...Efficient Securities Markets and International Financial Reporting Standards Efficient Securities Markets and International Financial Reporting Standards Introduction As of January 2011 Canada’s publicly accountable enterprises (PAEs) will have to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as their accounting framework under which financial statements are prepared. This means the accounting standards Canada had been using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) will no longer apply. What will this mean for PAEs and their investors? Will there be more or less decision useful information and will securities markets become more efficient with Canada’s adoption of IFRS or is it the same business, just different accounting? Executive Summary Comparing financial statements internationally has become difficult as accounting rules and standards have evolved differently depending on the country due to history, culture, political influence and economics. That is why the IFRS have been created and currently there is almost 100 countries that adhere to IFRS standards. Canada too has decided it must join and in 2011 all Canadian PAE’s will report under IFRS. There are both pros and cons for investors who will be relying on financial information from companies that are using IFRS’s foundation. The adoptions of IFRS will likely cause recognition, measurement and presentation differences in a company’s financial statements. Although IFRS’s mandate...
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...Harmonization of Accounting Standards Week 2: Harmonization of Accounting Standards - You Decide Dear Mr. Herb, Our Company is facing the issue of whether to adopt IFRS or continue reporting under domestic GAAP. Before making the final decision we need to review and discuss the pros and cons of such a transition. “The use IFRS as a universal financial reporting language is gaining momentum across the globe. Adopting IFRS is going to be very challenging but at the same time could also be rewarding” (индус). Being principles-based, IFRS allows more leeway in how companies can portray their financial performance (news). Moreover, you are right that IFRS will save money. As more companies go global, they won't have to spend money doing two sets of books. The adoption of IFRS will result in better quality of financial reporting due to consistent application of accounting principles and improvement in reliability of financial statements which will finally increase trust and reliance placed by investors and other stakeholders in the Company’s financial statements (indus). IFRS will also make cross-border investments easier. “Better access to and reduction in the cost of capital raised from global capital markets since IFRS are now accepted as a financial reporting framework” (indus). A recent decision by the US Securities and Exchange Commission permits foreign companies listed in the US to present financial statements in accordance with IFRS. This means that such companies...
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...Pros & Cons of GAAP and IFRS Convergence The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) was formed in an attempt to bring uniform accounting standards within international countries through its issuing of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Today, over 100 countries including Canada, India, and Japan have adopted these standards for financial reporting. The growth of multinational companies such as Coca Cola and the increasing desire of cross-border investing have made it apparent that the U.S.accounting standards known as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) can no longer remain separate from IFRS. Under the request of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), FASB and IASB signed the Norwalk Agreement, which promised the convergence of GAAP and IFRS by as early as 2015. As a result, it appears that the importance of FASB will decline as IASB becomes the primary responsibility holders of the new merging accounting standards. What advantages and disadvantages can come of GAAP and IFRS integration? Once finalized, the convergence of GAAP and IFRS will create high quality financial reporting that will be uniform amongst companies both domestic and abroad. This will allow investors to interpret and compare financial statements from domestic and foreign countries according to the same accounting standards, which will enable them to make better investment decisions.As the ease...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP ACC/290 7-14-2015 Howard Pickering Comparing IFRS to GAAP As International business increases, those with financial responsibilities should be well versed in the two primary accounting methods: GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). The Financial Accounting Standards Board set the GAAP which is primary used in the United States and the IFRS is used in several other countries. If the United States where to every switch to IFRS, they would need to get a good understanding of the difference and acknowledge the similarities. This will only make for better business decisions. “The IASB and FASB are working on a project that would rework the structure of financial statements. Specifically, this project will address the issue of how to classify various items in the income statement. A main goal of this new approach is to provide information that better represents how businesses are run. In addition, this approach draws attention away from just one number—net income. It will adopt major groupings similar to those currently used by the statement of cash flows (operating, investing, and financing), so that numbers can be more readily traced across statements.” (Wiley, 2013) IFRS 2-1: In what ways does the format of a statement of financial or position under IFRS often differ from a balance sheet presented under GAAP? The GAAP requires accounts to be listed in a specific order based on liquidity...
