Financial Engineering and the Arms Race Between Accounting Standard Setters and Preparers

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald A. Dye ◽  
Jonathan C. Glover ◽  
Shyam Sunder

SYNOPSIS This essay analyzes some problems that accounting standard setters confront in erecting barriers to managers bent on boosting their firms' financial reports through financial engineering (FE) activities. It also poses some unsolved research questions regarding interactions between preparers and standard setters. It starts by discussing the history of lease accounting to illustrate the institutional disadvantage of standard setters relative to preparers in their speeds of response. Then, the essay presents a general theorem that shows that, independent of how accounting standards are written, it is impossible to eliminate all FE efforts of preparers. It also discusses the desirability of choosing accounting standards on the basis of the FE efforts the standards induce preparers to engage in. Then, the essay turns to accounting boards' concepts statements; it points out that no concept statement recognizes the general lack of goal congruence between preparers and standard setters in their desires to produce informative financial statements. We also point out the relative lack of concern in recent concept statements for the representational faithfulness of the financial reporting of transactions. The essay asserts that these oversights may be responsible, in part, for standard setters promulgating recent standards that result in difficult-to-audit financial reports. The essay also discusses factors other than accounting standards that contribute to FE, including the high-powered incentives of managers, the limited disclosures and/or information sources outside the face of firms' financial statements about a firm's FE efforts, firms' principal sources of financing, the increasing complexity of transactions, the difficulties in auditing certain transactions, and the roles of the courts and culture. The essay ends by proposing some other recommendations on how standards can be written to reduce FE. JEL Classifications: M31.

Author(s):  
Ahmad Mukoffi ◽  
Yayuk Sulistiyowati

In the preparation of financial statements based on financial accounting standards is an improvement in quality of financial statements, which will leverage the credibility of the financial statements in question. The research’s object to be studied are MSMEs in Food and Beverage Sector. The formulation of the problem in this study is, a. How is the preparation of MSME financial statements in the Food and Beverage sector based on EMKM SAK in Tlogomas Sub-District, Malang City, b. What are the constraints faced by MSMEs in the Food and Beverage Sector in implementing EMKM SAK in Tlogomas Sub-District Malang, c. What strategy model is effective from the government so that MSMEs can apply the SAK EMKM optimally. This research method used a combination of research methods (Mixed Methods). With adequate accounting, MSME entrepreneurs can fulfill the requirements in applying for credit, such as making financial reports. The researcher offers a model for the application of electronic-based financial reporting, this is to attract investors to contribute their capital, considering that currently entering the free market. This program also makes easier for the Bank to read the financial statements of micro entities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Nur Diana Adhikara

The low understanding of accounting and financial accounting standards is a fundamental problem for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. This makes it difficult to prepare and manage financial statements. The presence of the Financial Accounting Standards for Non-Publicly-Accountable Entities (SAK-ETAP) on January 1, 2011, is expected to accommodate small and medium enterprises in making easy, transparent and accountable financial statements. But In fact, many MSMEs that have not been able to apply SAK ETAP properly because it is considered to be too complex and not by the financial reporting needs of MSMEs. On January 1, 2018, SAK EMKM was enacted as a standard that could help about 57.9 million MSME entrepreneurs in Indonesia in properly preparing their financial statements without having to get caught up in the complexity of it. SAK EMKM is a much simpler financial accounting standard than SAK ETAP. This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the perception of MSME business actors regarding the importance of financial bookkeeping and reporting for their business and the factors that affect the level of understanding of MSME’s related to SAK EMKM. The sample of research was MSMEs business actors in Malang Raya with purposive sampling method with the total of 225 respondents. The results showed that company size, educational background, and level of education affect the MSME business entrepreneurs' perception of the importance of financial bookkeeping and reporting. While the level of understanding of MSME business entrepreneurs of SAK EMKM is affected by the level of information on SAK EMKM, educational background and education level of the MSME business actors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imro'atun Shoimah ◽  
Siti Maria Wardayati ◽  
Yosefa Sayekti

