...IFRS VS.GAAP Tyana Campbell ACC/291 November 12, 2014 Habib Ousmane Diallo The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are rules and guidelines established to attempt to standardize accounting and recording practices across the United States and Internationally. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is a set of international accounting standards stating how particular types of transactions and other events should be reported in financial statements. IFRS uses fair-value accounting of assets and liabilities. GAAP also known as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles which is a common set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to compile their financial statements. Generally an accepted accounting practice is a combination of authoritative standards and the commonly accepted ways of recording and reporting accounting information. Some differences between IFRS and GAAP is that IFRS is considered more of a principle based accounting standard used in more than 110 countries where as GAAP is considered more rule based and is used generally within the United States. By being more principle based, IFRS represents and captures the economics of a transaction better than U.S. GAAP. Under GAAP, the research is more focused on the literature whereas under IFRS, the review of the facts pattern is more through. Investopedia states another difference between...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP As we are so often, America as a business entity can be very stubborn when it comes to maintaining the way we do things against external pressure. Whether it is differences between the American standard of measurement and the metric system or differences in accounting standards, the United States likes to be its own boss so to speak. As stated before, one of the premier differences in business practices between the United States and the rest of the world is the difference in accounting practices. The United States maintains the usage of GAAP or “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” while much of the developed world uses IFRS or “International Financial Reporting Standards.” While both systems are more than viable, there are many subtle differences between the two. These differences can affect companies in a variety of different ways especially if IFRS becomes a mandatory practice for the United States and thus, all accounting information changes would have to be retroactive. Depreciation and Fair Value One large difference between GAAP and IFRS is the aspect of component depreciation. According to Marie Leone from CFO.com, component depreciation means that companies must “recognize and depreciate equipment components separately if the components can be physically separated from the asset and have different useful lifespans” (Leone, 2010). This method of evaluating assets is required by IFRS but not by GAAP. While this practice is allowed to be...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP Essay In the Accounting industry, there are various principles and guidelines by which financial accountants, analysts, and organizations need to abide by. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issues standards (IFRS) that have been adopted by the United States and several countries outside of the U.S. (University of Phoenix, 2013). The IFRS along with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), professionals in the accounting industry use these guidelines as a baseline on which accounting practices are built upon. These standards are governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which ultimately oversees U.S. financial markets and accounting standard-setting bodies. Moving forward, the elements of IFRS and GAAP will be discussed to illustrate the similarities and differences and how it relates to Accounting and used in business practice. IFRS 8-1: Fair-Value Measurement Fair value measurements provide users of financial statements with an accurate picture of the value of a company’s assets. Both IFRS and GAAP require firms to include information regarding fair value measurements practices in the notes of financial statements. Under either system, companies will be required to report assets at either book value or fair value, depending on the situation. As a general rule of thumb, all assets in the same class must receive the same valuation treatment. In regards to the value of receivables, IFRS uses a two-tiered method...
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...CHAPTER 5 COMPARATIVE ACCOUNTING Chapter Outline China I. There are some unique features in the accounting profession in China. They include the following: A. Until the 1980s, those who carried out accounting work were not held in high regard in society, and this has had an adverse effect on the development of the accounting profession in China. B. Accounting and auditing in China have taken different paths in their development processes. Auditing firms audited mainly domestic companies, and were under the State Administration of Audit (SAA), whereas accounting firms focused on companies using foreign investments and were sponsored by the Ministry of Finance. C. Unlike in the U.K., where there was a good legislative and judicial environment during the early stages of the development of the profession, in China, a market-oriented legislative and judicial environment is still emerging. D. Unlike in the U.K., where auditors receive support from the established professional bodies, these support mechanisms are still lacking in China. II. The recent economic reform program stimulated the growth of the accounting profession in China. A. With the recognition by the State of joint stock company form, the demands for financial information from investors and other interested parties increased. B. The establishment of two stock exchanges helped rapid growth of the accounting activities. C. Various government regulations...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP Donald Cleveland University of Phoenix Kurt Meyer ACC/290 Author Note [Include any grant/funding information and a complete correspondence address.] Abstract [The abstract should be one paragraph of between 150 and 250 words. It is not indented. Section titles, such as the word Abstract above, are not considered headings so they don’t use bold heading format. Instead, use the Section Title style. This style automatically starts your section on a new page, so you don’t have to add page breaks. Note that all of the styles for this template are available on the Home tab of the ribbon, in the Styles gallery.] Keywords: [Click here to add keywords.] Comparing IFRS to GAAP In the financial industry there is a well-known difference between how the United States operates, and how the rest of the world conducts accounting practices. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is the accounting standard practiced in the US. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is the accounting standard used around the world. GAAP is known to have more rules, while IFRS is based more on principle and general acceptance. In this paper GAAP and IFRS will be compared and contrasted in a brief overview. IFRS 2-1 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...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP Lartarsha Thomas Nicholas Mays Melony Soto-Gonzalez ACC/291 2/22/2015 It is important to know about the two main accounting systems, which are Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These systems are used everywhere. All the accounting systems follow double-entry practices that categorize transactions as revenue or expenses, assets or liabilities. GAAP and IFRS have a few differences and it is important to know the differences. In order for our team to have a better understanding of IFRS and GAAP, we kept the following in mind. What are some steps taken by both the FASB and IASB to move to fair value measurement for financial instruments? In what ways have some of the approaches differed? The steps taken to move fair value measurement for financial instruments are: 1) disclosure of fair value for information in the notes. 2) fair value option which permits but does not require companies to record some types of financial instruments at fair values in the financial statements. The approaches differs in both boards facing bitter opposition from various factions. The boards have adopted a piecemeal approach. Different assets, liabilities, and equity instruments are measured at fair value. The standards in U.S. GAAP and IFRS that require or permit fair value measurements are different. As a consequence, an asset, liability, or equity instrument that is measured at fair value in U.S....