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...Comparison of IFRS to GAAP Khadija Boyd Crystal Scott ACC 290 11 August 2014 Deborah Wilson This paper will examine comparisons between the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); which is designed to be a common global language for business affairs and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principle (GAAP); which refer to the standard framework of guidelines for financial accounting. There are certain ways that the format of a statement of financial position under the IFRS often differ from the balance sheet presented under the GAAP. At a minimum the statement of financial position shall include items that present the following information: property, plant, and equipment, investment property, intangible assets, financial assets, investments accounted for using the equity method, biological assets, inventories, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, total assets classified as held for sale to include disposable group classified as held for sale in accordance with the IFRA 5, trade and other payables, provisions, financial liabilities, liabilities and assets for current tax, deferred tax liabilities and assets, and non controlling interests presented within equity. Unlike the IFRA, the GAAP does not prescribe a standard format. The United States Security Exchange Commission (SEC) regulation does not require precise like items to appear on the face of the balance sheet. The IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks hold opposing views from the objective...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP Paper In this paper, I will be talking about what the International Financial Accounting Standards (IFRS) is, and General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are and what differences as well as similarities. IFRS is a set of international accounting standards that regulate what type of events and transactions should be reported in a financial statement. GAAP is accounting rules that keep a detailed logistical account of what is declared by the company. FRS 2-1: In what ways does the format of a statement of financial or position under IFRS often differ from a balance sheet presented under GAAP? Although the IFRS does not have a specific order that it must be listed on the statement, companies tend to report in reverse order of liquidity such as: Long Term Assets Current Assets Shareholder Equity Long Term Liabilities Current Liabilities GAAP requires that accounts are ordered based on the degree of liquidity which report cash first and non-current assets last such as: Current Assets Long Term Assets Current Liabilities Long Term Liabilities Shareholder Equity IFRS 2-2: Do the IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks differ in terms of the objective of financial reporting? Explain. IFRS and GAAP do not differ in the terms of financial reporting. Both GAAP and IFRS have very similar viewpoints as to financial reporting data should be relevant and represented correctly and accurately. Any related information is all that may be necessary...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP In financial reporting the U.S uses the generally accepted accounting principles, to record and report. The international financial reporting standards have been used in over 110 countries all over the world. The have similarities but are very different in structure as well, the GAAP is rules based and the IFRS is more principle based when it comes to financial reporting. I will cover some of these difference and similarities in this essay. In what ways does the format of a statement of financial position under the IFRS often differ from a balance sheet presented under GAAP? The IFRS does not require that the statement of financial position be put into a specific order, when reporting financial information. However most under companies IFRS will report their assets in reverse order of liquidity. Under the GAAP companies are required, to report all accounts in specific order by liquidity. Do the IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks differ in terms of the objective of financial reporting? No the objectives are both the same for the GAAP and IFRS, they have very similar ways of reporting financial information. They both want companies to keep the information they report up to date, and data needs to be reported in an honest manner. All data reported should also be useful, to an investor, creditor, or regulator. When information is reported correctly, companies are abiding by the industry standard set forth. What terms commonly used under IFRS are synonymous...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP Michaela Lyons ACC/290 03/28/2016 Sharon Powers Comparing IFRS to GAAP This collaborative team experience has been quite motivating and has really pushed me to research the information extensively to ensure my personal understanding. My team didn’t exactly connect easily and it really pushed me to develop my understanding on my own. Although that isn’t the ideal outcome in a team setting, however in my opinion it actually helped me push further. GAAP is the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the accounting standard used in the United States, while IFRS the International Financial Reporting Standards is used in a vast amount of countries around the world (Tilea, D. M., Bleotu, V., & Serban, A. A. M. (2013)). The Contrast IFRS does not command an exact order or classification of accounts on the statement of financial position. In most cases, companies report assets in reverse order of liquidity. GAAP explicitly requires that all accounts be ordered based on their degree of liquidity. Consequently, cash is usually reported first and non-current assets will be reported last. GAAP and IFRS sustain comparable perspectives on the neutrality of monetary data. It’s contracted that economic reporting data should be pertinent and loyally signified. Material that is pertinent is anything that could be viewed as useful in the eyes of an investor, creditor, or regulator. Material that is loyally signified...
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...IFRS vs. GAAP Introduction The U.S. GAAP is accounting principles adopted by the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Over time SEC has been talking about moving these principles over to the IFRS, The International Financial Reporting Standard. “IFRS is an accounting standard that was developed by a not-for-profit group called the International Accounting Standard Board. (www.Ifrs.com)” This summary will give you a subject by subject look of some differences and similarities both the IFRS and the GAAP carry. IFRS 2-1: In what ways does the format of a statement of financial or position under IFRS often differs from a balance sheet presented under GAAP? Accounting follows the double entry standard where transactions are broken down into sections, revenue or expenses, assets or liabilities. Under IFRS, it does not dictate a particular order of accounts on the statement of financial. Usually, companies report their assets in reverse order of liquidity. For example, you would start with long term assets and work your way down to current liabilities. Under GAAP, it requires that all accounts be in order of their liquidity. Cash is usually reported first and non- current assets would be listed last. With these differences financial reporting results would be different for companies. IFRS 2-2: Do the IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks differ in terms of the objective of financial reporting? Explain. No, IASB and FASB conceptual frameworks are organized in similar...
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...between IFRS and GAAP Agustin Blanco ACC 290 06/06/2016 Dan Jensen Comparison between IFRS and GAAP This paper provides a comparison between the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and how they are differentiate from each other in the format of financial statement, conceptual framework, and IFRS terms. There is also a description of some issues the SEC must consider in order to adopt IFRS in the United States as well as a comparison of the rules regarding revenue recognition under IFRS versus GAAP. There is an explanation of the definitions Under IFRS for revenues and expenses, as well as an explanation of the competitive implications (both pros and cons) of Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). Questions IFRS 2-1: In what ways does the format of a statement of financial position under IFRS often differ from a balance sheet presented under GAAP? The main difference between the formatting of IFRS and GAAP statement of financial of position and a GAAP balance sheet is the ordering of liquidity. IFRS does not require a particular order or any classification of accounts. It is common for companies to report assets in reverse liquidity under IFRS. Instead, GAAP specifies and requires all a company’s account be classified and ordered based on liquidity. IFRS 2-2: Do the IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks differ in terms of the objective of financial reporting? IFRS and GAAP...
