Intermediate 1 & 2
Intermediate 1 & 2
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has developed a conceptual framework
for financial reporting, which serves as a foundation for the development and interpretation of
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The conceptual framework provides
guidance on the objectives, qualitative characteristics, elements, recognition, measurement, and
presentation of financial statements. Here is an overview of the key components of the IASB's
conceptual framework:
- The primary objective of financial reporting is to provide financial information about the
reporting entity that is useful to investors, creditors, and other stakeholders in making economic
decisions.
- Relevance implies that financial information should be capable of influencing the economic
decisions of users by being timely, predictive, and confirmatory.
- Faithful representation means that financial information should faithfully represent the
economic phenomena it purports to represent, be complete, neutral, and free from material error.
- Comparability enables users to identify similarities and differences between different entities
or periods.
- Verifiability means that different knowledgeable and independent observers could reach a
consensus on the accuracy of the financial information.
- The conceptual framework identifies five elements of financial statements: assets, liabilities,
equity, income, and expenses.
- Assets are economic resources controlled by the entity as a result of past events, from which
future economic benefits are expected.
- Liabilities are present obligations of the entity arising from past events, which are expected to
result in an outflow of resources.
- Equity represents the residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting liabilities.
- Income comprises increases in economic benefits during the accounting period, resulting in
an increase in equity, excluding contributions from shareholders.
- Expenses represent decreases in economic benefits during the accounting period, resulting in
a decrease in equity, excluding distributions to shareholders.
- The framework provides guidance on when and how to recognize and measure the elements
of financial statements.
- Recognition refers to the process of including an item in the financial statements, while
measurement involves determining the monetary amount assigned to a recognized item.
- The framework recommends the use of historical cost, fair value, or other measurement
bases, depending on the nature of the item.
- The framework outlines principles for the presentation and disclosure of financial information
to ensure it is presented in a clear and understandable manner.
- It provides guidance on the structure, format, and content of financial statements, including
notes and supplementary information.
The IASB's conceptual framework is a fundamental document that helps shape the development
and interpretation of IFRS. It provides a conceptual basis for standard-setting and assists
preparers, auditors, and users of financial statements in understanding and applying the
principles of financial reporting.
2
Fair Value Measurement:
Fair value measurement is a concept used in accounting and financial reporting to determine the
value of an asset, liability, or equity instrument based on its current market price or the price that
would be received in a transaction between market participants. Fair value is an objective
measurement that provides relevant information about an entity's financial position and
performance. It is commonly used when reporting certain financial instruments, investments, and
other assets or liabilities.
2. Fair Value Hierarchy: The fair value hierarchy categorizes inputs used in fair value
measurements into three levels:
a. Level 1 inputs: Observable quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
b. Level 2 inputs: Observable market data other than quoted prices, such as benchmark yields,
interest rates, or similar market data.
c. Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs that require significant judgment or estimation, often
based on internal models or management's assumptions.
3. Disclosure: Entities are required to disclose the fair value measurements and the level of the
fair value hierarchy for each class of assets and liabilities. These disclosures provide
transparency and allow users to assess the reliability of fair value measurements.
Impairment Concept:
Impairment refers to a decrease in the value of an asset or cash-generating unit (CGU) that
exceeds its recoverable amount. It occurs when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the
amount that can be recovered through its use or sale. Impairment is an important concept in
accounting as it ensures that assets are appropriately valued and reflects their economic reality.
1. Impairment Assessment: Entities are required to regularly assess whether there are any
indications of impairment for their assets. Indicators can include significant declines in market
value, changes in the economic environment, technological advancements, or legal or regulatory
changes.
2. Recoverable Amount: The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs
to sell (if applicable) or its value in use. The value in use is determined by estimating the future
cash flows the asset is expected to generate.
3. Impairment Recognition: If the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable
amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is calculated as the difference
between the carrying amount and the recoverable amount.
