...GAAP vs IFRS Generally Accepted Accounting Principles verses International Financial Reporting Standards Laura Lance Financial Accounting, ACC211 Instructor Suzanne Lozano 12 November 2011 GAAP vs IFRS 1 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles verses International Financial Reporting Standards. The two accounting reporting systems used today are the International Financial Reporting Standards and the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). These two totally different accounting standards have a lot of differences and similarities. The IFRS leaves the decision making for the accountants, while the GAAP is very detailed in the measures in which it reports accounting. Many companies are operating under a global sort of accounting. Each different Country has different standards in accounting principles. In this document I will go over a few differences and similarities between the IFRS and GAAP accounting principles. Disclosure of Contingencies One of the most significant differences between GAAP and IFRS is the disclosure of potential liabilities. U.S. GAAP would like to increase the standard for disclosure of loss contingencies, such as lawsuits that are pending. The IFRS position on this is that...
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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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...One Global GAAP: IFRS vs. US GAAP Acct 522 Current Topics in Financial Reporting Zhipeng Cao CIN: 300443421 Introduction The most influential accounting reporting criteria today is the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by and U.S Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). These two different accounting standards have various emphases. In short, IFRS states principles and it leaves the decision-making in everyday questions for accountants, while US GAAP consists of very detailed measures. Under the globalization environment, many companies are operating under a global scale; however, each country has its own accounting standard which makes the translation more difficulty. So the demand for the convergence of the two most important standards comes out. (Accounting Reporting Criteria, 2009, March 23). In this paper, I will put more emphasis on the comparison of the detail differences between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and U.S Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). I will also pay attention to the convergence of the two accounting principles. Body 1 In this part, I will mainly discuss the difference between IFRS vs. US GAAP; the table below shows the brief summary of the major differences between IFRS vs. US GAAP. I would like to discuss some of them. General approach The most significant difference between IFRS and U.S. GAAP exist in the general approach. IFRS mostly provides the basic accounting...
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...IFRS vs. GAAP Accounting 290 IFRS vs GAAP The world has never been smaller than it is today. Technology has created ways to reach out to the far corners of the world that have never been possible in the past. This has made the transfer of information the easiest and fastest it has ever been. This revelation of information didn’t just make it easier for individuals to connect around the world, but business as well. Internationalization of business has never been stronger throughout the world. Just like different cultures from around the world differ, so do the ways business operate and report their finances. There are two main ways business around the world report their accounting information. The Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is primarily used in the United States and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is primarily used in European markets as its accounting system. With the United States looking to join its European counterparts in 2015 to switch to a IFRS system, it’s important for business to understand the similarities and differences between the two accounting systems. In What Ways Does the Format of a Financial Statement Differ? One of the big changes will be the requirements of separating current, non-current assets, and liabilities under the IFRS. The GAAP only recommends that you separate assets, non-current assets, and liabilities but does not require a company to do so. The IFRS requirements...
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...IFRS vs. GAAP: Same or Different ACC407 January 27, 2013 Catherine McBride IFRS vs. GAAP: Same or Different The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) are working on nearly a dozen joint projects designed to improve both U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and ultimately make the standards fully compatible. But in the mean time, the two predominant accounting standards to this day are the U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). These two standards have several differences because they both take a completely different approach to their methodology. The U.S. GAAP is more rule-based, where IFRS is principal-based. With IFRS's principal-based approach, a lot of room was left open for interpretations for similar transactions. It gives room for second guessing, debate and conjecture. Anytime you have a fundamental system that can be debated you create a forum of uncertainty that then requires an arbitrator who can settle the dispute. This arbitrator is called the standards setting board, and it provides fewer exceptions than a rule based system (Parrott, 2008). With the U.S. GAAP you have a rule-based system. This is a more clear approach that distinguishes between what seems correct and what is correct. There is no room for interpretation. Each process has a set...
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...IFRS vs. GAAP: What are the differences, how does it affect net income reporting and what difficulties may exist in mandating IFRS in the U.S. Introduction I propose to write a paper on some of the major differences which still remain between IFRS and US GAAP. Although the FASB and IASB along with the SEC have been working to converge the two accounting systems, many differences still exist. In particular I plan to show the effects on the reported net income of companies and highlight the difficulties of mandating the use of IFRS in the U.S. Resources abound on this topic, some include: Hughes S, Sander J. A U.S. Manager's Guide to Differences Between IFRS and U.S. GAAP. Management Accounting Quarterly [serial online]. Summer2007 2007;8(4):1-8. Available from: Business Source Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 7, 2014 SMITH L. IFRS and U.S. GAAP: Some Key Differences Accountants Should Know. Management Accounting Quarterly [serial online]. Fall2012 2012;14(1):19-26. Available from: Business Source Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 7, 2014. de Mesa Graziano, C., & Heffes, E. M. (2008). IFRS Section: Definition of Fair Value, One of the Differences Between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Financial Executive, 24(10), 14 Romeo, G., & Bao, D. (2012). TEACHING INVENTORY USING U.S. GAAP AND IFRS: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE. Journal For Global Business Education, 1225-34. Siegel J., & Shim J. (2010) Accounting Handbook, Barron’s Educational Services,...
