9706 International Accounting Standards (For Examination From 2023)
9706 International Accounting Standards (For Examination From 2023)
9706 International Accounting Standards (For Examination From 2023)
Version 1
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Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................4
IAS 1: Presentation of financial statements ..............................................................................6
IAS 2: Inventories ...................................................................................................................12
IAS 7: Statement of cash flows ..............................................................................................16
IAS 8: Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors ..............................19
IAS 10: Events after the reporting period ...............................................................................21
IAS 16: Property, plant and equipment ..................................................................................23
IAS 36: Impairment of assets .................................................................................................28
IAS 37: Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets .............................................31
IAS 38: Intangible assets........................................................................................................33
Appendix 1: Statement of changes in equity ..........................................................................36
Appendix 2: Financial statements for other forms of business (AS Level) .............................37
Appendix 3: Financial statements for other forms of business (A Level) ...............................42
Appendix 4: Resources for photocopying ...............................................................................45
International Accounting Standards
Introduction
This document is designed to help teachers in their delivery of International Accounting Standards (IAS) to
learners of Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting. Its aims are:
• to give a definitive indication of areas learners will need to be aware of in relation to the IAS for future
Cambridge International A Level Accounting examinations
• to provide illustrative examples for learners and teachers.
The guidance presented in this document is primarily aimed at teachers. Only those standards identified in
the Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting syllabus will be considered, as listed in the following
table.
IAS Topic
IAS 2 Inventories
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Qualitative characteristics
As shown above, financial statements are prepared for a variety of reasons. The Conceptual Framework for
Financial Reporting developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) sets out the
qualitative characteristics of the financial statements that makes them useful to the users:
Fundamental qualitative characteristics
• Relevance – the information influences the economic decisions of users.
• Faithful representation – the information must be complete, neutral and free from errors.
Enhancing qualitative characteristics
• Comparability – the information enables comparisons with similar information about other entities
and with similar information about the same entity over time to identify and evaluate trends.
• Verifiability – the information is faithfully represented and can be verified, providing assurance to the
user that it is both credible and reliable.
• Timeliness – the information is provided to the users within a timescale suitable for their decision-
making purposes.
• Understandability – the information is readily understandable by users, which is facilitated through
appropriate classification, characterisation and presentation of information.
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• distribution costs include, costs of selling and delivering goods to customers, for example, delivery
vehicle running costs, drivers’ wages, warehouse costs
• administrative expenses include, expenses other than the direct costs of production and distribution
costs, for example, office costs, heat and light, etc.
XYZ Limited
Statement of profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 2020
(4 500) (4 000)
Tax
14 500 12 000
Profit for the Year
Notes:
• Note the end point of this statement. Unlike previous statements, there is now a requirement to show
various other information regarding:
o statement of changes in equity
o information relating to dividends.
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Retained Earnings
56 500 47 000
(3 000) (2 000)
Notes:
See Appendix 1 for a comprehensive example of a statement of changes in equity.
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Notes:
• Only dividends paid during the year are included in the financial statements. They are shown as
deductions in the statement of changes in equity.
• The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the Annual General
Meeting. It is only included by way of a note to the financial statements.
• No liability is included in the financial statements in respect of the proposed final dividend.
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• cash and cash equivalent (unless restricted), for example, a short-term investment or deposit that can
easily be converted into cash.
Any other assets would then be classified as non-current.
XYZ Limited
Statement of financial position as at 31 December 2020
2020 2019
$000 $000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets Goodwill 7 700 8 000
Property, plant & equipment 100 000 92 100
107 700 100 100
Current assets
Inventories 1 000 800
Trade and other receivables 5 000 4 000
Cash and cash equivalents 500 300
6 500 5 100
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 1 200 1 000
Tax liabilities 3 500 4 000
4 700 5 000
Total liabilities 9 700 10 200
Total equity and liabilities 114 200 105 200
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IAS 2: Inventories
The term inventory refers to the stock of goods which a business holds in a variety of forms:
• raw materials for use in a subsequent manufacturing process
• work in progress, partly manufactured goods
• finished goods, completed goods ready for sale to customers
• finished goods that the business has bought for resale to customers.
The principle of inventory valuation set out in IAS 2 is that inventories should be valued at the lower of
cost and net realisable value.
Note the exact wording. It is the lower of cost and net realisable value, not the lower of cost or net
realisable value.
Cost should include all costs of purchase (including transport and handling), costs of conversion
(including manufacturing overheads) and other costs incurred in bringing the inventory to its present
location and condition.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business, less the
estimated cost of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Any write-down to
net realisable value should be recognised as an expense in the period in which the write-down occurs.