4. Reversal of Impairment: If the reasons for the impairment no longer exist or have improved,
impairment losses can be reversed up to the original carrying amount of the asset. However, such
reversals are recognized only to the extent that they do not exceed what the carrying amount
would have been had no impairment loss been recognized initially.
Fair value measurement and impairment concept are important aspects of accounting and
financial reporting. They ensure that assets and liabilities are accurately valued and provide
relevant information to users of financial statements. The specific rules and guidance for fair
value measurement and impairment assessment can vary depending on the accounting standards
being followed (such as IFRS or GAAP) and the nature of the assets or liabilities involved.
3
Recognition and measurement of receivables involve the process of identifying and recording
accounts receivable on a company's financial statements. Here is an analysis of the recognition
and measurement of receivables:
Recognition of Receivables:
- Receivables are typically recognized when a company sells goods or provides services on
credit terms, resulting in an unconditional right to receive payment.
- The recognition occurs at the time of the sale or when the service is rendered, and the amount
of the receivable is equal to the invoiced or agreed-upon price.
2. Legal Obligation:
- The obligation may arise from a formal sales contract, purchase order, or an informal
agreement based on customary business practices.
- Recognition of receivables is based on the expectation that future economic benefits will flow
to the company.
- It is essential to assess the collectibility of the receivables and the likelihood of receiving
payment from the customer.
Measurement of Receivables:
1. Initial Measurement:
- Receivables are initially measured at the transaction price, which represents the amount of
consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services.
- If the payment terms extend beyond one year, the receivable may be discounted to present
value using an appropriate discount rate.
2. Subsequent Measurement:
- After initial recognition, receivables are typically measured at amortized cost using the
effective interest rate method.
- Amortized cost represents the initial measurement of the receivable adjusted for any changes
due to the recognition of interest revenue, impairment losses, or derecognition.
3. Impairment:
- If there are indications of impairment, the receivable is tested for impairment, and any
resulting impairment loss is recognized in the income statement.
4. Derecognition:
- Receivables are derecognized when the legal rights to receive cash flows from the receivables
expire, or the receivables are transferred, either by sale or securitization, and the company no
longer has control over the receivables.
Disclosure of Receivables:
- Receivables are typically presented as a separate line item on the balance sheet, either as
current or non-current assets, depending on their expected collection period.
- Disclosures related to receivables may include information about the company's credit
policies, significant concentrations of credit risk, allowance for doubtful accounts, and aging
analysis.
It is important to note that the recognition and measurement of receivables may vary based on
the accounting standards followed (such as IFRS or GAAP) and industry-specific regulations.
Companies should refer to the relevant accounting standards and seek professional advice to
ensure accurate recognition and measurement of receivables in their financial statements.
4
Special inventory valuation techniques are alternative methods used to determine the value of
inventory items when the traditional cost-based methods, such as First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or
Weighted Average Cost (WAC), are not considered appropriate or practical. These techniques
are typically used in specific situations or industries where the standard cost-based methods may
not accurately reflect the true value of inventory. Here are some examples of special inventory
valuation techniques:
- LIFO assumes that the most recently acquired or produced inventory items are the first to be
sold.
- This method is based on the assumption that the cost of inventory increases over time, and it
matches the latest costs to current revenue.
- LIFO is primarily used in countries like the United States where it is allowed for tax purposes
but is not widely used under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
2. Specific Identification:
- Specific identification assigns a specific cost to each individual item or batch of inventory.
- This method is used when each item has a unique cost or when the company can track the
cost of individual items, such as in high-value items like jewelry or customized products.
- The retail inventory method is commonly used in the retail industry, where inventories
consist of large numbers of diverse items with different costs and selling prices.
- It estimates the cost of inventory by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the ending inventory at
retail prices.
- This method allows retailers to estimate the cost of inventory without conducting a physical
count and is based on the assumption that the relationship between the cost and selling price
remains relatively constant.
- LCM requires inventory to be reported at the lower of its historical cost or its current market
value.
