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Impact of Contingent Liabilities on Financial Reporting and Decision-Making
Professor: March 24, 2024
Enterprises function within an ever-evolving landscape where unforeseen circumstances
can affect financial information. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) require companies to disclose contingent
liabilities and potential future obligations that can significantly affect their financial position to
represent their financial standing accurately (Palmer,2024). As per FASB codification 450-20-05-
2 alongside Subtopics 450-10- and 450-30, general guidance is offered regarding gain and loss
contingencies. Stakeholders, including investors and creditors, must be informed about these
potential liabilities, as they can influence the Company's risk exposure, cash flow, and overall
financial resilience. The current study delves into contingent liabilities, explores the accounting
principles, discusses the classification, and examines their impact on decision-making processes.
What is a Contingent Liability?
Contingent liabilities refer to prospective financial obligations or losses that rely on the
result of an unpredictable event. US GAAP from FASB (2023) codification outlined in ASC 450-
20-20 that contingency is a current condition, situation, or scenario with uncertainty about an
entity's potential gain (gain contingency) or loss (loss contingency). The resolution of these
uncertainties depends on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events.
Moreover, according to FASB Statement No. 5, a contingency is "a current condition,
circumstance, or series of events characterized by uncertainty regarding potential profit or loss
for a company, which will be resolved upon the happening or non-happening of one or more
future events." Instances comprise obligations stemming from legal action, notes receivable with
discounted values, disagreements over income tax, potential penalties resulting from prior
activities, warranty and debts guaranteed by the Company. In contingent liability scenarios, the
Company typically lacks certainty regarding the existence and extent of the liability. For more examples of contingent liability, please see the images below. (Srivastav, 2024)
Principles of Contingent Liability
Anderson Austin (2024) stated in a review published in the Wall Street Journal that,
according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), contingent liabilities are
recorded based on three accounting principles: full disclosure, prudence, and materiality.
Principle of prudence: It mandates that a company refrain from recording anticipated
gains but must account for expected losses. This safeguards against overstating
income/assets and understating expenses/liabilities.
Principle material states that any items with financial value must be recorded in the
accounting books. Items have financial value if their presence or absence impacts the
business.
Principle Disclosure: It aims to provide users of financial statements with a
comprehensive understanding of the Company's financial position and operating results,
enabling them to make informed decisions.
Classification of Contingent liability GAAP and IFS recognize three categories of contingent liabilities: probable, possible, and remote. However, evaluating a contingent liability in monetary terms can prove difficult, as it is a
liability that could arise contingent upon the outcome of a future event, a probability subject to individual judgment. Given the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the amount to allocate for such expenses. It is important to ask two (4) four essential questions before accounting for any potential unforeseen obligation:
If the contingent loss is probable and can be estimated, legal counsel determines the probable standard, which should be greater than 50% (IFRS) or 80% (GAAP). If the contingency meets the 80% occurrence, GAAP requires that the contingency be recorded in the income and balance statements. The journal entries will be debit liability-related expenses and accrue credit liability (Ross,2023).
The entity must disclose this note on the financial statements if the contingent loss is probable or possible and cannot be estimated. The disclosure lets the reader know that there are potential liabilities, but the estimated value is unknown.
If the contingent loss is remote, it is unlikely to occur in Occur. It should not be disclosed.
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Related Questions
The financial position of an enterprise as revealed by its financial statement may be seriously affected by events occurring after the balance sheet date and contingencies. For this reason FRS 21 Events after the Balance Sheet Date and FRS12 provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets lay down rules to ensure that such events and contingencies are properly reflected in financial statements.
Required:
What factors determine whether events after the balance sheet date require adjustment to the financial statements, according to FRS 21 Events after Balance Sheet Date?
Explain the different accounting treatments required for contingent liabilities and contingent assets depending on their degree of probability.
3. Up to what date would it normally be necessary to adjust for or disclose events after the balance sheet date or to disclose contingent liabilities and contingent assets?
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Question 1:- State the evolution of accounting theory and its significance in the contemporary business environment. Provide examples to illustrate how historical events and changing economic landscapes have influenced the development of accounting theory over time.
Question 2:-
Scrutinize the International Accounting Standard Board's (ASB) Conceptual framework 2018. Identify the key elements of the conceptual framework and their role in enhancing the relevance and reliability of financial reporting.
Question 3:-
Identify and discuss the major challenges and opportunities associated with international accounting standards convergence. Analyze the implications of differences in accounting practices across countries and propose strategies for addressing these challenges.
Question 4:-
a) Define research methodology in the context of accounting theory. Identify the importance of selecting an appropriate research methodology in accounting research, highlighting the strengths and…
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Using Republic Financial Holdings 2022 annual report, Identify and discuss key accounting principles and standards applied in the company’s financial reporting process indicating their reasons for choosing these and how they were applied. Comment briefly on the appropriateness of the choices made given the company’s industry, location and type (e.g. MNC,
regional conglomerate
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HELLO EXPERT NEED YOUR HELP
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Financial reporting:
Multiple Choice
O
is designed primarily to meet the needs of banks, taxing authorities, and other Governmental regulatory bodies such as the SEC.