Note that inventory is never valued at selling price or net realisable value when that value is greater
than the cost.
The ABC Stationery Company bought 20 boxes of photocopier paper at $5 per box. Following a flood
in their stockroom 5 of the boxes were damaged. They were offered for sale at $3 per box. All were
unsold at the end of the company’s financial year.
At what value will they be included in the financial statements?
15 boxes will be valued at their cost of $5 per box, a total of $75.
5 boxes will be valued at $3 per box, a total of $15. The total inventory value will be $90.
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The Good Look Clothing Company carries a variety of inventory. At their year-end they produce the
following data:
What will be the total inventory value for the financial statements?
$
New dresses 1 000
Children’s clothes 2 000
Bargain fashions 900
Total inventory value 3 900
Note that the valuation of the Bargain Fashions is the lowest of the three choices. This means that
inventory valuation follows the prudence concept.
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The XYZ Manufacturing Company manufactures wooden doors for the building trade. For the period
under review it manufactured and sold 10,000 doors. At the end of the trading period there were
1,000 completed doors ready for dispatch to customers and 200 doors which were half-completed as
regards direct material, direct labour and production overheads.
Notes:
• Non-production overheads of $10 000 are excluded from the calculations.
• The value of finished goods ($3 000) will be compared with their net realisable value when
preparing the financial statements.
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Financing activities
This is calculated by including:
• inflows from:
o cash received from the issue of share capital (including share premium)
o raising or increasing loans
• outflows from:
o repayment of share capital
o repayment of loans and finance lease liabilities
o equity dividends paid.
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$ $
Net cash (used in)/from operating activities 52 000
Allowable variations:
The standard allows some flexibility in the way in which cash flow statements can be presented:
• Cash flows from interest and dividends received and paid, can be shown as operating or
investing or financing activities. Whichever is chosen must be applied consistently from period
to period.
• Cash flows arising from taxes on income are always classified as operating activities unless
they can be specifically identified with financing and/or investing activities.
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Accounting policies
These are defined as: ‘the specific principles, bases, conventions, rules and practices applied by an
entity in preparing and presenting financial statements.
In selecting and applying accounting policies, the standard requires that:
• when an accounting standard specifically applies to a transaction or event, then the policy
contained in that standard should be applied, OR
• when no specific standard applies, then management should use its judgement in developing
and applying an accounting policy that provides information to the users of the financial
statements that is relevant, reliable, prudent and complete. In doing so, they should refer to
any other standards or interpretations or to other standard-setting bodies to assist them.
However, they must make sure that their subsequent interpretation or recommended method of
treatment for the transaction does not result in conflict with international standards or
interpretations.
An entity must apply accounting policies consistently for similar transactions. Changes in accounting
policies can only occur:
• if the change is required by an accounting standard or interpretation, or
• if the change results in the financial statements providing more reliable and relevant
information that faithfully represents the effect of transactions on the financial statements.
Any changes adopted must be applied retrospectively to financial statements. This means that the
previous figure for equity and other figures in the statement of profit or loss and statement of financial
position must be altered, subject to the practicalities of calculating the relevant amounts.
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Specific cases
There are three situations in addition to the above that require consideration:
• Dividends declared or proposed after the reporting period are not recognised as a liability at
the end of the reporting period. They are non-adjusting events and are shown in a note to the
financial statements.
• An entity shall not prepare its financial statements on a going concern basis if management
determines after the end of the reporting period either that it intends to liquidate the entity or to
cease trading, or that it has no realistic alternative but to do so.
• Entities must disclose the date when the financial statements were authorised for issue and
who gave that authorisation. If anyone had the power to amend the financial statements after
issue then this fact must also be disclosed.
ABC PLC prepared its financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2019. During August 2019,
before the financial statements were approved, the following issues arose:
1. The company was informed that a customer had been declared bankrupt owing ABC PLC $38,000.
The debt related to sales in January 2019.
2. The directors discovered that an error in preparing the financial statements resulted in revenue
being understated by $150,000.
3. A fire at one of the company’s properties in July 2019 resulted in damage estimated at $125,000.
What action should the directors take in respect of these issues, all of which are material?
1. As the outstanding debt dated back to January 2019, before the end of the reporting period, the
insolvency was evidence of a condition that existed at the date of the financial statements. It is thus an
adjusting event and the financial statements should be amended to write off the outstanding $38,000.
2. The error of understating revenue relates to the period ended 30 June 2019. It is thus an adjusting
event and revenue should be increased by $150,000.
3. The fire happened after the end of the reporting period and is therefore not evidence of a condition
that existed at that date. This is a non-adjusting event. No adjustment is to be made in the financial
statements, but as the amount is material, the event should be disclosed in the notes to the financial
statements.
