scholarly journals A Concept of Accounting Quality from Accounting Harmonisation Perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Legenzova
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Public Interest ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Listed Companies ◽  
Financial Disclosure ◽  
Accounting Quality ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Eu

Abstract The aim of this paper is to assess if and how a concept of accounting quality differs from perspectives of various types of organisations affected by the accounting harmonisation process. Accounting harmonisation is commonly associated with worldwide adoption of IFRS by public interest companies. However, in the EU this process is much broader and also involves efforts to harmonise accounting standards for non-listed companies and public sector organisations. Analysis of the previous scientific research revealed that accounting quality was commonly assessed from IFRS users’ perspective and approximated with the quality of financial statements. However, based on the interviews with experts of Lithuanian accounting market, the concept of accounting quality for small and medium companies and public sector institutions is ambiguous and still needs to be clarified. Definition of accounting quality only as the quality financial statements is too narrow as financial disclosure is not that important for such companies. For non-listed companies and public sector organisations, other aspects and factors, such as qualification of accountants, supervision of accounting and reporting, overall and managers’ perspective on importance of accounting, have more importance while defining accounting quality.

The Reporting Entity in Private-Public Accounting Harmonisation. Is Control Enough for the Local Government Consolidated Financial Statements?

2017 ◽  
pp. 5-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Carini ◽  
Laura Rocca ◽  
Claudio Teodori ◽  
Monica Veneziani
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Consolidated Financial Statements ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Accountability ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Reporting Entity

The European Commission initiated a discussion on the expediency of using the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), based on the IAS/IFRS, as a common base for harmonizing the public sector accounting systems of the member states. However, literature suggests that accounting is not neutral with respect to the economic, social and political dimensions. In the perspective of evolution of the accounting regulation outlined, balanced between accountability, with the need to represent phenomena for reporting pur-poses, and decisionmaking issues, which concentrates on the quantitative importance of the values, the paper aims to analyse the effects of the application of different criteria for the definition of the reporting entity of the local government consolidated financial statements (CFS). The Italian PCA 4/4, the test of control and the financial accountability approaches are examined. The evidence that emerged from the case studies examined identifies several criticalities in the Italian PCA 4/4 and support the thesis that the financial accountability approach is more effective in providing a complete representation of the public resources entrusted to and managed by the group, whereas the control approach better approximates quantification of the group results in terms of central government surveillance. The analysis highlights the importance of the post implementation review period and the opportunity to contextualize the adoption of the consolidated financial statement in the broader spectrum of the accounting harmonization process, participating in the process of definition of the European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS).

scholarly journals Accounting Rules for the European Communities: A Theoretical Analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Biondi ◽  
Michela Soverchia
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Member States ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Accounting Rules ◽  
The Eu

AbstractIn the last decade, the European Union (EU) has reformed its accounting system, issuing its own conceptual framework and 18 accounting standards that draw upon the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) issued by the IPSAS Board. The aim of this article is to analyse this renewed EU accounting system that frames and shapes financial accounting and reporting of the European Communities (EC), in order to assess its capacity to “truly and fairly” represent EC economic activity as a non-business entity.The EU accounting rules are analysed from a theoretical perspective that disentangles three different accrual-based accounting representations focusing respectively on wealth (static accounting), cash flow and economic flow (dynamic accounting). Our analysis retains a modified dynamic accounting representation that fits the specific economy of public administration. This modified dynamic accounting representation is then applied to assess the representational quality of the EU accounting system. This legal-economic, normative analysis of consistency with our theoretical model is complemented and somehow corroborated by documental analysis, financial analysis and few semi-structured interviews with EU officials.Generally speaking, our analysis shows that the EU accounting system provides a consistent representation of the EC economic and financial activities, although the reference to the IPSAS has somewhat involved the application of a balance sheet accounting approach that is inconsistent with this representation. In particular, the new EU accounting system has improved on some objectives of financial accounting and reporting, such as: the economic function of redistribution related to the economic solidarity between its constituencies (Member States); the prevention of frauds concerned with transfers and financial operations; the accomplishment of intergenerational and transnational equity, through the recovery of incurred expenditures by constituencies (Member States and, indirectly, taxpayers) located in different places at different times.These findings seem relevant not only to assess the quality of accounting representation provided by the EU accounting system but also in the view of its possible influence on the European Public Sector Accounting Standards – making process launched since 2013. This process is expected to reframe and reshape EU Member States’ accounting systems in the near future.