This research aims to analyze and adapt the financial reporting of non-profit entities based on Interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards 35 (ISAK 35): concerning the Presentation of Financial Statements for Non-Profit Oriented Entities. Namely the interpretation of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 1 (PSAK 1): concerning the Presentation of Financial Statements. For other accounting provisions for non-profit entities, it refers to the Financial Accounting Standards for Entities without Public Accountability (SAK ETAP) and Sharia Accounting Standards (SAS). Qualitative research was conducted with a case study at the University of Ibrahimy Sukorejo Situbondo. The results of this study, it is necessary to change the accrual basis recording method with the double entry system, preparation of adjusting journals to then compilation of financial position reports, comprehensive income reports, changes in net assets reports, cash flow reports and notes on financial reports based on ISAK 35. Adaptation of university financial reports Ibrahimy based on ISAK 35 is carried out by adjusting the required account posts by Ibrahimy University with the accounts stated in the Interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards 35 (ISAK 35)


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Mezbah Uddin Ahmed

Comparability is one of the qualitative characteristics of financial statements that are prepared in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The objective of this research is to identify whether this qualitative characteristic can be negated even when entities apply IFRS. In achieving the research objective, the depreciation policies adopted by the listed banks in Bangladesh are identified and compared with each other. This research finds that despite increasing effort by accounting standard setters and pressure groups to achieve IFRS-compliance and harmonization in accounting practices, non-compliance and divergence still exists. This research also finds that the divergence in depreciation practices can be of enough significance to negate comparability. The findings of this research expected to assist the international and national standard setters as well as the regulators in understanding the practical issues in implementing accounting standards and developing clearer IFRS implementation guidelines.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Debi Setyawati ◽  
Erina Sudaryati

This study aims to improve the readability and understanding of financial statements through a conceptual framework of financial reporting and its derivatives. This study employed an analytical method as a conceptual framework, where financial accounting standards, financial reporting, and the results are described by the term "Lawang Sewu" as a reflection. The results show that the term 'Lawang Sewu' has similarities with accounting ethics in financial reporting, where "lawang" (Javanese) means door refers to "door of information" and "sewu" (Javanese) means a thousand or many refers to having many information and interest in accounting reporting performance. Accounting ethics in financial reporting also describes the strength of the 'Lawang Sewu' building which is not damaged despite its old age. Financial statements reflect the company's past, present and future values. Based on the conceptual framework of accounting, financial statements must meet two qualitative criteria: primary qualitative (relevant and in accordance with actual conditions) and secondary qualitative (comparable, testable, timely and understandable). Thus, financial reports are expected to be transparent so that users can use them appropriately.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-132
Author(s):  
Sukma Diviana ◽  
Rangga Putra Ananto ◽  
Wiwik Andriani ◽  
Roni Putra ◽  
Armel Yentifa ◽  
...  

Mosque is an entity that aims not for profit (non-profit entity), so that financial accountability becomes an important aspect for mosques. Good accountability can be realized by presenting the mosque's financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards. The standard governing the financial reporting of non-profit entities is the Interpretation of Financial Accounting Standards No. 35 (ISAK 35). By implementing ISAK 35 in the presentation of mosque financial reports, interested parties will be able to assess the financial performance of the mosque. The object of this research is Mosque Baitul Haadi. Data were collected through a series of interviews and observations. Until now, Mosque Baitul Haadi only presented financial reports as far as cash in and cash out. This study aims to compile the financial statements of Mosque Baitul Haadi based on ISAK 35 using Microsoft Excel application tools. The financial statements that will be produced are the statements of financial position, comprehensive income statements, cash flow statements and notes to financial reports.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-207
Author(s):  
James G.S. Yang ◽  
Frank J. Aquilino