- Market value can be defined as the replacement cost or the net realizable value, whichever is
lower.
- LCM is used to prevent inventory from being carried on the books at a value higher than its
current worth, ensuring conservatism in reporting.
- The standard cost method assigns predetermined costs to inventory items based on expected
costs of materials, labor, and overhead.
- It is useful in industries where costs are relatively stable, allowing for more consistent
inventory valuation.
- The actual costs are then compared to the standard costs, and any variances are recorded
separately.
It is important to note that the use of special inventory valuation techniques may be subject to
specific regulations or accounting standards in different jurisdictions. Companies should
carefully evaluate the appropriateness of these techniques based on their industry, nature of
inventory, regulatory requirements, and accounting standards they follow, such as IFRS or
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Professional advice and consultation with
accountants or financial experts are recommended to ensure compliance and accurate valuation
of inventory.
5
Accounting procedures for the depreciation, disposition, and impairment of Property, Plant, and
Equipment (PPE) involve recording and reporting the changes in the value and status of these
assets over time. Here are the accounting procedures for each of these aspects:
Depreciation:
- Apply the chosen depreciation method to determine the periodic depreciation expense. This
involves dividing the asset's depreciable base (cost less salvage value) by its estimated useful
life.
3. Record Depreciation Expense:
- Debit the Depreciation Expense account and credit the Accumulated Depreciation account for
the calculated depreciation expense. This reflects the allocation of the asset's cost over its useful
life.
Disposition:
- Identify the date on which the PPE asset is disposed of or no longer in use.
- Determine the proceeds from the disposal, which could be the sales price or any other form of
consideration received.
- Compare the proceeds from the disposal with the carrying amount of the asset (cost minus
accumulated depreciation).
- If the proceeds exceed the carrying amount, record a gain on disposal. If the proceeds are less
than the carrying amount, record a loss on disposal.
- Debit the Accumulated Depreciation account and PPE's related Accumulated Impairment
Loss (if any) to remove the asset's carrying amount.
- Debit or credit the Gain or Loss on Disposal account to reflect the difference between
proceeds and carrying amount.
- Credit the PPE account to remove the asset from the books.
- If any cash or other assets are received, debit the appropriate asset account or Cash account.
Impairment:
- Periodically assess PPE for indicators of impairment, such as significant decline in market
value, changes in technology, or physical damage.
- If indicators exist, estimate the recoverable amount of the asset, comparing it to the carrying
amount.
- The impairment loss is calculated as the difference between the carrying amount and the
recoverable amount.
- Debit the Impairment Loss account and credit the Accumulated Impairment Loss account.
It's important to note that the specific accounting treatments for depreciation, disposition, and
impairment may vary based on the accounting standards followed (such as IFRS or GAAP) and
company-specific policies. Additionally, professional judgment and consideration of specific
regulations or industry practices may be necessary. Consulting with an accountant or financial
professional is recommended to ensure accurate and compliant accounting procedures for PPE.
6
Intangible assets are non-physical assets that lack a physical substance but hold value for a
company or organization. Unlike tangible assets such as buildings or machinery, which can be
seen and touched, intangible assets are more abstract and represent rights or privileges. Here are
the key characteristics of intangible assets:
1. Lack of Physical Substance: Intangible assets do not have a physical form or substance. They
cannot be touched or seen like tangible assets.
2. Identifiable and Non-Monetary: Intangible assets are identifiable, meaning they can be
separated or distinguished from other assets and can be individually recognized and measured.
They are also non-monetary, as they do not represent a specific amount of money.
3. Longevity: Intangible assets are typically long-lived and have a longer economic life
compared to tangible assets. Some intangible assets can have indefinite lives, while others have
finite useful lives.