Comparison of the perception of overt and covert options in IPSAS financial statements by intergovernmental organizations

Tékhne ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-39
Author(s):  
Berit Adam
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Criminal Court ◽  
Intergovernmental Organizations ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Accrual Accounting ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Primary Reference

AbstractSince 2012, the European Commission has embarked on the ambitious project to harmonize public sector accounting rules on all levels of government within Europe, mainly to improve the quality as well as the comparability of financial data. Although International Public Sector Accounting Standards were deemed not to be suitable for a simple take-over because of various reasons, they nevertheless shall function as a primary reference point for developing European Public Sector Accounting Standards. A total of 21 out of 28 central governments have already reformed their accounting standards to accrual accounting, and some of them have also relied on IPSAS in this exercise. Apart from governments, various international and supranational governmental organizations have also since the end of the 2000’s been reforming their accounting system to accrual accounting, and have in the same way relied on existing IPSAS. This paper explores accounting practices found in ten intergovernmental organizations (Commonwealth Secretariat, Council of Europe, European Commission, IAEA, INTERPOL, ITER, NAPMA, OECD, International Criminal Court, WFP) whose statements are prepared in compliance with IPSAS. It analyzes how overt and covert options contained in IPSAS with relevance to the activities of intergovernmental organizations are exercised and evaluates in which areas of accounting material differences in accounting practices can be found, which may hinder the comparability of financial statements prepared on the basis of IPSAS.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Pemanfaatan Teknologi Informasi, Kompetensi Sumber Daya Manusia, Terhadap Kualitas Laporan Keuangan Pemerintah Daerah Dengan Variabel Intervening Standar Akuntansi Pemerintahan Berbasis Akrual (Studi Empiris Di Pemda Kabupaten Barru)

AKUNTABEL ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Rasyidah Nadir ◽  
Hasyim Hasyim
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Government Accounting ◽  
District Government ◽  
The Government

This study aimed to examine the effect of the use of information technology, human resources and competencies on the quality of local government financial statements by the  accrual based government accounting standards  as interverning variable on the Government of Barru. Accrual accounting standards as defined in Regulation 71 of 2010 (PP No.71 Tahun 2010) concerning the Government Accounting Standards, and more technically set in Regulation 64 of 2013 (Permendagri No.64 Tahun 2013) concerning the Government Accounting Standards Implementation of Accrual Based On Local Government. The method used is descriptive survey. Samples were employees in the accounting / financial administration of the region on regional work units (SKPD) and Regional Financial Management Officer (PPKD) within the scope of local government Barru district. Methods of data collection is done by distributing questionnaires. Data were analyzed using path analysis. The results showed that the utilization of information technology have significant effect on the quality of financial statements Barru district government through the implementation of accrual based government accounting standards, while the competence of human resources has no significant effect on the quality of financial statements Barru district government through the implementation of accrual based government accounting standards.Keywords: Information Technology, Human Resources and   Competencies, Accrual Based Government Accounting Standards, Quality of Local Government Financial Statements.

scholarly journals A literature review on the impact of IAS/IFRS and regulations on quality of financial reporting

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 102-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Newman Wadesango ◽  
Edmore Tasa ◽  
Khazamula Milondzo ◽  
Ongayi Vongai Wadesango
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Financial Reporting Quality ◽  
International Accounting Standards ◽  
Ifrs Adoption ◽  
The Impact

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in its objectives and preamble, presume that IFRS adoption and perceived compliance to regulatory framework is associated with increased financial reporting quality. Based on these assumptions, this desktop study reviewed several documents to determine whether the IFRS adoption has led to increased financial reporting quality in Zimbabwe. The researchers reviewed literature on how the IAS/IFRS and regulations affect the financial reporting quality of listed companies. The factors around IFRS adoption were identified (mandatory, voluntary and convergence) and discussed in relation to the financial reporting quality. Evidence from previous studies conducted in line with this same issue shows that there is no conclusive evidence on how IFRS and regulations affect the financial reporting quality. Issues to be addressed in further studies include the importance of financial statements prepared under IFRS framework and the importance of compliance with accounting and auditing requirements.

scholarly journals Testing the Beneish Model Relevance in Case of Entities with Confirmed Reputational Risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-48
Author(s):  
Ioan-Ovidiu Spătăcean
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Public Interest ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Listed Companies ◽  
Financial Fraud ◽  
Financial Services Industry ◽  
Supervisory Authority ◽  
Reputational Risk ◽  
Quantitative Characteristics

