolidated financial statements

The ultimate parent/ holding company of a group must produce consolidated financial statements including all of its subsidiaries (IAS27.9). A subsidiary is an entity which is controlled by another entity; control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies (IAS27.4). In preparing consolidated financial statements all balances, transactions, income and expenses with other group members are eliminated. Difference between cost of investment and fair value of asset acquired is the non cntrolling interest(revised IF

Acquisition accounting and goodwill

All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method, requiring that one entity is identified as acquirer (IFRS3.17).

The acquiring entity assesses the fair value of the separate assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities in the business it has acquired. This can include identification of intangible assets, for example customer relationships, which are not commonly recognised except on acquisitions (IFRS3.36)

The difference between the cost of the business combination and the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired represents goodwill (IFRS3.51). Goodwill is not subject to amortisation, but is assessed for impairment at least annually (IFRS3.54 and IAS36.10). Impairment is charged to the income statement(IAS36.60). Impairment provisions on goodwill are not subsequently reversed (IAS36.124).

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment (PPE) is measured initially at cost (IAS16.15). Cost can include borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production if the entity opts to adopt such a policy consistently (IAS23.11).

Property, plant and equipment may be revalued to fair value if the entire class of assets to which it belongs is so treated (for example, the revaluation of all freehold properties) (IAS16.31 and 36). Surpluses on revaluation are recognised directly to equity, not in the income statement; deficits on revaluation are recognised as expenses in the income statement (IAS16.39 and 40).

Depreciation is charged to write off the cost or valuation of the asset over its estimated useful life down to the recoverable amount (IAS16.50). The cost of depreciation is recognised as an expense in the income statement unless it is included in the carrying amount of another asset(IAS16.48). Depreciation of PPE used for development activities may be included in the cost of an intangible asset recognised in accordance with IAS38 Intangible Assets (IAS16.49). The depreciation method and recoverable amount is reviewed at least annually (IAS16.61). In most cases the method is "straight line", with the same depreciation charge from the date when an asset is brought into use until it is expected to be sold or no further economic benefits obtained from it, but other patterns of depreciation such as "reducing balance" are used if assets are used proportionately more in some periods than others (IAS16.56).

Joint ventures, associates and other investments

Joint ventures are investments other than subsidiaries where the investor has a contractual arrangement with one or more other parties to undertake an economic activity that is subject to joint control (IAS31.3).

Joint ventures may be accounted for using either:

  • proportionate consolidation, accounting for the investor's share of the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the joint venture (IAS31.30).
  • equity method. The investment is stated initially at cost and adjusted thereafter for the investor's share of post-acquisition changes in net assets. The income statement includes the investor's share of profit or loss of the investment (IAS31.38).

Associates are investments, other than joint ventures and subsidiaries, in which the investor has a significant influence (the power to participate in financial and operating policy decisions) (IAS28.2). It is presumed that this will be the case if the investment is greater than 20% of the investee unless it can be clearly demonstrated not to be the case (IAS28. 6). Associates are accounted for using the equity method.

Investments other than subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are accounted for at their fair values unless (IAS39.9 and 46):

  • they have fixed or determinable maturity periods and are expected to be held to maturity, in which case they are stated at amortised cost (providing a constant rate of return until maturity;
  • there is no reliable market value, in which case they are measured at cost.

Inventory (stock)

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value (IAS2.9), which is similar in principle to lower of cost or market (LOCOM) in US GAAP.

Cost comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing items to their present location and condition (IAS2.10). Where individual items are not identifiable, the "first in first out" (FIFO) or weighted average cost formula is used. "Last in first out" (LIFO) is not acceptable (IAS2.25).

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less the costs to complete and costs to sell.

Receivables (debtors) and payables (creditors)

Receivables and payables are recorded initially at fair value (IAS39.43). Subsequent measurement is stated at amortised cost (IAS39.46 and 47). In most cases, trade receivables and trade payables can be stated at the amount expected to be received or paid; however, it is necessary to discount a receivable or payable with a substantial credit period (see for example IAS18.11 for accounting for revenue).

If a receivable has been impaired its carrying amount is written down to its recoverable amount, being the higher of value in use and its fair value less costs to sell). Value in use is the present value of cash flows expected to be derived from the receivable (IAS36.9 and 59).

Borrowing

Borrowing is stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. This requires that the costs of arranging the borrowing are deducted from the principal value of debt and are amortised over the period of the debt (IAS39.46).

Provisions

Provisions are liabilities of uncertain timing or amount (IAS37.10). Provisions are recognised when an entity has, at the balance sheet date, a present obligation as a result of a past event, when it is probable that there will be an outflow of resources (for example a future cash payment) and when a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation (IAS37.14). Restructuring provisions are recognised when an entity has a detailed plan for the restructuring and has raised an expectation amongst those affected that it will carry out the restructuring (IAS37.72).

