The rough road towards accounting harmonization of a developing country with a French accounting culture

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatma Ben Slama ◽  
Ahmed Atef Oussii ◽  
Mohamed Faker Klibi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Control Structures ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate in-depth and explain the issues related to the experience of Tunisia, a developing country, in its attempt to move from Euro-Continental rule-based generally accepted accounting principles (GAAPs) to an accounting system adapted to international financial reporting standards (IFRS). Design/methodology/approach The study is conducted via a qualitative methodology based on a content analysis of primary data from interviews with key actors involved in financial reporting in Tunisia. Findings Findings reveal that local Tunisian GAAPs, adapted to IFRS in their 1996 version, failed to establish a financial reporting accounting culture and meet public-interest firms’ informational needs. This is mainly related to factors, such as the simplified methods adopted (generally adequate to the identified needs of users of small and medium-sized entity financial statements) and the hybrid aspect of the Tunisian accounting standards due to the co-existence of Euro-Continental and Anglo-Saxon parties. Moreover, the findings show that the lack of political willpower and the absence of updates to changes in IFRS have compromised the proper functioning of standardization and control structures. Practical implications The study’s results may interest regulators and policymakers of many developing countries that have not pursued the harmonization of their local GAAPs with IFRS. In addition, findings from the research provide insights into the rough road towards harmonization, the dysfunctions of the latter and delays in developing countries. Originality/value The research highlights the complexity for an emerging country with Euro-Continental accounting traditions to move to IFRS.

Auditors’ perceptions of the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in a developing country

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nurunnabi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
World Bank ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
International Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Ifrs Implementation

Purpose The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have been adopted by 140 countries around the globe, including the G20 countries. Most of the prior literature focuses on adoption issues in developed countries. Due to the paucity of research on implementation issues in developing countries, the purpose of this paper is to explore the impediments of IFRS implementation in a developing country from 1998 to 2014 based on the auditors’ perceptions and documentary analyses. Design/methodology/approach Three rounds of interviews (2010, 2012, and 2014) from a total of 75 auditors (including 12 internal auditors and 13 external auditors) were conducted and enforcement documents from 1998 to 2010 were evaluated. The purpose of the three rounds of interviews was to explore the reflection on the changes which the interviewees have experienced over a five-year period. Findings Using institutional isomorphism, the results suggest that policy makers should focus on several factors to implement IFRS effectively, including low audit fees, a lack of qualified accountants, a lack of interest in IFRS by managers of some companies, a culture of secrecy, and a family-based private sector. Surprisingly, chartered accountancy firms are able to continue their work because of a culture of non-punishment for violating rules and the absence of any reliable exercising of due care or professional ethics in Bangladesh. Regulators such as the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh are not inclined to enforce actions against corrupt chartered accountant firms. This raises question about the professional integrity of auditors as well as regulators. Unlike, Albu et al. (2011) (World Bank as coercive) and Hassan et al. (2014) (western influence as coercive), the findings of this study imply that coercive isomorphism (regulatory authorities in Bangladesh) should be more proactive to ensure a successful implementation of IFRS. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations, including transcribing information from Bengali to English and some enforcement documents were not available on the BSEC website. This last limitation is mitigated by the fact that a substantial number of enforcement releases (1,647 enforcement notices for a 13-year period) are analysed and three rounds of interviews were conducted. Originality/value The findings of this study contribute to, and advance the incremental knowledge of IFRS implementation issues and auditing literature in a developing country’s experience to policy makers (e.g. World Bank, IMF, Basel Committee, G20, IOSCO, and IFAC). The findings may be generalised to other developing countries that are facing effective implementation of IFRS.

Adoption of IFRS in Japan: challenges and consequences

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriyuki Tsunogaya ◽  
Andreas Hellmann ◽  
Simone Domenico Scagnelli
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Institutional Complementarity ◽  
Accounting Environment ◽  
Social Organizational

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to provide a rigorous and holistic analysis of the main features of the Japanese accounting environment. It also raises issues related to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Japan. Design/methodology/approach – For the purpose of investigating the Japanese accounting system, this study applies the accounting ecology framework developed by Gernon and Wallace (1995) and provides a content analysis of relevant meetings of the Business Accounting Council of Japan. Findings – The findings of this study provide evidence that it would be problematic to require the adoption of IFRS for all listed companies in Japan. The main reason for this is that the Japanese policymakers and standard-setting bodies follow two objectives: enhancing the international comparability of financial reporting and maintaining institutional complementarity between financial reporting and other infrastructures such as accounting-related laws. Research limitations/implications – This study is relevant for accounting researchers and professionals with an interest in Japanese accounting practices. It is also useful for the International Accounting Standards Board and representatives of countries planning to adopt IFRS in the future. Originality/value – The findings of this study show that contextual issues such as social, organizational and professional environments cannot be ignored in the adoption of IFRS in Japan.

