IFRS Overview and Accounting Convergence

IFRS Overview

• IFRS stands for International Financial Reporting Standards
• IFRS is an overview of accounting regulation in the context of convergence and the global economy
• The presentation was given by Chiara Saccon in Venice, 2024.
• The presentation covered various IFRS topics, including consolidation, theories, and individual financial statements

Programme and Study Materials

• The programme includes slides and articles on accounting regulation
• Textbook chapters related to IFRS regulation include an overview of IFRS, when to consolidate, how to consolidate, consolidation theories, combining individual financial statements, and further consolidation accounting
• The textbook notes include a chapter covering the meaning of consolidation.
• The textbook includes chapters on combining individual financial statements and further consolidation accounting.

Accounting Convergence

• Accounting and reporting methods historically varied across countries.
• Globalization, instant communication, and a global finance market have significantly altered this.
• Financial communication is crucial for effective financial markets and provides protection and transparency.
• This process of change in accounting methods is ongoing.

Convergence of Accounting Regulation

• Convergence describes the alignment of accounting regulations across countries.
• Harmonization refers to making regulations broadly consistent.
• Standardization refers to the adoption of common regulations in several countries.

Harmonization and Standardization

• Harmonization is frequently associated with EU transnational legislation.
• Standardization is tied to IAS/IFRS (International Accounting Standards).
• The FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) and the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) cooperate as per the Norwalk agreement from 2002.

Reasons for Global Accounting Standards

• Globalization is a crucial driver of accounting convergence and is mainly fueled by the globalization of capital markets.
• Increased comparability and quality of information makes investment and financial analysis easier.
• Facilitated transactions, communication, and cooperation between businesses.
• Benefits at the firm level include consolidation, management reports, internal controls, and reconciliations.
• Regulatory benefits also play a role in standard development and implementation.

IFRS - IASB - ifrs.org

• Accounting standards are defined as a set of concepts and techniques to identify, measure, and communicate financial information about a particular economic entity to varied stakeholders.
• The success of IFRS is instrumental in global convergence as per several available publications from the IFRS organization.

IFRS - IASB - ifrs.org (Web Site)

• The ifrs.org website provides information about the IFRS Foundation, including its mission, structure, and consultative bodies.
• The site details the individuals or groups who are responsible for overseeing and setting IFRS standards.

IFRS Foundation - Objectives

• The IFRS Foundation is a not-for-profit, public interest organization.
• Its goal is to develop high-quality, understandable, enforceable, and globally accepted accounting standards (IFRS).
• The organization intends to promote and facilitate the adoption of these standards to ensure that various parties across the globe can use accounting information effectively.

IFRS Foundation - Mission Statement

• The foundation's mission is to develop IFRS, enhancing transparency, strengthening accountability, and fostering economic efficiency.
• The work furthers public interest by engendering trust, promoting growth, and nurturing long-term financial stability within the global economy.

IFRS Foundation Structure

• The IFRS Foundation structure includes a Monitoring Board (public accountability), Trustees (governance), International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and an IFRS Interpretations Committee.

IFRS Foundation - IASB

• The IFRS Foundation and IASB are closely connected, with IASB's role being that of independent standard-setting and associated activities.
• The IFRS Foundation has a three-tiered governance structure that ensures independent standard-setting boards, publically accountable trustees, and a monitoring board of public entities.

IFRS Accounting Standards Development (Due Process)

• The process starts by setting the agenda.
• Research into accounting problems takes place.
• Specific standard-setting projects follow, followed by public consultation.
• Amendments are reviewed, and interpretations are clarified if necessary.

International Accounting Standards (IAS) - IFRS

• The framework for financial statement preparation and presentation was established in 1989.
• Several IAS and IFRS chapters were highlighted as part of the presentation, including those concerning financial statements, inventories, cash flows, net profit/loss, balance sheet events, income taxes, property/equipment, and revenue.

IFRS Principle-based Standards

• IFRS principle-based standards provide general principles that can be adapted to various situations.
• These are contrasted with US GAAP's rule-based approach focusing on very detailed rules rather than general principles, thereby potentially lacking flexibility.

IFRS Impacts

• IFRS adoption brings about significant consequences for cross-border investment, capital markets' credibility among foreign providers, and efficiency.
• Increased comparability of investment options helps reduce information asymmetry, boost value relevance, and potentially decrease earnings management.
• IFRS impacts on countries often involve diverse institutional factors and outcomes impacting their reporting systems.
• The IAS/IFRS diffusion from 2005 onwards, EU regulation 1606/2002, changes in balance of power between IASB and FASB, and the impact on accounting quality were discussed. Also, economic consequences of IFRS and accounting quality were addressed, plus discussions about principle-based vs. rule-based standards.

This quiz explores the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and their role in global accounting regulation. Topics include consolidation methods, consolidation theories, and the implications of IFRS in financial reporting. Test your knowledge of the content presented by Chiara Saccon in 2024.