AbstractThe Beneish model is a useful tool for assessing the potentially fraudulent behaviour of an entity that could resort to misstated financial reporting by manipulating earnings. Tarjo ---amp--- Herawati (2015) concluded that “the M-score of the Beneish model was generally able to detect financial fraud”, following a study on 35 listed companies that were confronted with allegations of fraud in the period 2001-2014, by accessing the sanctions database applied to companies of public interest (issuers) published by the Financial Supervisory Authority. Also, Ahmet Ozcan (2018) stated that the Beneish model “brings effective value in the analysis of the quantitative characteristics of falsified financial statements”, a conclusion based on a concentrated research on a sample of 174 firms over the period 2005-2017. However, the construction of this model was not oriented for the financial services industry, therefore the studies referred to above do not include any investment firms. Our research aims to assess the relevance of the use of the Beneish model to entities involved in scandals on fraudulent or suspected distorted financial reporting operations (Romcab, 2017 and Harinvest, 2013) in order to Test the Beneish model’s validation capability. On the basis of the conclusions obtained, it can be accepted that the applicability of the model is validated for the entities examined.

scholarly journals Relevance of financial reporting quality - Theory and practice in Vietnamese enterprises

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (Q2) ◽  
pp. 119-128
Author(s):  
Thuan Quoc Pham
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Financial Reporting Quality

Financial reporting quality is one the most interesting topics which draw a great deal of attention to researchers and scientists in the field of accounting (Céline Michailesco, 2010). In the review of research on financial information from 1980 to 2016, Pham (2016) found that characteristics of useful financial information are relatively diverse with as many as 15 attributes being identified. In addition, he also found that all research in any period has employed the characteristics published by professional associations such as American Institute of Accountants, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB as theoretical basis. Research on the quality of financial information is diverse yet have many things in common, above all is the Relevance characteristic which considered to be the basic qualitative component of the quality of financial information in financial statements. Conceptual Framework officially issued by FASB & IASB in 2010 (FASB & IASB 2010) has further confirmed Relevance is the basic quality component of financial information. Compared with previous announcements, there has been a considerable change in the criteria and attributes used to evaluate the appropriateness of Relevance characteristic of financial information in financial statements. This study aims at confirming the importance of the Relevance component in evaluating the quality of financial information, clarifyingg the characteristics of Relevance measurement before and after Conceptual Framework 2010 and constructing relevant scales as well as measuring the qualitative characteristic of Relevance among enterprises in Vietnam.

Harmonising public sector accounting laws and regulations of the European Union member states: powers and competences

2021 ◽  
pp. 002085232110600
Author(s):  
Karoline Helldorff ◽  
Johan Christiaens
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
European Public ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Will Force ◽  
The One ◽  
Rules Set ◽  
The Eu

This paper analyses the powers and competences of the EU to standardise public sector accounting of the member states and to take other EU action in the field of public sector accounting. We argue that public sector accounting forms part of the administrative organisation of the member states that is not a core EU competence. EU initiatives such as the European Public Sector Accounting Standards project, which aim to increase transparency and comparability, therefore need to follow the rules set out for administrative matters in general. The study reveals on the one hand that EU actions are essentially limited to voluntary cooperation and influences of other policy areas. But on the other hand, it shows that they do not need to be limited to the initiatives currently driven by Eurostat. Points for practitioners The future of the European Public Sector Accounting Standards project is uncertain. However, it is very unlikely that it will take the shape of a top-down set of readymade EU accounting standards that will force public administrations to adjust their inner workings. Public sector accounting is not (yet) a (typical) European policy, but simply a national one that the EU can support. The EU initiative can be considered as an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing on how to increase transparency of public sector accounting.

Towards the Modernisation of EU Public Sector Accounting Standards

2018 ◽  
pp. 40-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Sforza ◽  
Alessandro Mechelli ◽  
Riccardo Cimini
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
State Government ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Governmental Accounting ◽  
National Regulation ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Security Funds ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Eu

In the field of comparative international governmental accounting research, this chapter participates to the growing debate around the EPSAS-project that according to the EU Commission has a political priority. In this vein, it demonstrates that considering all the governmental subsectors of public administration (central government, state government, local government, social security funds) of the 28 EU Member States, proximity of national regulation to the IPSAS affects the magnitude of total adjustments. These are a proxy of fiscal fragility and are the difference between the non-harmonized data of governmental accounting and the harmonized ESA-2010 national accounting. Findings show that adjustments are significant in magnitude in countries whose regulation has low proximity to IPSAS; opposite, their magnitude is low in countries with high proximity to the IPSAS. Even if they have not provided the anticipated level of harmonisation, the process of modernising the EU public sector accounting standards cannot ignore that the future EPSAS should not diverge much from the IPSAS.

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