IFRS US GAAP Swiss GAAP FER
Summary of similarities and differences 2007/2008 Edition
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IFRS – US GAAP – Swiss GAAP FER
Summary of similarities and differences
2007/2008 Edition This PricewaterhouseCoopers publication is for those who wish to gain a broad understanding of the key similarities and differences between IFRS, US GAAP and Swiss GAAP FER. No summary publication can do justice to the many differences of detail that exist between IFRS, US GAAP and Swiss GAAP FER. Even if the guidance is similar, there can be differences in the detailed application, which could have a material impact on the financial statements. It needs to be stressed that this brochure deals with the main differences only. Many more pages would be needed to be
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Balance sheet
Does not prescribe a particular format. A liquidity presentation of assets and liabilities is used, instead of a current/ non-current presentation, only when a liquidity presentation provides more relevant and reliable information. Certain minimum items are presented on the face of the balance sheet. Does not prescribe a particular format. A current/noncurrent presentation of assets and liabilities is used unless a liquidity presentation provides more relevant and reliable information. Certain minimum items are presented on the face of the balance sheet.
A minimum structure is required. Several items have to be disclosed separately on the face of the balance sheet or within the notes.
Income statement
Present as either a single-step or multiple-step format. Expenditures are presented by function. SEC registrants should follow SEC regulations.
A minimum structure is required, either by nature or by function. Several items have to be disclosed separately on the face of the income statement or within the notes.
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SUBJECT Exceptional (significant) items
IFRS Does not use the term but requires separate disclosure of items that are of such size, incidence or nature that separate disclosure is necessary to explain the performance of the entity. Prohibited.
US GAAP Similar to IFRS, but individually significant items are presented on the face of the income statement and disclosed in the notes.
Swiss GAAP FER Does not use the term exceptional, but
Change in net assets for the year. Could include the changes for both the governmental and business type activities.
8. REQUIRED TO TURN IN (in this order): Typed multi-step income statement, Typed statement of retained earnings, Typed classified balance sheet, Typed Perpetual Inventory cards, Handwritten worksheet for uncollectible accounts expense calculations, and Handwritten June Journal Entries, the additional adjusting entries and all necessary closing entries. Be sure your name is on all pages.
GAAP, but are provided here to give the statement users a more precise understanding of the financial position of the entity.
The requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework relevant to accounting estimates, including related disclosures
* Statement of net assets (Balance sheet) presentation required classification of current and non-current of assets and liabilities. Equity section presents: Net Assets Invested in Capital Assets, Care Organizations Net of Related Debt, Restricted Net Assets, and Unrestricted Net Assets.
| |financial statements related to cash and cash equivalents, receivables, and inventories. | | |
3. Prepare a pro forma balance sheet and income statement providing the assumptions made and support the valuations assigned.
This research project will inform the reader of the difference between the United States accounting standards and International accounting standards. The United States uses the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to issue financial reporting procedures. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). There are proposals for the United States to adopt the International standards. Financial reporting procedures are debated about the United States using the Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) or following the global procedures. This
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (2008). IFRS and U.S. GAAP A Pocket Comparison. Retrieved on November 7, 2011 from: http://www.iasplus.com/dttpubs/0809ifrsusgaap.pdf
Another critical requirement for users of financial statements is information, this is addressed through the disclosure of certain principles, policies and procedures to facilitate decision making, which current standards don’t adequately address, hence the issuing of AASB 15. (AASB,2014) Accordingly, a new standard is required to rectify the inconsistencies of revenue recognition and address the lack of consistent and useful information.
There are several differences between the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The IFRS is considered more of a "principles based" accounting standard in contrast to U.S. GAAP which is considered more "rules based." By being more "principles based", IFRS, arguably, represents and captures the economics of a transaction better than U.S. GAAP. As a team me collaborated to answer the following seven questions.
Differences Between GAAP and IFRS and Implications of Potential Convergence - Boundless Open Textbook. (n.d.). Retrieved February 5, 2015, from https://www.boundless.com/accounting/textbooks/boundless-accounting-textbook/introduction-to-accounting-1/conventions-and-standards-21/differences-between-gaap-and-ifrs-and-implications-of-potential-convergence-131-7049/
The US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is a set of international accounting rules which originated from the United States. US GAAP can be defined as a set of accounting principles, standards and procedures that companies use to compile their financial statements (Elliott & Elliott, 2008). The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the other hand are accounting rules originating from the United Kingdom. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are a set of accounting rules designed with a common global language for business affairs so that financial accounts of companies are understandable and comparable across international boundaries (Devinney, Pedersen & Tihanyi, 2010).
The board acknowledges the diverse nature of regulatory framework in developing concrete and uniform standards. These standards help in proposing and clarifying a complete guidance as well as demonstrating the understanding of complex issues in accounting. Moreover, help in demonstrating advanced knowledge in the application of accounting standards in the preparation and analysis of financial statements.
Like IFRS, reports prepared under US GAAP are presented: (i) statement of financial position, (ii) statement of comprehensive income, (iii) statement of changes in equity, (iv) statement of cash flows, and (v) notes including accounting policies.