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...organization is reporting under the IFRS standard while their branch in the United States is using US-GAAP. While the differences do not outweigh the similarities, GAAP and IFRS standards have caused some concerns in financial reporting. These concerns have led to the evaluation of these two reporting standards and the discussion on whether to move IFRS worldwide. This paper will outline a few of the differences between GAAP and IFRS as well as review the discussion of standardized reporting using IFRS. Introduction Historically, accounting and reporting standards in the United States have been set by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accounts) as laid out by the regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In 1973, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) was developed by the AICPA as a council for establishing standards for reporting for all United States companies. Under FASB, GAAP was reorganized into approximately 90 accounting standards offering concise methods to follow for financial reporting. This not only allowed for ease of access when reading US financials statements, but also allowed for comparison of documentation for investments, credits, and other financial decisions. On the other hand, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) were developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) based in London. Currently, about 120 nations require the use of IFRS for financial reporting by public companies...
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...GAAP vs. IFRS Principles Based vs. Rules Based A major difference between GAAP and IFRS is that GAAP is rule-based, whereas IFRS is principle-based. With a principle based framework there is the potential for different interpretations of similar transactions, which could lead to extensive disclosures in the financial statements. Although, the standards setting board in a principle-based system can clarify areas that are unclear. This could lead to fewer exceptions than a rules-based system. Another difference between IFRS and GAAP is the methodology used to assess an accounting treatment. Under GAAP, the research is more focused on the literature whereas under IFRS, the review of the facts pattern is more thorough. Some Examples of Differences Between IFRS and U.S. GAAP * Consolidation — IFRS favors a control model whereas GAAP prefers a risks-and-rewards model. Some entities consolidated in accordance with FIN 46(R) may have to be shown separately under IFRS. * Statement of Income — Under IFRS, extraordinary items are not segregated in the income statement. With GAAP, they are shown below the net income. * Inventory — Under IFRS, LIFO cannot be used, but GAAP, companies have the choice between LIFO and FIFO. * Earning-per-Share — Under IFRS, the earning-per-share calculation does not average the individual interim period calculations, whereas under GAAP the computation averages the individual interim period incremental shares. * Development costs —...
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...AUDIT | DECEMBER 2012 THE POWER OF BEING UNDERSTOOD U.S. GAAP VS. IFRS: IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AT-A-GLANCE Increasing globalization coupled with related regulations continues to put pressure on moving towards a common global accounting framework – International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Currently, more than 100 countries use IFRS, so if your business goals include global expansion, it is critical to educate yourself about the impact of IFRS on your financial reporting processes and business now. To gain a better understanding of what IFRS means for your organization, we have prepared a series of comparisons dedicated to highlighting significant differences between IFRS and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This particular comparison focuses on the significant differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS when accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets. For other comparisons available in this series, refer to our U.S. GAAP vs. IFRS comparisons at-a-glance series. A discussion about U.S. GAAP and IFRS would not be complete without mentioning the status of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) activities focused on determining whether the application of IFRS by U.S. registrants should be required or allowed. While the SEC has not made any final decisions with respect to use of IFRS by U.S. registrants, its activities are ongoing. For more information, refer to our IFRS Resource Center. The guidance related to accounting for the...
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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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...completely prepares a company financial statements. For years GAAP has been the common set of standards and procedures for the U.S, the core for establishing a principle of reporting but now IFRS an international friendly financial reporting system has become popular for its use globally. In the text Intermediate Accounting by C.P.A Kieso, GAAP also known as generally accepted accounting principles are standardized guidelines and procedures to financial accounting and reporting. There are three major parties that are involved in the standard setting where U.S companies must abide by. Securities and Exchange (SEC), established by the federal government to help create and regulate financial information presented to stockholders. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), an organization of practicing Certified Public Accountants (CPA’s) established to contribute to the effort. And the major operator Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), objective is to establish and improve standards of financial accounting and reporting for the guidance and education of the public, which includes issuers, auditors, and use of financial information. Transpired by the London-based International Accounting Standards Boards (ISAB); for international purposes U.S GAAP or (IFRS) International Reporting Standards, also known as IGAAP are two rules accepted for financial reporting. Requirements for IFRS;...
