Topic 2 - Conceptual Framework Standard Setting Process
Topic 2 - Conceptual Framework Standard Setting Process
Learning Objectives:
The need for conceptual framework Issued faced by the national standards setter in adopting a conceptual framework premised on the international accounting framework Participation in international standard setting process
Needs for CF
It is as a devise to provide a boundary within which accounting standard setters can operate. Given the political nature of accounting standards, a CF provides standard setters a coherent understanding of the elements of the financial statements and an explicit value position taken with respect to the objective of financial reporting and primacy of investor-user group. It provides a basis for supporting the standard setters, viewpoints or conclusions.
TOPIC2-CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & STANDARD SETTING
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Objectives of Financial Reporting by Business Enterprises Qualitative Characteristics of Accounting Information Elements of Financial Statements of Business Enterprises Objectives of Financial Reporting by Nonbusiness Organizations Recognition and Measurement in Financial Statements Elements of Financial Statements Using Cash Flow Information & PV in Accounting Measurements
Conceptual Framework
OBJECTIVES
QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS
ELEMENTS
Conceptual Frameworks
It is interrelated structure of propositions and observations that provides a logical foundation for deducing what accounting principles ought to be. 2 presumptions are:
CF has a normative purpose it is intended to provide a basis for determining what accounting principles ought to be It is a logical foundation involving process of deduction or reasoning forward within a rational structure of propositions and evidence This supports the view that accounting may be at least more of an applied science rather than art and its conceptual basis much more than a generalization of existing conventions and practices.
TOPIC2-CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & STANDARD SETTING
Objectives of CF
The CF begins with the objectives of financial statements and elements to be reported. It includes:
The user information needs Qualities of useful information Concepts on recognition and measurement
Qualitative Characteristics
4 key qualities:
Understandability Relevance
Feedback value Predictive value Timeliness Materiality Representational faithfulness - substance over form & prudence Verifiability Completeness Neutrality
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Reliability
Comparability - Consistency
TOPIC2-CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & STANDARD SETTING
Qualitative Characteristics
Assumptions
Influences
Universal CF?
In moving towards convergence and global standards, it appears that a universal CF may be appropriate. However this would means that the needs of smaller entities need to addressed with a differential reporting framework.
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In the Western civilisation accounting has been widespread for over 600 years. Need theory of accounting? 20th centuries termed as GAAP Professional accountants, government agencies codify such principles Create independent and representative committee Standard setting bodies
TOPIC2-CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & STANDARD SETTING
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The narrow focus of the CF may need to be readdressed to incorporate the societal responsibilities of reporting entities.
This is happening in the more developed countries such as Sweden where investors groups demand for such responsibility to be placed on the corporations.
TOPIC2-CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & STANDARD SETTING
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Main Issues:
Accounting Issues & the Environment Islamic Perspectives Capital Maintenance v Transaction Approach Performance Reporting
TOPIC2-CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & STANDARD SETTING
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Differential reporting
Evolution in the Direction of Convergent Standards Defining the Reporting Entity Exempt Enterprise and Differential Reporting
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1. Identify problem 2. Form task force 3. Produce discussion memorandum 4. Circulate to interested parties 5. Convene a public hearing
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7. 8.
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Issue exposure draft and request comments Consider written comments Another exposure draft or a final vote is taken by the board 4 of 7 votes needed to issue a standard (2002)
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End of Topic 2
MAB4013 ACCOUNTING FRAMEWORK MAC4013