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...Both the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) provide oversight for Generally Acceptable Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Both the FASB and the IASB have been working together to bring more of a uniform set of regulations between the two standards. GAAP has tradionally always provided the guidelines that companies in the United States follow when putting their financial statements together and the IFRS has been the standard that international companies have followed. IFRS 2-1: In what ways does the format of a statement of financial or position under IFRS often differ from a balance sheet presented under GAAP? The IFRS doesn't say that there has to be a certain order of accounts on the financial statement. Most of the time companies will report their assets in an order of liquidity. GAAP mandates that every account be listed in their degree of liquidity. Cash is reported first and then assets that aren't current will be reported last. IFRS 2-2: Do the IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks differ in terms of the objective of financial reporting? Explain. The IFRS and GAAP have similar ways of viewing the financial data. Both of them state that the data should be accurate, relevant and truthful. Information that is considered considered relevant is anything that an investor would want to see...
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...different” said Wayne Upton, Director of International Activities for the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). It means that every country have their own accounting standards. There are many accounting standards in the world, with each country using a version of their own generally accepted accounting principles, also known as GAAP. Dissimilar financial reporting and accounting practices make it very difficult for users of accounting and financial reports to consolidate such information and make comparisons of firms that are listed in different countries (Prather-Kinsey, 2006). The complication arises when the firm does business in multiple countries. How can corporations be compared based upon their financials, which one are accurate, and how can investors then deal with multiple standards, which ones are accurate? The answer to these questions lies within the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS. IFRS are currently required or accepted in over 100 countries worldwide, and it looks certain that the number of countries to embrace IFRS will continue to rise over the coming years (Daske, Hail, Leuz& Verdi, 2008). It was already noticed that, IFRS issued by the IASB have been extremely doing well in terms of their acceptance and application on a worldwide basis. IFRS is the standards which is being developed and supported by the IASB. IFRS give a meaning as a set of international accounting standards that states how certain transactions...
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...the International Financial Reporting Standards? Since 1936, accountants in the United States have been following a set of generally accepted guidelines, historically set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, for their practices. These guidelines have come to be known as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP. Since their creation, these principles have protected companies and investors from fraud, as accounting practices can sometimes be questionable. The GAAP holds companies accountable for their financial reporting activities and includes rules accountants must follow regarding recording transactions and preparing financial statements. Recently, there have been questions regarding the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States as opposed to the International Financial Recording Standards, or IFRS ; and whether or not the United States should adopt these new accounting standards. There are a number of pros and cons to the International Financial Recording Standards as well as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; however, I do not think that the United States should fully adopt the IFRS considering the history of the GAAP and the reason for the creation of its principles. As previously mentioned, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has been responsible for setting accounting standards. In 1973, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board...
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...IFRS and GAAP Shannon Strickland ACC 290 November 10, 2014 Annette Anigwe IFRS and GAAP Accounting around the world could be considered the same but different. The United States generally falls under GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices) most other countries use the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). While at their basic fundamentals both are still accounting, there are differences that must be adhered to in order for the accounting practices to work as they should. In what ways does the format of a statement of financial or position under IFRS often differ from a balance sheet presented under GAAP? IFRS does not mandate a specific order or classification of accounts on the statement of financial position. In most cases, companies report assets in reverse order of liquidity. GAAP specifically requires that all accounts be ordered based on degree of liquidity. Cash is usually reported first and non-current assets will be last. Do the IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks differ in terms of the objective of financial reporting? Explain. No. Both maintain similar viewpoints. Both agree that financial reporting data should be relevant and faithfully represented. Information that is relevant and faithfully reported is useful to investors, creditors, and regulators regardless of which practice is used. What terms commonly used under IFRS are synonymous with common stock and balance sheet? The balance sheet is the same as the Statement...
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...International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): Pros and Cons for Investors by Ray Ball* Sidney Davidson Professor of Accounting Graduate School of Business University of Chicago 5807 S. Woodlawn Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Tel. (773) 834 5941 ray.ball@gsb.uchicago.edu Acknowledgments This paper is based on the PD Leake Lecture delivered on 8 September 2005 at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which can be accessed at http://www.icaew.co.uk/cbp/index.cfm. It draws extensively on the framework in Ball (1995) and benefited from comments by Steve Zeff. Financial support from the PD Leake Trust and the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago is gratefully acknowledged. 1 Abstract Accounting in shaped by economic and political forces. It follows that increased worldwide integration of both markets and politics (driven by reductions in communications and information processing costs) makes increased integration of financial reporting standards and practice almost inevitable. But most market and political forces will remain local for the foreseeable future, so it is unclear how much convergence in actual financial reporting practice will (or should) occur. Furthermore, there is little settled theory or evidence on which to build an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of uniform accounting rules within a country, let alone internationally. The pros and cons of IFRS therefore are somewhat conjectural, the unbridled enthusiasm...
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