O
is future oriented in nature, with detailed disclosures about a company's operating plans to allow investors to make accurate earnings projections.
is designed primarily for internal planning, control, and decision-making purposes.
includes detailed notes and other disclosures about a company's past performance.
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The underlying purpose of the conceptual framework for financial
reporting includes which of the following?
I. increase financial statement users' understanding of and
confidence in financial reporting.
II. enhance comparability amohg companies' financial
statements.
II. allow new and emerging practical problems to be more
quickly solved.
Il only
a.
O b. I, Il and II
Oc. I and II only
O d. Ionly
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Answer this Accounting question
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Requirement
Referring to the qualitative characteristics of accounting information, indicate the fundamental characteristic (relevance or representationally
faithful) and its related attribute (confirmatory value, completeness, materiality, neutrality, or predictive value) for each of the following uses of
accounting information.
Use of Accounting Information
This year's reported earnings per share is
a. $.50 below analysts' forecasts
Potential creditors review a company's long-
term liabilities footnote to determine that
b. entity's ability to assume additional debt.
A corporation discloses both favorable and
unfavorable tax settlements.
C.
A company discloses the write-off of an
accounts receivable. The receivable due from
a major customer accounts for 35% of the
d. company's current assets.
A financial analyst computes a company's
five-year average cost of goods sold in order
e. to forecast next year's profit margin.
*****
Fundamental Characteristic
Attribute
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Question 2
Make a critical assessment of the International Accounting Standard Board’s (ASB) Conceptual framework 2018. Discuss the key elements of the conceptual framework and their role in enhancing the relevance and reliability of financial reporting.
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"In light of the evolving business landscape, technological advancements, and global economic interdependencies, critically analyze and discuss the role of fair value accounting in financial reporting. Consider the implications of fair value measurement on the quality of financial information, decision-making by various stakeholders, and the potential impact on financial markets. Additionally, explore the challenges and criticisms associated with fair value accounting, and propose alternative accounting approaches that may address these concerns while ensuring transparency and relevance in financial reporting. Finally, assess the ethical considerations surrounding the application of fair value accounting and its potential effects on corporate governance and stakeholder trust within the context of contemporary business environments."
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I need the answer as soon as possible
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What has been the main thrust of recent changes in the financial reporting rules following the financial scandals of Enron, Worldcom,
etc.?
Multiple Choice
To improve internal control over companies' financial reporting.
To add to the work of the companies' external accountants.
To force the companies to disclose more of their internal information.
To provide incentives to increase their net income.
< Prev
27 of 50
Next
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How.do changes in accounting standards, such as the transition from GAAP to IFRS, impact financial reporting practices and decision-making processes within multinational corporations, considering the potential effects on comparability, transparency, and the overall quality of financial information?"
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How do you distinguish between Financial Reporting for GAAP, and full Disclosure.
What is Management Discussion and Analysis. Access a public company annual report and analyze its MD&A section and how it helps the investors in their decision making process.
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5
A conceptual framework for financial reporting is a statement of generally accepted theoretical principles, which provide the basis for __________________.
i)Development of new accounting standards
ii)Development of accounting staff through training programs
iii)Evaluation of accounting standards which already in existence.
iv)Developing quality control methods to enhance the quality of products and services.
a.
iii) & iv)
b.
ii) & iv)
c.
i) & iii)
d.
i) & ii)
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Certainly! Here's a case study in table format on the topic of International Accounting
Standards (IAS). Following the case study, there will be an objective-type question.
Case Study: International Accounting Standards (IAS)
Scenario
Company Profile: XYZ
International Ltd
Objective: Adoption of
IFRS
Key Information
- Multinational corporation operating in various countries
- Company plans to adopt International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) for financial reporting starting from the next
fiscal year
Challenges and Considerations
Diverse Regulatory Environments:
Different countries have different
accounting regulations.
Training and Education: Employees
need to be trained on IFRS to ensure
accurate implementation.
Transition Planning: Smooth transition
from local GAAP to IFRS is crucial for
financial stability.
Communication: Stakeholders need to
be informed about the transition and its
potential impact.
Expected Benefits and Impact on
Financial Reporting
Global Comparability:…
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1. Companies present sufficient financial information so the creditors and reasonably prudent investor will not be misled.
2. Companies listed on the philippine stock exchange report audited financial information annually and report unaudited information quarterly.
Choices:
a. Full disclosure principle
b. Time period assumption
c. Materiality constraint
d. Cost Principle
e. Revenue recognition principle
f. Conservatism Constraint
g. Matching principle
h. Economic entity assumption
i. Monetary unit
j. Going concern
k. Some other answers
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Which of the following statements is correct in relation to the contents of the IASB Conceptual Framework (2018):
(i) Comparability is a fundamental qualitative characteristic of useful financial information
(ii) An entity shall apply the "going concern" assumption if it is entering bankruptcy in the current quarter.
(iii) The concept of physical capital maintenance requires applying the current purchasing power measurement basis
(iv) The concept of prudence implies that in preparing financial statements management should seek to overstate assets and income and to understate liabilities and expenses
a. (iv)
b. (iii)
c. (i)
d. None of the statements is correct
e. (ii)
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Name aggressive management decisions
and
Assumptions that affect the earnings of
Company
According to the current guidelines from
the
FASB and the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), when should revenue be
Recognized?