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loss. A decrease arising as a result of revaluation should be recognised as an expense to the extent
that it exceeds any amount previously credited to the revaluation reserve relating to the same tangible
non-current asset.
Depreciation
Depreciation should be allocated on a systematic basis over the tangible non-current asset’s useful
life. The depreciation method should reflect the pattern in which asset’s future economic benefits are
expected to be consumed by the entity.
The expected useful life and residual value of the tangible non-current asset should be reviewed at
least at each financial year-end. If there is a difference from previous estimates this must be
recognised as a change in an estimate under IAS 8 (Accounting policies, changes in accounting
estimates and errors).
• Depreciation must continue to be charged even if the fair value of a tangible non-current asset
exceeds its carrying amount.
• Depreciation need not be charged when the residual value is greater than the carrying amount.
• Depreciation is to be included as an expense in the statement of profit and loss.
When considering the useful life of a tangible non-current asset the following should be considered:
• expected usage of the tangible non-current asset, its capacity or output
• expected physical wear and tear
• technical or commercial obsolescence
• legal or other limits imposed on the use of the tangible non-current asset.
Land and buildings are separable assets. Land has an unlimited useful life, other than in the case of a
mine or quarry, and land is not depreciated. It is carried in the statement of financial position at cost.
Buildings have a limited useful life and should therefore be depreciated.
Allowable methods of depreciation are:
• straight line
• diminishing or reducing balance
• revaluation model.
A depreciation method that is based on revenue that is generated by an activity that includes the use
of an asset is not appropriate. The entity must choose a method of depreciation which reflects the
pattern of its usage over its useful economic life. The method should be reviewed at least at each
financial year-end and, if there has been a significant change in the expected pattern of future
economic benefits, the method should be changed to reflect the changed pattern. This must be
recognised as a change in an estimate under IAS 8 (Accounting policies, changes in accounting
estimates and errors).
Derecognition
This occurs when the tangible non-current asset is sold or no further future economic benefits are
expected from its use. Any profit or loss on disposal is shown in the statement of profit or loss.
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DEF plc
Accumulated depreciation
Carrying amount
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Disclosure
Impairment losses either recognised or reversed should be disclosed by class of asset.
If an individual impairment loss is material, the following must be disclosed:
• the events and circumstances resulting in the impairment loss
• the amount of the loss or reversal
• details of the individual asset and the class to which it relates.
If impairment losses recognised or reversed are material in total to the financial statements as a
whole, disclose:
• the main classes of assets affected
• the main events and circumstances involved.
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In the statement of financial position, they should be shown at the following values:
Value in statement of
Asset financial position Reason
$
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Recognition of a provision
A provision must be recognised if, and only if:
• a present obligation exists as a result of a past event (the obligating event)
• payment is probable (more than 50% likelihood of occurrence)
• the amount can be estimated reliably.
The obligating event creates a legal or constructive obligation. A legal obligation derives from a
contract or legislation. A constructive obligation derives from past actions or policies that imply that an
entity will accept certain responsibilities, for example, warranties or refunds.
The amount recognised as a provision should be the best estimate of the expenditure required to
settle the present obligation at the date of the statement of financial position. The provision should be
reviewed at each subsequent reporting period end date and, if an outflow is no longer probable, the
provision should be reversed.
Contingent liabilities
A possible obligation (a contingent liability) is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements, but
not recognised. However, where the possibility of payment is remote, no recognition or disclosure is
required.
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Contingent assets
These should not be recognised in the financial statements, but should be disclosed in the notes to the
financial statements where an inflow of economic benefits is probable and the amount is material.
Where the inflow of economic benefits is possible or remote, there should be no recognition and no
disclosure.
A company manufactures shampoo. A customer is suing the company claiming that the shampoo has
caused burns to her head. The customer is claiming damages of $100 000. Lawyers have advised the
company that it is possible that the customer may win the legal case.
As the outcome of the case is uncertain (i.e. a possible successful claim for damages), the company
is not certain to be liable, i.e. this is a contingent liability. In these circumstances, the company should
not make a provision, but should disclose details of the case in its notes to the financial statements.
If the lawyer was of the opinion that it was probable that they would lose the legal case, a provision
for the damages should be made in the financial statements.
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Recognition
The standard requires an entity to recognise an intangible asset, whether purchased or self-created
(at cost), if:
• it is probable that the future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to the entity;
and
the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
• The probability of future economic benefits must be based on reasonable and supportable
assumptions about conditions that will exist over the life of the asset.
If an intangible asset does not meet both the definition of, and the criteria for, recognition, IAS 38
requires the expenditure to be recognised as an expense when it is incurred.
