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.

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.

Development of accounting standards in selected Middle Eastern countries in comparison to the United States of America

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter A Aghimien
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Almost All

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare the development of accounting standards in five diverse Middle Eastern countries with those of the USA. Design/methodology/approach – A comparative analysis of each country with what is obtained in the USA. Findings – While there are some similarities that influence the development of accounting standards in each country, there also exist a variety of differences, particularly in the areas of taxation, use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), religion, population and so on. Research limitations/implications – The findings are limited to the five countries analyzed. Future research may want to expand the number of Middle Eastern countries included in the population studied. Originality/value – The study is original particularly due to the diversity of the countries selected. While the USA is an economically and technologically developed country, almost all of the other countries could be classified as developing. Additionally, the USA is the only country with its own uniquely developed standards, which are universally respected, but different from the single set of high-quality standards commonly referred to as the IFRS, which more than 100 countries have adopted.

scholarly journals A practical model to implementing IFRS in the national accounting system: The case of Azerbaijan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-598
Author(s):  
Akif Valiyev ◽  
Arif Huseynov ◽  
Nushaba Gadimli ◽  
Ilham Huseynov ◽  
Abasov Elmar
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
National Accounting ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Accounting Practice ◽  
Consolidation Model ◽  
Practical Model ◽  
Questionnaire Method

The purpose of this article is to develop a methodological approach to substantiating the effective consolidation model of national accounting standards (NAS) with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for Azerbaijan. Using the questionnaire method, the advantages, and obstructions of IFRS implementation in Azerbaijan have been assessed, depending on the practicing models of consolidation of NAS and IFRS. Using fuzzy sets made it possible to determine the levels of development of advantages and obstructions associated with the introduction of IFRS into national accounting practice in Azerbaijan. We determined the most effective model of consolidation of NAS and IFRS for the enterprises of Azerbaijan. The effectiveness of implementing models for the consolidation of NAS and IFRS has been assessed to provide a balance between advantages and destructive factors in the implementation of IFRS.

scholarly journals HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF THE FORMATION OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ

2021 ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
И.В. Алексеева ◽  
Х. Алзубаиди
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Historical Aspects ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Further Development

В статье проведено исследование исторических аспектов развития и становления системы бухгалтерского учета Республики Ирак. Систематизированы и хронологически представлены основные события, повлиявшие на развитие Единой учетной системы бухгалтерского учета и отчетности в Республике Ирак. Изучив исторические аспекты развития иракской системы бухгалтерского учета, выделены этапы ее развития. Проведен сравнительный анализ российских, иракских стандартов и МСФО и выделены их отличительные особенности. Обосновано, что основные ориентиры для трансформации иракских национальных стандартов – это международные стандарты финансовой отчетности. Определено, что дальнейшее развитие иракских стандартов заключается в трансформации количества стандартов и их содержательной составляющей для раскрытия информации об активах, обязательствах, доходах, расходах. The article examines the historical aspects of the development and formation of the accounting system in the Republic of Iraq. The main events that influenced the development of the Unified Accounting System of Accounting and Reporting in the Republic of Iraq are systematized and chronologically presented. Having studied the historical aspects of the development of the Iraqi accounting system, the stages of its development are highlighted. A comparative analysis of Russian, Iraqi standards and IFRS is carried out and their distinctive features are highlighted. It has been substantiated that the main guidelines for the transformation of Iraqi national standards are International Financial Reporting Standards. It was determined that the further development of Iraqi standards consists in transforming the number of standards and their content, for disclosing information about assets, liabilities, income, expenses.

Research productivity of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from 2003 to 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashir Tijjani ◽  
Shafiq Ur Rehman ◽  
Zachariah Peter ◽  
Ishtiaq Ahmad Bajwa ◽  
Muhammad Ajmal Khan
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Research Productivity ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
International Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Reporting Standards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Publication Patterns ◽  
Scopus Database