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The qualitative characteristics of relevance, reliability, and comparability identified in the IASB's framework for the preparation and presentation of financial statements ( Framework) are some of the attributes that make financial information useful to the various users of financial statements.
Required: Explain what is meant by relevance, reliability, and comparability and how they make financial information useful.
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a) The IASB's Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting lays out the objectives and
fundamentals that will guide the development of financial accounting and reporting
standards. The purpose of financial reporting is defined by its objectives. The
characteristics or qualities of information discussed in the Conceptual Framework are the
concepts that make information useful and the qualities to be sought when accounting
choices are made.
Required
i. Explain the benefits that the firms derived from the Conceptual Framework in preparing
their financial statements.
ii. Explain the most essential quality for accounting information as stated in the Conceptual
Framework? Justify your answer with an example.
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Q025: Which accounting concept requires that financial statements reflect
the assumption that the business will continue operating indefinitely?
A) Economic Entity Assumption
B) Going Concern Assumption
C) Monetary Unit Assumption
D) Periodicity Assumption
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List three key provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Order your list from most important to leastimportant in terms of the likely long-term impact on the accounting profession and financial reporting.
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Related Questions
- The financial position of an enterprise as revealed by its financial statement may be seriously affected by events occurring after the balance sheet date and contingencies. For this reason FRS 21 Events after the Balance Sheet Date and FRS12 provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets lay down rules to ensure that such events and contingencies are properly reflected in financial statements. Required: What factors determine whether events after the balance sheet date require adjustment to the financial statements, according to FRS 21 Events after Balance Sheet Date? Explain the different accounting treatments required for contingent liabilities and contingent assets depending on their degree of probability. 3. Up to what date would it normally be necessary to adjust for or disclose events after the balance sheet date or to disclose contingent liabilities and contingent assets?arrow_forwardQuestion 1:- State the evolution of accounting theory and its significance in the contemporary business environment. Provide examples to illustrate how historical events and changing economic landscapes have influenced the development of accounting theory over time. Question 2:- Scrutinize the International Accounting Standard Board's (ASB) Conceptual framework 2018. Identify the key elements of the conceptual framework and their role in enhancing the relevance and reliability of financial reporting. Question 3:- Identify and discuss the major challenges and opportunities associated with international accounting standards convergence. Analyze the implications of differences in accounting practices across countries and propose strategies for addressing these challenges. Question 4:- a) Define research methodology in the context of accounting theory. Identify the importance of selecting an appropriate research methodology in accounting research, highlighting the strengths and…arrow_forwardUsing Republic Financial Holdings 2022 annual report, Identify and discuss key accounting principles and standards applied in the company’s financial reporting process indicating their reasons for choosing these and how they were applied. Comment briefly on the appropriateness of the choices made given the company’s industry, location and type (e.g. MNC, regional conglomeratearrow_forward
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- Answer this Accounting questionarrow_forwardRequirement Referring to the qualitative characteristics of accounting information, indicate the fundamental characteristic (relevance or representationally faithful) and its related attribute (confirmatory value, completeness, materiality, neutrality, or predictive value) for each of the following uses of accounting information. Use of Accounting Information This year's reported earnings per share is a. $.50 below analysts' forecasts Potential creditors review a company's long- term liabilities footnote to determine that b. entity's ability to assume additional debt. A corporation discloses both favorable and unfavorable tax settlements. C. A company discloses the write-off of an accounts receivable. The receivable due from a major customer accounts for 35% of the d. company's current assets. A financial analyst computes a company's five-year average cost of goods sold in order e. to forecast next year's profit margin. ***** Fundamental Characteristic Attributearrow_forwardQuestion 2 Make a critical assessment of the International Accounting Standard Board’s (ASB) Conceptual framework 2018. Discuss the key elements of the conceptual framework and their role in enhancing the relevance and reliability of financial reporting.arrow_forward
- "In light of the evolving business landscape, technological advancements, and global economic interdependencies, critically analyze and discuss the role of fair value accounting in financial reporting. Consider the implications of fair value measurement on the quality of financial information, decision-making by various stakeholders, and the potential impact on financial markets. Additionally, explore the challenges and criticisms associated with fair value accounting, and propose alternative accounting approaches that may address these concerns while ensuring transparency and relevance in financial reporting. Finally, assess the ethical considerations surrounding the application of fair value accounting and its potential effects on corporate governance and stakeholder trust within the context of contemporary business environments."arrow_forwardI need the answer as soon as possiblearrow_forwardWhat has been the main thrust of recent changes in the financial reporting rules following the financial scandals of Enron, Worldcom, etc.? Multiple Choice To improve internal control over companies' financial reporting. To add to the work of the companies' external accountants. To force the companies to disclose more of their internal information. To provide incentives to increase their net income. < Prev 27 of 50 Nextarrow_forward
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- Principles of Accounting Volume 1AccountingISBN:9781947172685Author:OpenStaxPublisher:OpenStax College
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