Purpose The accounting standards for consolidated financial statements have been updated recently. The change involves the measurement of goodwill and noncontrolling interest. Under the new accounting standards, goodwill consists of not only the parent company’s portion but also the noncontrolling interest’s share. The noncontrolling interest comprises both the subsidiary’s identifiable net assets and goodwill. In addition, it further changes the treatment of noncontrolling interest from liability to equity. The change indeed has far-reaching consequences on financial statements. This paper formulates an equation to measure goodwill and noncontrolling interest. It also provides some examples for illustrative purposes. The purpose of this paper is to update the financial reporting to the current standards. Design/methodology/approach New accounting standards under FASB #141R and 160. Findings New accounting standards in measuring goodwill and noncontrolling interest in financial reporting. Research limitations/implications The knowledge is useful for accountants and financial analysts. Practical implications Improve the quality of financial statements. Social implications Investors will be better informed. Originality/value This new accounting standard was not explored before.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Albana Gjoni ◽  
Shpresa Cela ◽  
Drini Salko ◽  
Migena Qerimi

Small Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) is one of the most important engines of economic growth in Albania. They make a significant contribution to local and global trade and also to the national economic development. SMEs have the largest proportion of total Albanian employment, almost 78% of the total number of employed people. They generally face difficulties in financing and investing decisions, globalization, and other matters, mainly because of their inappropriate formal financial reports. These enterprises must prepare adequate financial statements and proper accounts to deal with third parties’ needs and ensure stakeholder’s confidence. This requires financial statements to be prepared by international financial reporting standards (IFRS), national accounting standards, and local government laws. Therefore, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) provided a new standard to ensure the required financial reporting quality for SMEs. The main focus of this study is to examine the attitudes of financial statement’s information’ users in Albania towards the adoption of this financial reporting standard for SMEs as progress on the general financial reporting process in Albania, and also to estimate their capabilities and interests on this matter.


Author(s):  
Aminu Abdullahi ◽  
Hadiza Ahmed Suleiman

The study assessed the perception of financial statement users on the extent of reporting quality following IFRS adoption in Nigeria. A comparative approach was utilized, where users’ (investors)opinions on reporting quality between the Statement of Accounting Standards (SAS) regime and the International Financial Reporting Standards regime were sought and compared. The results obtained from the structured Likert scale questionnaires were analyzed using the T-Test. It was found that all the qualitative characteristics of financial reporting which were used as reporting quality variables in the study have improved with the adoption of IFRS except for the extent of the ability of financial reports to confirm or correct prior user’s expectation which was discovered to be better during SAS regime. It was recommended that the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) should embark on advocacy aimed at educating investors’ especially, institutional on the issue of prediction and assessment of IFRS-based financial statements.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frenly Rombebunga ◽  
David P. E. Saerang ◽  
Novi Swandari Budiarso

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the presentation of financial reports Municipal Public Works Bitung has been in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standard PP. 71 Year 2010. Type of research conducted is a case study. Data were obtained by interview, observation and documentation. The data taken is the history and development of agencies, agency goals, organizational structure of agencies, geographic conditions and boundaries, vision and mission of the institution, as well as Financial Reports Public Works Department of Bitung City. The analysis technique used is descriptive explorative analysis technique. The steps used in this study is to collect the required data, and then compare the financial report of Bitung City Public Works Department with the financial statements in accordance with the presentation of financial statements based on Governmental Accounting Standard PP. 71 Year 2010. The results showed that the Public Works Department of Bitung City has applied Standa r Accounting Government PP. 71 Year 2010, although not yet optimal, because there are some points that are still incomplete in financial reporting such as Balance Over Change Budget Report (SAL). From twenty-three paragraphs regulating the financial report of Bitung City Public Works Department there are twenty paragas that have been in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standard PP. 71 of 2010. Three paragraphs that have not been applied are included in the Budget Breakdown of More Budget Changes (SAL) report.Keywords: Government Accounting Standards, Department of Public Works, Financial Statements


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