Revenue

Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable (IAS18.9).

Revenue for the sale of goods cannot be recognised until the entity has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods (IAS18.14).

Revenue for rendering of services is accounted for to the extent that the stage of completion of the transaction can be measured reliably (IAS18.20).

Employee costs

Employee costs are recognised when an employee has rendered service during an accounting period (IAS19.10). This requires accruals for short-term compensated absences such as vacation (holiday) pay (IAS19.11). Profit sharing and bonus plans require accrual when an entity has an obligation to make such payments at the reporting date (IAS19.17).

Share-based payment

Where an entity receives goods or services in return for the issue of its own shares or equity instruments it accounts for the fair value of those goods or services as an expense or as an asset (IFRS2.7). Where it offers options and other share based incentives to its employees it is required to assess the market value of the instruments when they are first granted and then to charge the cost over the period in which the benefit vests (IFRS2.10).

Income taxes

Taxes payable in respect of current and prior periods are recognised as a liability to the extent they are unpaid at the balance sheet date (IAS 12.12).

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences at the balance sheet date which will result in tax payable in future periods (for example, where tax deductions 'capital allowances' have been claimed for capital items before the equivalent depreciation expense has been charged to the income statement) (IAS 12.15). Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences at the balance sheet date (for example, tax losses which can be used in future periods) if it is probable that there will be future taxable profits against which they can be offset (IAS 12.24, IAS 12.34).

There are exceptions to the recognition of deferred taxes in relation to goodwill (for deferred tax liabilities), the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in some cases and in relation to investments and interests in subsidiaries, branches, jointly controlled entities and associates providing certain criteria are met (IAS 12.15, IAS 12.24, IAS 12.39, IAS 12.44).

Cash flow statements

IFRS cash flow statements show movements in cash and cash equivalents. This includes cash on hand and demand deposits, short term liquid investments readily convertible to cash and overdrawn bank balances where these readily fluctuate from positive to negative (IAS7.6 to 9). IFRS cashflow statements do not need to show movements in borrowings or net debt.

Cash flow statements may be presented using either a direct method, in which major classes of cash receipts and cash payments are disclosed, or using the indirect method, whereby the profit or loss is adjusted for the effect of non-cash adjustments (IAS7.18).

Items on the cash flow statement are classified as operating activities, investing activities and financing (IAS7.10).

Leasing (accounting by lessees)

Leases are classified:-

  • finance leases, being a lease which transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownerships to the lessee. Finance leases are recognised on the balance sheet as an asset (the asset being leased) and as a liability (liability to the lessor) (IAS17.4, 20 and 25)
  • operating leases, being a lease other than a finance lease. An expense is recognised in the income statement over the time period that the asset is used (IAS17.4 and 33).
  • IASB is developing a discussion paper for November 2008 regarding convergence of the accounting standards for lessees. No longer would there be categories of 'finance' and 'operating' leases (IAS 17), instead the current finance lease model would be applied to all leases. The new accounting standard would be finalized in 2011.

Fair value

Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction (IFRS1 App A).

Amortised cost

Amortised cost uses the effective interest method to provide a constant rate of return on an asset or liability until maturity (IAS39.9).

IASB current projects

The IASB publishes a work plan setting out projects in progress[7]. Much of its work is directed at convergence with US GAAP.

Adoption of IFRS

IFRS are used in many parts of the world, including the European Union, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Pakistan, GCC countries, Russia, South Africa, Singapore and Turkey. As of August 27, 2008, more than 113 countries around the world, including all of Europe, currently require or permit IFRS reporting. Approximately 85 of those countries require IFRS reporting for all domestic, listed companies.[8]

For a current overview see IAS PLUS's list of all countries that have adopted IFRS.

Australia

The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) has issued 'Australian equivalents to IFRS' (A-IFRS), numbering IFRS standards as AASB 1-8 and IAS standards as AASB 101 - 141. Australian equivalents to SIC and IFRIC Interpretations have also been issued, along with a number of 'domestic' standards and interpretations. These pronouncements replaced previous Australian generally accepted accounting principles with effect from annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005 (i.e. 30 June 2006 was the first report prepared under IFRS-equivalent standards for June year ends). To this end, Australia, along with Europe and a few other countries, was one of the initial adopters of IFRS for domestic purposes.

The AASB has made certain amendments to the IASB pronouncements in making A-IFRS, however these generally have the effect of eliminating an option under IFRS, introducing additional disclosures or implementing requirements for not-for-profit entities, rather than departing from IFRS for Australian entities. Accordingly, for-profit entities that prepare financial statements in accordance with A-IFRS are able to make an unreserved statement of compliance with IFRS.