Using arguments and myths to lobby over controversial accounting issues: evidence from Japan

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-390
Author(s):  
Noriyuki Tsunogaya ◽  
Andreas Hellmann
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
Network Effect ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Stakeholder Groups

Purpose This study aims to examine the (overt) arguments and (covert) myths the Business Accounting Council (BAC) members have used to lobby over controversial accounting issues, such as the application of fair value accounting (FVA) and the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Japan. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a content analysis to examine 85 statements included in multiperiod BAC meeting minutes and 68 articles prepared by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) representatives from Japan. Findings The results reveal that together with the arguments, myths were created and amplified by opponents of FVA and the Financial Services Agency to hide the latter’s strong regulatory power. They created these myths, using covert stories of the importance of manufacturing activities and tax accounting (for small- and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs]), to oppose mandatory IFRS adoption in Japan and, thus, to maintain vested rights in preparing the Japanese generally accepted accounting principles and Japanese accounting standards for SMEs. Originality/value First, this study contributes to the lobbying literature by focusing on the coalition (network) effect of influential stakeholder groups. Second, although lobbying activities have been investigated mostly using comment letters, this study reviews multiperiod BAC meeting minutes and articles prepared by IASB representatives from Japan. Third, the study examines both overt arguments and covert myths, both of which are important in unmasking the fundamental structures of power within influential organizations, such as government agencies and standard-setters.

Intertwined institutionalization: pressures on Vietnam’s accounting profession during transition to IFRS

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-493
Author(s):  
Lan Anh Nguyen ◽  
Gillian Vesty ◽  
Michael Kend ◽  
Quan Nguyen ◽  
Brendan O'Connell
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Organizational Controls ◽  
System Transition ◽  
Monitoring Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the institutionally driven changes impacting organizational accounting manipulation in Vietnam’s emerging transitional economy. Specifically, this study explore how Vietnamese accountants and regulators explain questionable accounting transactions and their rationalization for those practices, especially during the period of accounting system transition from Vietnamese accounting standards to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Design/methodology/approach The study uses interview-based methods involving 22 Vietnamese accountants, financial managers, audit partners and regulators. Findings This study have found dysfunctional approaches to revenue and expense recognition underpinned by institutional theory. At play is a combination of opportunities relating to weak accounting standards and organizational controls; management pressure; and a desire to avoid unwanted scrutiny from Vietnamese regulators. Research limitations/implications This study does not include the views of non-financial managers or other accounting users. Future research could focus more on the perceptions of these other stakeholder groups. Practical implications Accounting manipulation can be collusive, therefore, regulators should have a stricter view and broader examination in the monitoring process. Originality/value This study examine accounting manipulation through the lens of New Institutional Sociology and also share the views of the accountants and regulators. This study argue that weak accounting standards are not the only factors contributing to accounting manipulation. When evaluating the existence of accounting manipulation, this paper find a combination of factors including: opportunities for manipulation, pressure from management and the rationale behind the conduct. These factors should be interpreted in context.

scholarly journals Financial accounting and reporting in developing countries: A South African perspective

1999 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Oberholster
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
South African ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Social Fabric ◽  
African Perspective

South Africa is currently going through major changes in political, social and other arenas. It is therefore appropriate to consider the effect of these developments on financial reporting in a changing environment. This paper explores the origins of the current South African accounting system, given its status as a developing country, and endeavours to show that financial reporting needs to be amended to reflect the changing face of the South Africa's social fabric, its status as a developing country, as well as the emergence of new users of financial statements. Certain recommendations are made to address these issues.

Cautiousness on convergence of accounting standards across countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Angeloni
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Corporate Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Financial Communication ◽  
Convergence Process ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated picture of the convergence process between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP), with IFRS clearly emerging as a global financial reporting benchmark. This study is aimed at evaluating the main benefits but also some significant issues arising from the adoption of a single set of accounting standards. Design/methodology/approach – The main examples of theoretical and empirical literature for and against IFRS implementation are reviewed. Findings – Since markets became increasingly global, the comparability of financial statements is required to enable better corporate communication and transparency to the advantage of all stakeholders. The main difficulties of IFRS adoption by the USA are explored. Practical implications – The study’s implications are to emphasize the practical obstacles to resolving the issues of financial communication through a uniform set of standards, by highlighting the importance of taking into account other dynamics in improving the corporate disclosure domestically and globally. Originality/value – The key contribution of this study is to reflect on the best ways to reach global communication without sacrificing the effectiveness and affordability of financial reporting.