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...Abstract There are many issues surrounding fair value accounting, this assignment concerns about the discussion of fair value measurement under both the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) and US national standard-setter, the Financial Accounting Standards Accounting (FASB). So far, IASB and FASB have created a uniform framework for how to measure fair value for entities around the world. By publishing IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, the IASB established a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. After searching relevant sources from financial books and economic websites, some of the issues about fair value accounting have been clarified and analysed. This assignment provides a better understanding of the joint work between IASB and FASB, the definition of fair value under both standards, the relevant issue about IFRS 13 and why accounting differences exist. A. Explain the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding between the IASB and the US national standard-setter, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Theoretically, A Memorandum of Understanding is a document that involved a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties (Wikipedia 2011). In this particular research essay, the Memorandum of Understanding is a convergence process that both the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) and US national standard-setter, the Financial Accounting Standards Accounting (FASB) would take steps to balanced the reciprocal...
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...investors and creditors to compare the financial statements of companies in different countries. Therefore, a standardised accounting standard should be introduced and follow by the companies all around the world in recording their financial statements in order to facilitate the investors in doing their business. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are two main accounting principles that is widely used in the majority of the companies. However, there will be still conflict in the interpreting and understanding each other financial statements due to these two different approaches. Therefore, to overcome this problem, International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) are working on it by taking the necessary steps as time passes to close down the gap and standardised the accounting principles globally making it easier for all parties. (157 words) 1.0 Introduction In the world of globalization, a number of countries had been experiencing the convergence of their local GAAP and IFRS in order to apply the international accounting standard to suit the growing business world. This does not left out the people of the United States who are also trying to converge the accounting standards of US GAAP and IFRS in order to close down the gap between the accounting standards. FASB and IASB are the main international bodies assisting the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP Essay ACC/291 10/12/15 James Ferguson Comparing IFRS to GAAP Essay The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) have some similarities and differences when it comes to accounting for liabilities. There are steps that are taken by both the FASB and IASB to move to fair value measurement for financial instruments. There are some differences between these approaches. IFRS 8-1 What are some steps taken by both the FASB and IASB to move to fair value measurement for financial instruments? In what ways have some approaches differed? It doesn’t matter if the FASB or IASB is followed; the steps taken to move to fair value measurement for financial instruments are to be noted in the financial statements regarding fair value measurement practices. Under each system, a company must report the assets at book value or fair value situational depending. Every asset in the same class of assets must get the same valuation. When valuing receivables, the IFRS operates under a two-tiered method that will analyze individual receivables first then takes a look at receivables as a whole to see if there is any impairment. IFRS 9-1 What component depreciation, and when must it be used? Component depreciation should be used when parts of the assets are fundamentally different. It is when the asset has different components with varying lifespans. Under IFRS, companies are required to use component depreciation...
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...Accounting Horizons Vol. 24, No. 3 2010 pp. 355–394 American Accounting Association DOI: 10.2308/acch.2010.24.3.355 Global Accounting Convergence and the Potential Adoption of IFRS by the U.S. (Part I): Conceptual Underpinnings and Economic Analysis Luzi Hail, Christian Leuz, and Peter Wysocki SYNOPSIS: This article is Part I of a two-part series analyzing the economic and policy factors related to the potential adoption of IFRS by the United States. In this part, we develop the conceptual framework for our analysis of potential costs and benefits from IFRS adoption in the United States. Drawing on the academic literature in accounting, finance, and economics, we assess the potential impact of IFRS adoption on the quality and comparability of U.S. reporting practices, the ensuing capital market effects, and the potential costs of switching from U.S. GAAP to IFRS. We also discuss the compatibility of IFRS with the current U.S. regulatory and legal environment, as well as the possible macroeconomic effects of IFRS adoption. Our analysis shows that the decision to adopt IFRS mainly involves a cost-benefit trade-off between ͑1͒ recurring, albeit modest, comparability benefits for investors; ͑2͒ recurring future cost savings that will largely accrue to multinational companies; and ͑3͒ one-time transition costs borne by all firms and the U.S. economy as a whole, including those from adjustments to U.S. institutions. In Part II of the series ͑see Hail et al. 2010͒, we provide an analysis...