The AASB continues to mirror changes made by the IASB as local pronouncements. In addition, over recent years, the AASB has issued so-called 'Amending Standards' to reverse some of the initial changes made to the IFRS text for local terminology differences, to reinstate options and eliminate some Australian-specific disclosure. There are some calls for Australia to simply adopt IFRS without 'Australianising' them and this has resulted in the AASB itself looking at alternative ways of adopting IFRS in Australia.ifrs

Canada

The use of IFRS will be required in 2011 for Canadian publicly accountable profit-oriented enterprises. This includes public companies and other “profit-oriented enterprises that are responsible to large or diverse groups of shareholders.” International powerhouse auditing firms like Deloitte have taken to the local level to ensure IFRS standards are met within all facets of business in places like Calgary.

European Union

All listed EU companies have been required to use IFRS since 2005.

In order to be approved for use in the EU, standards must be endorsed by the Accounting Regulatory Committee (ARC), which includes representatives of member state governments and is advised by a group of accounting experts known as the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group. As a result IFRS as applied in the EU may differ from that used elsewhere.

Parts of the standard IAS 39: Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement were not originally approved by the ARC. IAS 39 was subsequently amended, removing the option to record financial liabilities at fair value, and the ARC approved the amended version. The IASB is working with the EU to find an acceptable way to remove a remaining anomaly in respect of hedge accounting.

Russia

The government of Russia has been implementing a program to harmonize its national accounting standards with IFRS since 1998. Since then twenty new accounting standards were issued by the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation aiming to align accounting practices with IFRS. Despite these efforts essential differences between national accounting standards and IFRS remain. Since 2004 all commercial banks have been obliged to prepare financial statements in accordance with both national accounting standards and IFRS. Full transition to IFRS is delayed and is expected to take place from 2011.

Turkey

Turkish Accounting Standards Board translated IFRS into Turkish in 2006. Since 2006 Turkish companies listed in Istanbul Stock Exchange are required to prepare IFRS reports.

Hong Kong

Starting in 2005, Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS) are identical to International Financial Reporting Standards. While Hong Kong had adopted many of the earlier IAS as Hong Kong standards, some had not been adopted, including IAS 32 and IAS 39. And all of the December 2003 improvements and new and revised IFRS issued in 2004 and 2005 will take effect in Hong Kong beginning in 2005.

Implementing Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards: The challenge for 2005 (August 2005) sets out a summary of each standard and interpretation, the key changes it makes to accounting in Hong Kong, the most significant implications of its adoption, and related anticipated future developments. There is one Hong Kong standard and several Hong Kong interpretations that do not have counterparts in IFRS. Also there are several minor wording differences between HKFRS and IFRS. [9]

Singapore

In Singapore the Accounting Standards Committee (ASC) is in charge of standard setting. Singapore closely models its Financial Reporting Standards (FRS) according to the IFRS, with appropriate changes made to suit the Singapore context. Before a standard is enacted, consultations with the IASB are made to ensure consistency of core principles [10].

United States and convergence with US GAAP

In 2002 at a meeting in Norwalk, Connecticut, the IASB and the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) agreed to harmonize their agenda and work towards reducing differences between IFRS and US GAAP (the Norwalk Agreement). In February 2006 FASB and IASB issued a Memorandum of Understanding including a program of topics on which the two bodies will seek to achieve convergence by 2008.

US companies registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission must file financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Until 2007, foreign private issuers were required to file financial statements prepared either (a) under US GAAP or (b) in accordance with local accounting principles or IFRS with a footnote reconciling from local principles or IFRS to US GAAP. This reconciliation imposed extra expense on companies which are listed on exchanges both in the US and another country. From 2008, foreign private issuers are additionally permitted to file financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB without reconciliation to US GAAP.[11] There is broad expectation among U.S. companies that the SEC will move to allow or require them to use IFRS in the near future and a growing acceptance of that scenario, according to Controllers' Leadership Roundtable survey data.[12]

In August 2008, the SEC announced a timetable that would allow some companies to report under IFRS as soon as 2010 and require it of all companies by 2014.[13]

In January, 2009, the SEC announced that a mandatory two year dual-reporting period would begin for most companies in 2012, with IFRS only required by 2014. [14]

India

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has undertaken a project to update all existing Accounting Standards to be compatible with IFRS. The new standards are expected to be ready by 2011.