scholarly journals The relationship between financial reporting standards and accounting irregularities: evidence from US banks

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali İhsan Akgün ◽  
Yener Altunbaş ◽  
Yurtsev Uymaz
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bank Performance ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the choice of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) vs Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is associated with the frequency and likelihood of accounting irregularities and fraud in US banks. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine the relationship between financial reporting standards and accounting irregularities in publicly listed US banks. Using a sample of 4,284 banks with accounting irregularities observed in the USA over the period of 1996–2014. They used logit model to estimate the likelihood of corporate misreporting having been committed in terms of accounting irregularities. Findings The authors show that banks that use US GAAP exhibit better operating performance than fraudulent banks that use IFRS except for certain variables. They also find that fraudulent banks are more likely to commit accounting irregularities when they have to follow IFRS and banks have relatively better bank performance. Practical implications Overall, the empirical findings result consistent with Kohlbeck and Warfield’s (2010) find that accounting standards are linked to fewer accounting irregularities. Originality/value In this study, accounting irregularities have a significant effect on bank performance during the Dodd–Frank period. It finds that banks that choose to use IFRS are more likely to have accounting irregularities and to engage in fraud.

An analysis of SEC comment letters and IFRS

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl L. Linthicum ◽  
Andrew J. McLelland ◽  
Michael A. Schuldt
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Securities And Exchange Commission ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Financial Accounting Standards Board ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Comment Letters

Purpose This study investigates the influence of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the interpretation and application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by examining a group of SEC-selected foreign private issuers filing 2005 annual reports in the USA and reporting using IFRS for the first time. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses hand-collected information from SEC comment letters to analyze IFRS topics and documents the ultimate resolution of each SEC comment (no change to filing, current change to filing or prospective change to future filing). The authors use descriptive statistical analyses, as well as a logistic regression model involving the resolution of each SEC comment, to examine the SEC’s influence on the interpretation of IFRS. Findings The study finds both higher comment totals, and higher numbers of required filing modifications, for those IFRS pronouncements which were identified as needing improvement during the 2006-2008 convergence efforts by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Additionally, the study documents a decreasing likelihood of a filing modification when US generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) guidance is referenced in comment letter correspondence involving IFRS topics. Originality/value The study extends the IFRS literature and the SEC comment letter literature by focusing on the resolution of comments directed at IFRS disclosures, as well as exploring the factors which influence whether a comment ultimately requires a filing modification.

Pro forma disclosure practices of firms applying IFRS

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Solsma ◽  
W. Mark Wilder
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Foreign Firms ◽  
Reporting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Annual Earnings ◽  
Pro Forma

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is empirically investigate the pro forma disclosure behavior of US-listed foreign firms applying International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Design/methodology/approach – The annual earnings press releases of US-listed foreign firms on the New York Stock Exchange are analyzed to compare the effect that reporting standard (specifically IFRS) has on pro forma disclosure frequency, disclosure characteristics and benchmarking. Findings – US-listed foreign firms applying IFRS report pro forma disclosures more frequently than firms using the USA’s generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), but less opportunistically. Originality/value – This paper extends Epping and Wilder’s (2011) study and contributes to the pro forma disclosure literature by providing a cross-country analysis of non-GAAP disclosure based on reporting standard (IFRS or US GAAP). Understanding the non-GAAP disclosure of firms applying IFRS is useful to investors and regulators, as more countries adopt IFRS.

Consequences and determinants of IFRS convergence in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-322
Author(s):  
Vincent Tawiah ◽  
Pran Boolaky
Keyword(s):  
Capital Structure ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Rational Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Family Control ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence of how convergence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) impacts accounting values and the determinants of variation in equity adjustments among Indian companies. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 323 listed companies, the authors empirically test whether there is a significant difference between converged IFRS (Ind.AS) and Indian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) (AS) reported figures and ratios and why companies adjust differently. Findings This paper reveals that fair valuation under Ind.AS causes a significant decrease in goodwill. A substantial decrease in both current and long-term liabilities because of non-recognition of proposed dividend, discounting of long-term provision per Ind.AS was also found. The variations in equity adjustment were significantly influenced by capital structure, level of family control and auditor type. Practical implications This paper provides insights to users who are interested in historical data, that Ind.AS brings significant changes in the accounting values and ratios and the impact differs among companies based on capital structure, ownership and auditor type. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature of IFRS convergence in India by providing rational analysis of the differences between IFRS, Indian converged GAAP and Indian local GAAP among companies and its impact on accounting values.

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