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...Definition There is significance between accounting harmonisation and accounting standardisation where harmonisation allows countries to have different accounting standards provided that they do not have logical conflict with the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Therefore the accounting standards in different countries are not identical but very similar from one to another which allows convergence of accounting practices. However, standardisation of accounting has the direct opposite meaning of harmonisation where the standardisation requires all accounting practices in various countries to be exactly the same. Harmonisation tends to be associated with IASB which carries out the process of coordination whereas standardisation is the process of uniformity that can be seen in the European Union (EU) where transnational legislation occurs. According to various accounting scholars, they said it is important to distinguish between harmonisation of accounting practices (de facto) and harmonisation of accounting regulations (de jure). De facto is often associates with harmonisation while de jure is associated with standardisation. Reasons for Harmonisation RELIABILITY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE USERS One of the reasons that international harmonisation of accounting standards should be carried out is to ensure comparability, reliability and quality of financial reports and disclosure of foreign enterprises. This allows investors and financial analysts to understand...
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...Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) are required throughout the United States, other countries utilize other methods of classifying their financial statement items. While the standards of accounting differ among many countries, there has recently been an effort to attain a universal set of standards under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). While this has not yet been achieved, multiple countries have made an effort to converge their standards with IFRS. This paper attempts to illustrate the diversity that currently exists throughout the accounting world, briefly comparing several key differences of U.S. GAAP to the standards used in Hong Kong, China, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Hong Kong With a few minor exceptions, Hong Kong has officially converged its financial reporting standards with IFRS effective January 1, 2005 (AdoptIFRS.org). Hong Kong’s primary GAAP-required statements are known as Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRSs), including their interpretations (Deloitte Global Services Limited, 2013). Other mandated GAAP requirements are found in Hong Kong’s Companies Ordinance as well as its Listing Rules (Deloitte Global Services Limited, 2013). The following paragraphs briefly highlight key financial statement items and their differing treatments by Hong Kong under IFRS and U.S. GAAP. The Balance Sheet While U.S. GAAP only provides a small amount of direction when clarifying how assets and liabilities should be offset, IFRS gives...
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...Contrast Analysis of United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) This paper examined the relationship between United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and found merging both accounting standards into a worldwide standard is ideal for investors. Corporate financial statement requirements depend on location. The two accepted accounting standard systems are GAAP and IFRS. The differences between GAAP and IFRS are GAAP is rules-based and IFRS is principle-based. How can a worldwide accounting standard benefit the world economy? The answer depends on political will, culture, countries history, and business structure. Research indicated there are only slight differences between GAAP and IFRS. These slight differences must be explored further to predict the impact on companies, economic, and financial markets. GAAP and IFRS have to be reconciled as a worldwide accounting standard to efficiently allow investors to compare foreign companies. GAAP set the accounting standard for the United States since its inception in 1929. GAAP evolved over the last 60 years (Măciucă, Ursache, Moroşan, & Apetri, 2014). IFRS was established in 1973 (Smith, 2012). IFRS used GAAP as a source document for its standards, either to imitate, modify, or omit (Chevis, 2014). The European Union established IFRS as the standard in 2005 (Smith, 2012). In 2007, the...
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...US GAAP vs. IFRS The basics March 2010 Table of contents 2 5 7 8 11 13 14 16 18 20 26 28 31 33 35 38 40 42 43 44 46 47 Introduction Financial statement presentation Interim financial reporting Consolidations, joint venture accounting and equity method investees Business combinations Inventory Long-lived assets Intangible assets Impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets Financial instruments Foreign currency matters Leases Income taxes Provisions and contingencies Revenue recognition Share-based payments Employee benefits other than share-based payments Earnings per share Segment reporting Subsequent events Related parties Appendix — The evolution of IFRS Introduction It is not surprising that many people who follow the development of worldwide accounting standards today might be confused. Convergence is a high priority on the agendas of both the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) — and “convergence” is a term that suggests an elimination or coming together of differences. Yet much is still made of the many differences that exist between US GAAP as promulgated by the FASB and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as promulgated by the IASB, suggesting that the two GAAPs continue to speak languages that are worlds apart. This apparent contradiction has prompted many to ask just how different are the two sets of standards? And where differences exist, why do they exist...
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...International Accounting Standards Board Introduction Accounting plays a very significant role in the success of any business organization as it helps its users make decisions. Different accounting principles grew out of the divergent economic and social environments of various nations and regions. Difference among national accounting become more disconcerting when trade barriers between nations were reduced due to international cooperation developments. Efforts have increased during the past decade to move nations toward using international standards. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is an organization that regulates the accounting standards which are accepted globally by almost all the countries in the world. This paper will first discuss the history of IASB. Next it will explain the structure of IASB. After that, the paper will talk about how International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are created. Finally, it will describe the effort to converge IFRS with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). History of IASB International Accounting Standards Board was first known as International Accounting Standard Committee (IASC) which existed from 1973 to 2001. It was responsible for developing the International Accounting Standards (IASs) and promoting the use and application of these standards. After nearly 25 years of achievement, the IASC concluded that it must find a way to converge between national accounting standards and...
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