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Specific cases
The standard details initial recognition criteria and accounting treatment for specific cases as follows.
Research and development costs
• Research costs – charge all costs to the statement of profit or loss.
• Development costs may be capitalised as an intangible asset only after the technical and
commercial feasibility of the asset for sale or use have been established. The entity must
demonstrate how the asset will generate future economic benefits.
Internally generated brands, customer lists, etc.
These should not be recognised as assets.
Computer software
If purchased, this may be capitalised. If internally generated, whether for sale or for use, it should be
charged as an expense until technical and commercial feasibility has been established.
Other types of cost
The following items must be charged to expenses in the when incurred, not classed as intangible
assets:
• internally generated goodwill
• start-up costs
• training costs
• advertising and promotional costs
• relocation costs.
Initial measurement
Intangible assets are initially measured at cost.
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Disclosure
For each class of intangible asset, the following should be disclosed:
• useful life or amortisation rate
• amortisation method
• gross carrying amount
• accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
• reconciliation of the carrying amount at the beginning and end of the reporting period
• the basis for determining that an intangible asset has an indefinite life
• description and carrying amount of individually material intangible assets.
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International Accounting Standards – Appendices
Balance at 1 January 2020 150 000 5 000 20 000 108 000 283 000
Balance at 31 December
180 000 8 000 50 000 154 000 392 000
2020
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Notes:
* If only one asset was sold during the year only one of these items will appear.
** If the allowance reduces, the decrease is added to the gross profit: if the allowance increases, the
increase is included in the expenses.
*** If the expenses exceed the gross profit plus other income, the resulting figure is described as a
loss for the year.
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Current liabilities
Trade payables 21
Other payables 6
Bank overdraft 3 30
Total liabilities 50
Total equity and liabilities 226
Note:
* If there is a loss for the year, this will be deducted rather than added.
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(Partnership Name)
Profit and Loss Appropriation Account for the year ended 31 December 2020
$ $ $
Profit for the year 45 000
51 000
30 000
(Partnership Name)
Statement of financial position (extract) at 31 December 2020
Note:
* Where the balance of a partner’s current account is a debit balance it is shown in brackets and
deducted rather than added.
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Where full details of the current accounts are required the ‘Financed by’ section of a partnership
statement of financial position could be presented as follows.
Partnership (Name)
Statement of financial position (extract) at 31 December 2020
$ $ $
Partner A Partner B Total
Current accounts
Notes:
* Where a balance is a debit balance it is shown in brackets and deducted rather than added.
** Where there is a loss to share out it is shown in brackets and deducted rather than added.
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$ $
Revenue (sales) 365 000
Less cost of sales
Opening inventory of finished goods 23 000
Production cost of goods completed 243 000
Purchases of finished goods 17 000
283 000
Less Closing inventory of finished goods 22 000 261 000
Gross profit 104 000
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$ $
Revenue (sales) 22 500
Less cost of sales
Opening inventory 2 300
Purchases 7 400
9 700
Less closing inventory (1 800)
Cost of goods sold (7 900)
Gross profit 14 600
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$ $
Income
Subscriptions 45 000
Profit on shop 5 700
Competition – entrance fees 1 600
less expenses (400) 1 200
Interest received 1 400
* Profit on disposal of non-current assets -
53 300
Expenditure
General expenses 16 300
Rates and insurance 12 000
Repairs and maintenance 2 400
Loan interest 600
* Loss on disposal of non-current assets 300
Depreciation of equipment 1 500 (33 100)
** Surplus for the year 20 200
Notes:
* If only one asset was sold during the year only one of these items will appear.
** If the expenditure exceeds the income the resulting figure is described as a deficit.
$
Accumulated fund
Opening balance 67 500
Add: surplus for the year 20 200
Total accumulated fund 87 700
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……………………………………………………
$ $
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Add: other income
Less: expenses
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……………………………………………………
Assets $ $
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets $
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Total equity
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
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……………………………………………………
$ $
Profit for the year
Add: Interest on drawings
Profit shared
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……………………………………………………
Assets $ $
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets $
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Capital accounts
Current accounts
Total equity
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
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……………………………………………………
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Finance costs
Tax
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……………………………………………………
Balance at start
of the year
Balance at start
of the year
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……………………………………………………
$000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
TOTAL EQUITY
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Total equity and liabilities
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……………………………………………………
$ $
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……………………………………………………
Total
$ $ $ $ $
Cost or valuation
At
Revaluation
Additions
Disposals
At
Accumulated depreciation
At
Revaluation
Disposals
At
Carrying amount
At
At
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j) Manufacturing account
……………………………………………………
$ $
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