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.

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.

The changing IFRS debate in the USA: a rejoinder

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minga Negash ◽  
Andrew Holt ◽  
John Hathorn
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Political Process ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa

Purpose The debate on whether global accounting standards are appropriate for use within the US regulatory environment has not yet ended. Nearly four years after the release of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) much awaited report on the issue, the position of the regulator is still unclear, and the US accounting community is uncertain about the potential for accounting change. This paper aims to examine the documented reasons for the absence of direction and clarity on this issue. Design/methodology/approach Using the theoretical and empirical contributions of prior research on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), this study explores the potential for US adoption of IFRS by examining the main arguments forwarded by the Office of the Chief Accountant of the SEC and the International Accounting Standards Board’s response to the issues raised and by capturing the opinions of 22 graduate and 32 undergraduate students as surrogates for future practicing accountants. The student data were collected from homework submissions to an essay on US accounting convergence with IFRS. Findings From the analysis, the authors make four observations. First, the deliberations over IFRS adoption in the USA are not sufficiently grounded on principles of recognition, measurement and disclosure. Second, the evidence does not support the notion that IFRS is of inferior quality to current US generally accepted accounting principles. Third, the problem areas stem from the apparent divergence of the objectives ascribed to financial statements, the independence and public accountability of the global standard setter and standards that are connected with the regulation of the finance and insurance industries. The final observation is the political process of managing change in the standard setting/adoption process in the USA. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive appraisal and a change management perspective to the ongoing IFRS debate in the USA by soliciting and documenting the opinions of future practicing accountants.

Accounting for leases – lessons from COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Financial Accounting Standards Board ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Setting Process

Purpose The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have given relief to lessees in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, it is not clear why any relief from the requirements in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) should be necessary. The purpose of this paper is to highlight weaknesses in how the IASB and FASB developed their leases Standards, and why those Standards are not robust enough to cope with a shock to the economic system. Design/methodology/approach The COVID-19 relief suspends some features of the leasing requirements rather than changing them. What if other economic or regulatory events cause the same circumstances to arise? Findings Have COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in the leasing standards that should have been avoided when they were developed or is COVID-19 the problem? Originality/value Analysis of actual board discussions and staff papers is unusual and provides insights into the standard-setting process.

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.

An investigation of the level of compliance with international accounting standards (IAS 1) by listed firms in Bahrain Bourse

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatema Ebrahim Alrawahi ◽  
Adel Mohammed Sarea
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
International Accounting ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Industry Type ◽  
Regulatory Bodies

Purpose This study aims to investigate the association between seven firm-specific characteristics and the level of mandatory compliance with International Accounting Standards (IAS) 1 by firms listed on Bahrain Bourse. Design/methodology/approach A disclosure index is used to measure the extent of compliance with IAS 1. Each of the 36 sampled firms’ annual reports were examined against the index for the financial year ending December 31, 2013. Findings The results reveal an overall compliance of 83 per cent. Regression results report that only audit firm size, profitability and industry type have a positive and significant association with IAS 1 disclosure requirements. Practical implications This study should be particularly relevant to regulatory bodies in Bahrain for strategizing and encouraging compliance with IAS 1 by listed firms. Originality/value Additionally, the study contributes to financial reporting literature relating to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, mainly Bahrain. Bahrain is a financial hub, and it is interesting to examine how it presents its financial statements to investors and the degree of its compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards since its adoption in 2007.

scholarly journals Should The SEC Adopt International Financial Reporting Standards?

2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
Clemense Ehoff Jr. ◽  
Dov Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
International Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Financial Accounting Standards Board ◽  
Best Interest ◽  
Public Companies ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards

In 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) formally began a process to converge Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). By the end of 2011, the SEC will likely decide on whether to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards as the financial reporting system for U.S. public companies, continue with the convergence project, or reject IFRS altogether. This paper examines the benefits and drawbacks of each option and formulates a recommendation as to which option is in the best interest of U.S. investors.

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.

scholarly journals Why The SEC Is Delaying Adoption Of International Financial Reporting Standards

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clemense Ehoff Jr. ◽  
Dov Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
International Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Financial Accounting Standards Board ◽  
Public Companies ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards

In 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) formally began a process to converge Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The SEC has repeatedly delayed its decision on whether to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards as the financial reporting system for U.S. public companies, continue with the convergence project, or reject IFRS altogether. This paper will examine several key reports issued by the SEC and the Financial Accounting Foundation to gain further insight into 1) why the SEC has repeatedly delayed its decision, and 2) what the SEC will ultimately decide.

Crisis and the Consolidation of International Accounting Standards: Enron, The IASB, and America

2005 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah B. Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Securities And Exchange Commission ◽  
International Accounting ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ◽  
Corporate Scandals ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Accounting Scandals ◽  
Effective Form

This paper examines the interplay between leading international and American accounting authorities over the span of a critical four-year period, 2001–2005. Historically, US regulators and private-sector accounting institutions have taken a cautious approach to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), citing the superior rigor and overall quality of their own Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). During the past four years, however, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have each become markedly receptive to the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB) efforts to harmonize accounting standards worldwide based on IFRSs. Why? This paper offers an explanation that highlights the role of the high-profile American corporate scandals (2001–2002) in precipitating a shift in US accounting authorities' views of the optimal form of accounting rules, an issue that has stood in the way of trans-Atlantic accounting standard convergence. Prior to the accounting scandals, the highly-detailed rules that are characteristic of US GAAP were widely seen to be the most effective form of accounting rule. Since 2002, a normative shift has taken place such that the SEC now endorses objectives-oriented rules that are conceptually aligned with the principles-based standards promulgated by the IASB. The analysis is framed by insights from contemporary International Relations theory which emphasize the influence of scope conditions on patterns of governance.

IFRS and convergence in China and the USA

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randy Moser
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Economic Indicator ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Securities And Exchange Commission ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Setting Process ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to perform a brief examination of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the progress towards IFRS convergence in the accounting environments of China and the USA, providing useful information on the current status and future of IFRS convergence in these countries. Design/methodology/approach – A range of IFRS-related literature from 1993 to 2013 was analyzed to provide the current status of IFRS and to determine the past, present and future of IFRS convergence in the country examinations. Findings – IFRS convergence and adoption has occurred on a global scale due to the call for a single set of standards. China's most significant obstacles include training accounting professionals and becoming more involved in the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) standard setting process. The USA's most significant obstacle is completing the Securities and Exchange Commission roadmap milestones, which will progressively move the accounting industry towards IFRS convergence. Research limitations/implications – These findings have been limited to an overview of IFRS convergence and adoption within China and the USA. Additional research opportunities exist by examining how successful countries have been in protecting individual economic interests by working with the IASB in the standard setting process for the IFRS, as opposed to being passive in the process. One economic indicator that should be examined is foreign direct investment, which has major impacts on country development and can be influenced by financial standards such as IFRS. Practical implications – China and the USA both have milestones identified in this paper that will need to be reached before benefits may be reaped from the converging to IFRS. Originality/value – These findings show that IFRS standards are being implemented globally in many nations, providing a common set of reporting tools to businesses and investors. Through these standards, China and the USA are working to be even more competitive forces in financial markets.

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