IFRS Training in India

Helix Business Solutions are international business solution provider. They conduct training and seminars on IFRS in India. [15]

Japan

The Accounting Standards Board of Japan has agreed to resolve all inconsistencies between the current JP-GAAP and IFRS by 2011. [16]

List of IFRS statements with full text links

The following IFRS statements are currently issued:

List of Interpretations with full text links

  • Preface to International Financial Reporting Interpretations (Updated to January 2006)([67]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 1 Changes in Existing Decommissioning, Restoration and Similar Liabilities (Updated to January 2006)([68]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 7 Approach under IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies (Issued February 2006)([69]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 8 Scope of IFRS 2 (Issued February 2006)([70]Full Text) - has been eliminated with Amendments issued to IFRS 2
  • IFRIC 9 Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives (Issued April 2006)([71]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 10 Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment (Issued November 2006)([72]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 11 IFRS 2-Group and Treasury Share Transactions (Issued November 2006)([73]Full Text) - has been eliminated with Amendments issued to IFRS 2
  • IFRIC 12 Service Concession Arrangements (Issued November 2006)([74]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes (Issued in June 2007)([75]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 14 IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction (issued in July 2007)([76]Full Text)
  • IFRIC 15 Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate (issued in July 2008)
  • IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation (issued in July 2008)
  • IFRIC 17 Distributions of Non-cash Assets (issued in November 2008)
  • IFRIC 18 Transfers of Assets from Customers (issued in January 2009)
  • SIC 7 Introduction of the Euro (Updated to January 2006)([77]Full Text)
  • SIC 10 Government Assistance-No Specific Relation to Operating Activities (Updated to January 2006)([78]Full Text)
  • SIC 12 Consolidation-Special Purpose Entities (Updated to January 2006)([79]Full Text)
  • SIC 13 Jointly Controlled Entities-Non-Monetary Contributions by Venturers (Updated to January 2006)([80]Full Text)
  • SIC 15 Operating Leases-Incentives (Updated to January 2006)([81]Full Text)
  • SIC 21 Income Taxes-Recovery of Revalued Non-Depreciable Assets (Updated to January 2006)([82]Full Text)
  • SIC 25 Income Taxes-Changes in the Tax Status of an Entity or its Shareholders (Updated to January 2006)([83]Full Text)
  • SIC 27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease (Updated to January 2006)([84]Full Text)
  • SIC 29 Disclosure-Service Concession Arrangements (Updated to January 2006)([85]Full Text)
  • SIC 31 Revenue-Barter Transactions Involving Advertising Services (Updated to January 2006)([86]Full Text)
  • SIC 32 Intangible Assets-Web Site Costs (Updated to January 2006)([87]Full Text)
  • SIC 33 Consolidation and equity method - Potential voting rights and allocation of ownership interests([88]Full Text)

Further reading

  • International Accounting Standards Board (2007): International Financial Reporting Standards 2007 (including International Accounting Standards (IAS(tm)) and Interpretations as at 1 January 2007), LexisNexis, ISBN 1422418138

References

  1. ^ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. "The Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements".
  2. ^ http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/accounting/docs/consolidated/ias8_en.pdf
  3. ^ IASB Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements. Par. 99 to 101.
  4. ^ [1]
  5. ^ [2]"Financial capital maintenance can be measured in either nominal monetary units or units of constant purchasing power." IASB Framework, Par. 104 (a)
  6. ^ IASB Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements Par. 102 to 110
  7. ^ IASB: "IASB Work Plan" http://www.iasb.org/Current+Projects/IASB+Projects/IASB+Work+Plan.htm, Retrieved on 2007-04-19
  8. ^ "SEC Proposes Roadmap Toward Global Accounting Standards to Help Investors Compare Financial Information More Easily". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 2008-08-28. http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2008/2008-184.htm. Retrieved on 2008-08-27. 
  9. ^ http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/research/0,1015,cid%253D91491,00.html
  10. ^ Process of Prescribing Accounting Standards, http://www.ccdg.gov.sg/account.htm, ‘’ Retrieved on 2008-02-29
  11. ^ http://www.sec.gov/rules/final/2008/33-8879fr.pdf
  12. ^ https://www.ctlr.executiveboard.com/Public/documents/IFRSPressRelease.pdf
  13. ^ Epstein, Keith (2008-08-28). "An SEC Timetable for Global Accounting Rules". BusinessWeek. http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/aug2008/db20080827_422492.htm. Retrieved on 2008-08-28. 
  14. ^ https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/scn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/60eecedc-7ff0-2b10-b2be-c329c1114298
  15. ^ http://www.helixbizsolutions.com
  16. ^ http://www.asb.or.jp/html_e/asbj/pressrelease/pressrelease_20090313_e.pdf

See also

External links

  • RSM Richter IFRS page with news and downloadable documents related to IFRS Conversions in Canada
  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposal for First-Time Application of International Financial Reporting Standards by Foreign private issuers registered with the SEC
  • SAP IFRS Community User community with blogs, forums, articles & other resources designed for businesses *implementing* IFRS, especially using SAP solutions

 
 

 

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