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...Comparing IFRS to GAAP Nicole A. Walker ACC/290 September 7, 2015 Linda Gandy Comparing IFRS to GAAP International Financial Reporting Standards or IFRS for short, is the standard method of accounting that is used in a little more than 110 counties in the world. US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, GAAP for short, is the method of accounting that is used regularly in the United States. International Financial Reporting Standards is more “principles based” method, while the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles is more “rules based” accounting system. 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? IFRS guidelines do not specify a certain format. Companies usually report their assets in reverse order. IFRS financial statements have current and noncurrent assets and then current and noncurrent liabilities listed separately on their balance sheet. GAAP requires that accounts are ordered based on what could be liquidized first. Cash, assets, liabilities and equity in that order. (Epstein, 2013) IFRS 2-2: Do the IFRS and GAAP conceptual frameworks differ in terms of the objective of financial reporting? Explain. No, from what I have read about the IFRS and GAAP it seems to me that both authorities believe in reporting accurate and relevant information. The information is relevant in the eyes of a creditor or regulator and should be accurate to conform to either...
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...GAAP vs. IFRS Giovanni Flores Johanna Guedea Orlando Muñoz ACC/290 March 10, 2015 Stephen Russell GAAP vs. IFRS For a long time, there have been proposals that have been working on with regard to the replacement of GAAP also known as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles with IFRS known as International Financial Reporting Standards which are used in the accounting and financial reporting aspects. But what is it that makes them both so different and so similar? It all falls into the comparison of GAAP and the IFRS in explaining the two standards that have such enormous implications for the functions of accountants, attorneys, corporate directors and financial officers now in days. The differences and similarities between IFRS and GAAP can be quite overwhelming. Starting with the format of a statement or financial or position under IFRS how it often differs from a balance sheet presented under GAAP. Ifrs does not require a particular order or classification of accounts on the statement of financial position when GAAP does have a specific requirement that all reports are ranked on their measure liquidity. The primary goal in IFRS is to give users of financial statements a clear understanding of the companies asset structure. After the asset structure and the shareholder are reported, liabilities follow ending the financial statement, unlike IFRS, GAAP orders liquid assets first and the shareholder equity is reported very last on the balance...
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...IFRS VS. GAAP Gregory Abraham ACC/290 August 17, 2015 Sherrick Johnson IFRS VS. GAAP In accounting, there are sets of standards, accounting principles, and procedures that businesses use to assemble their financial statements. IFRS and GAAP are two common sets that companies use to comply their statements. IFRS, International Financial Reporting Standards, are a set of accounting standards established by the IASB, the International Accounting Standards Board, which is becoming the international standard for the preparation of public company financial statements. GAAP, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are a mixture of influential standards and simply the commonly accepted ways to record and report accounting information (Offill, 2012). Even though GAAP and IFRS are both commonly used, they are still differently structured. IFRS Format of a Statement Differ From GAAP Balance Sheet IFRS does not obligate a precise order or arrangement of financial records on the statement of financial position. A lot of the time businesses report possessions in opposite order of assets. For example, the sequence of accounts on the statement of financial position could include Current Assets, Long Term Asset, Long Term Liabilities, Shareholder Equity, and Current Liabilities. GAAP on the other hand, specifically desires that all financial records be organized established on their degree of assets. Thus, money is typically conveyed initially, and non-current possessions...
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...GAAP VS. IFRS The International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) is becoming a global standard for the preparation of public company financial statements. More than 12,000 public companies in over 100 countries have adopted IFRS, including listed companies in the European Union. Other countries, including Canada and India, are expected to transition to IFRS in 2011. On the other hand, the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) is used primarily in the U.S. Proponents and considered as the "Golden Rule". The argument arises that should the U.S. Act as a good neighbor or should they go on their own way. To answer this question, we should clarify several issues concerning the adoption of IFRS in the U.S. First of all, the role of setting up accounting standards is to achieve high-quality and comparable financial reports . Whether the U.S. should adopt the new accounting rule rests with whether it can improve the quality and comparability of firms’ financial reporting and disclosure practices. One of the major differences between IFRS and GAAP is that IFRS is so-called principles-based, while GAAP is rules-based. Assuming that this assertion is correct (which may not be the case since IFRS is becoming more rules-based in certain area), it doesn't necessarily guarantee that IFRS is superior to GAAP. The newer, less-detailed IFRS provides accountants and managers with more reporting discretion, which may lead to different accounting treatments and...
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