4. Lack of Physical Exchangeability: Intangible assets are not typically bought or sold in
physical transactions. Instead, their value lies in their legal or contractual rights, intellectual
property, or brand recognition.
a. Intellectual Property: This includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and other
similar rights that protect inventions, creative works, brand names, and proprietary information.
b. Goodwill: Goodwill represents the value of a business above its tangible assets and arises
from factors such as reputation, customer relationships, brand image, and employee expertise.
c. Contracts and Agreements: Contracts, licenses, leases, and franchise agreements are
considered intangible assets as they confer certain rights and obligations.
d. Customer Lists and Relationships: These include customer databases, subscriber lists, and
customer relationships that have value to a business.
e. Software and Technology: Computer software, databases, and technological innovations are
intangible assets that provide value through their use or licensing.
6. Recognition and Measurement: Intangible assets are initially recognized at cost, including any
direct acquisition costs. Subsequently, they are generally measured at cost less accumulated
amortization or impairment losses. Some intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, such as
trademarks, are not amortized but are subject to impairment testing.
7. Importance for Value Creation: Intangible assets are often critical for value creation and
competitive advantage. They can contribute to a company's ability to innovate, differentiate its
products or services, attract and retain customers, and generate future cash flows.
7
The cash flow statement is a financial statement that provides information about the cash inflows
and outflows of a company during a specific period. There are two main methods for preparing
the cash flow statement: the direct method and the indirect method. Let's understand the
preparation of the cash flow statement under both methods:
1. Direct Method:
The direct method presents actual cash inflows and outflows from operating activities. It
reports cash receipts from customers and cash payments to suppliers, employees, and other
operating expenses. Here's an overview of the steps involved:
a. Operating Activities:
- Cash Receipts: Summarize cash received from customers for the sale of goods or services.
- Cash Payments: Summarize cash paid to suppliers, employees, and other operating expenses.
- Calculate the net cash provided by or used in operating activities by deducting total cash
payments from total cash receipts.
b. Investing Activities:
- Cash Receipts: Summarize cash received from the sale of investments, property, plant, and
equipment, or other long-term assets.
- Cash Payments: Summarize cash paid for the purchase of investments, property, plant, and
equipment, or other long-term assets.
- Calculate the net cash provided by or used in investing activities by deducting total cash
payments from total cash receipts.
c. Financing Activities:
- Cash Receipts: Summarize cash received from issuing stocks, bonds, or other financing
instruments.
- Cash Payments: Summarize cash paid for dividends, interest, repayment of debt, or
repurchase of company shares.
- Calculate the net cash provided by or used in financing activities by deducting total cash
payments from total cash receipts.
d. Net Increase/Decrease in Cash: Summarize the net cash provided by or used in operating,
investing, and financing activities.
e. Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning and End: Report the cash and cash equivalents
balance at the beginning and end of the period.
2. Indirect Method:
The indirect method adjusts the net income from the income statement to convert it into net
cash provided by or used in operating activities. It reconciles non-cash items and changes in
working capital to determine the net cash flow. Here's an overview of the steps involved:
a. Net Income: Start with the net income reported in the income statement.
b. Adjustments for Non-Cash Items: Add back non-cash expenses such as depreciation,
amortization, and impairment charges. Subtract non-cash revenues or gains.
c. Changes in Working Capital: Analyze changes in current assets and liabilities. Adjustments
include changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and other operating assets
and liabilities.
d. Net Cash Provided by or Used in Operating Activities: Combine the adjusted net income and
changes in working capital to determine the net cash provided by or used in operating activities.
e. Investing and Financing Activities: Report cash flows from investing and financing activities
as actual cash inflows and outflows, similar to the direct method.
f. Net Increase/Decrease in Cash: Summarize the net cash provided by or used in operating,
investing, and financing activities.
g. Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning and End: Report the cash and cash equivalents
balance at the beginning and end of the period.
It's important to note that both the direct and indirect methods should provide the same result for
the net cash provided by or used in operating activities. However, the presentation and disclosure
may differ. The choice between the two methods depends on factors such as reporting
requirements, industry practices, and the availability of relevant information.
Preparing the cash flow statement accurately is crucial for understanding a company's liquidity,
cash generation