Purpose This study aims to examine the quantitative research productivity of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) globally by using the bibliometric approach. The method was applied to articles indexed in the Scopus database to analyze the publication patterns, trends and research productivity of the selected papers. Design/methodology/approach Bibliometric analysis is applied to analyze research productivity of IFRS from 2003 to 2020. The method was applied to articles indexed in the Scopus database to analyze the publication patterns and research productivity of the selected papers. Findings This study finds that a good number of articles have been published on IFRS, the top five countries are the USA, UK, Australia, Germany and Canada. This clearly shows that developed markets have the highest number of publications on IFRS. This could be as a result of the early adoption of IFRS by those economies and owing to the interest of researchers in those markets. Most of the studies are quantitative in nature; this study indicates that publication on accounting standards is popular as the number of citations is significant; most of the articles have two or more authors and were published in top-ranking journals. Practical implications This study provides up-to-date literature on the global research productivity of IFRS; as a result, it supports the development of policies by the users of this accounting standards. The findings of this study also serve as a reference point for firms and regulators around the world. Given the thoroughness of the methodology of this study, the results make it easier to effectively identify the direction of research on the implementation of IFRS in organizations. Originality/value This study provides a more comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the growth of IFRS literature (2003–2020) in the Scopus database; most of the prior studies have covered relatively few areas of focus as well as a fewer number of high impact factor journals. The relevance of this finding is in uncovering different areas of IFRS research productivity globally.

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.

The IPSASB's recent strategies: opportunities for academics and standard-setters

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwenda Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Fitness For Purpose ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Ongoing Dialogue ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to contribute to an ongoing dialogue between practitioners and academics. This article describes the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) recent strategies and highlights the IPSASB's increasing outreach to academics.Design/methodology/approachThis is a practitioner's viewpoint which reflects the IPSASB's publicly available documents, and the opinions of a practitioner directly involved in the IPSASB's work and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) development.FindingsThe findings are that the IPSASB has increased its outreach to academics and now academics have more opportunities to engage with the IPSASB and IPSAS developments. The IPSASB's strategy has remained relatively constant over time, focusing on IPSAS to address public sector-specific issues, alignment with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and reduction of differences between IPSAS and Government Finance Statistics (GFS) reporting guidelines.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this article (which are also its strength in terms of fitness for purpose) are that as a practitioner's viewpoint it provides a brief overview and personal judgments, rather than an empirical analysis of developments applying a theoretical framework.Practical implicationsThe practical implications were IPSASB's increased outreach to the research community providing opportunities for academics to have increased input into IPSAS development, with likely benefits to researchers and the IPSASB.Social implicationsPractitioners’ engagement with academics supports increased understanding of the respective views leading to better outcomes for practitioners and academics working in the area of public sector financial reporting and its regulation.Originality/valueThis article is the first to (a) describe the IPSASB's increasing outreach to academics during 2019–2020 and (b) compare the IPSASB's strategies for the period of 2019–2023, with its strategies since the beginning of IPSAS developments in 1996–1997.

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.

International accounting standards and accounting quality in code-law countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim El-Sayed Ebaid
Keyword(s):  
Earnings Management ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Accounting Quality ◽  
Regulatory Requirement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Egyptian Government

Purpose – This study aims to examine whether the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) leads to accounting quality improvements in Egypt as a code-law country. In particular, the study examines earnings management, the construct often used to assess accounting quality. Design/methodology/approach – The study compares earnings management practice for Egyptian listed companies before (2000-2006) and after (2007-2009) the adoption of IFRS. Findings – The findings of the study reveal that accounting quality, as measured by earnings management, has decreased in post-adoption period compared to pre-adoption period. IFRS are set up to provide high-quality financial reporting. However, this cannot be achieved solely by a regulatory requirement to follow. The accounting system is a complementary component of the country’s overall institutional system. Institutional improvements did not simultaneously take place by the Egyptian government around the adoption of IFRS. The Egyptian government did not introduce a more effective enforcement system, mandatory corporate governance regulations, investor protection mechanisms and sufficient institutional knowledge of IFRS during that period. Thus, even if IFRS are higher quality standards, the institutional features of Egyptian market could eliminate any improvement in accounting quality arising from adopting IFRS. Research/limitations/implications – The results of the study are consistent with prior research suggesting that the adoption of IFRS, which are generally perceived to be of higher quality than domestic standards, does not necessarily lead to higher accounting quality in code-law countries like Egypt. The overall results indicate that incentives dominate accounting standards in determining accounting quality in Egypt. Originality/value – The main reason why countries adopt IFRS invariably is to improve accounting quality. It is, therefore, of interest to ascertain if this goal has been met, especially, in code-law countries such as Egypt.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document