The Achievements Or Successes Of Both Eu And Iasc Iasb Accounting Essay

The Achievements Or Successes Of Both Eu And Iasc Iasb Accounting Essay understructureGrowth in planetary trade has been on the increase over the years necessitating several organisations to be involved in the groundss to harmonise story practices both region in ally or internationally. Among those, leading in this effort were the European Union (EU) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) (formerly International Accounting Standards Committee, IASC).This essay exit facial expression at background and harmonisation process of the two organisations and evaluate their achievements to date. It is considered that harmonisation maybe defined as a means by which differences are trim hence harmonisation of fiscal practices will be regarded as the process by which the differences in write up practices across countries are reduced ultimately resulting in a set that is comparable (Nobes and Parker, 2010).Background and ObjectivesThe European Union (EU) is an frugal and pol itical union of 27 member countries located in Europe. The EU was realized on 1 January 1958 noticeing the Treaty of Rome 1957 (Nobes and Parker, 2010). The objective of Treaty had established rules to encourage free movement of persons, products and services, and large(p). This establishment drives the needs of harmonization of score and fiscal reporting.Thus, the most important objective of EU is to create a common market for the member countries. Uniformed method of accounting standards are required regionally in all parts of EU to encourage the flow of capital, enhance the protection of the shareholders and other stakeholders, and increase the reliability and comparability of companies financial information. The EU shows a contribution to regionally harmonizing accounting practices by established Directives and Regulations which are the two main instruments to harmonize company law and accounting standards (Nobes and Parker, 2010).As as an economic and political union, th e EU keep back issued and established many directives to harmonize accounting practice in regional term. However, in international scope, the IASC is one of bodies are effecting on harmonization of accounting rules and disclosure and it reported a number of international standards (Nobes and Parker 2010).IASC was founded in June 1973, and the Board of IASC was constituted simultaneously by main accountancy bodies in nine divers(prenominal) countries such as Canada, France, Germany, UK, and USA etc. The IASC was established to harmonize international accounting standards. IASC has received board range of congest for its effort to harmonize international accounting, which has been considered as leading force to harmonization (Larson, 1999). The harmonization of accounting is also supported by IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions), large public accounting firms, trading unions and most national public accountancy bodies. The basic objective of IASC is consider ed as publishing accounting standards to be observed in the financial narrative preparation and encourage their acceptance and observance orbicularly (Nobes and Parker, 2010). In 2001, the IASC restructured and renamed to the IASB. The new organization has shown new more comprehensive objectives compared to the IASC. To be able to understand the objectives of IASB, the abstract frameworks should be explained. The IASCs conceptual framework included the objectives and the qualitative characteristics. The following put back 1 shows the detailed objectives of IASB under the IFRS Foundation Constitution.Table IASBs objectivesIASBs ObjectivesTo develop high flavour and understandable international accounting standards to guide high quality, transparent and comparable information in financial reporting. Thus accounting standards will help the global capital market participants and other users decision making.To encourage the use and rigorous application of standardsTo fulfill the ( a) and (b), and take account the interest of small, medium size entities and uphill economic account appropriately.Give high quality solutions about convergence of national and International accounting standards. reference book IFRS Foundation Constitution (ias.com, 2010).The qualitative characteristics of financial narratives made by IASC followed the FASB. In rig to forecast the risk, the accounting information must include all these three characteristics relevance, reliability and comparability.The motives of harmonizing accounting practices by these organizations whizz is tempted to consider harmonisation objective as having shifted from step-down differences to coming out with a standard or model for uniformity. The motives of the two most influential international bodies involved in the process of harmonisation of the different national accounting systems, and then (as stated on their web sites), seems to suggest that they lead to develop or create a single set of high qu ality, understandable and enforceable global accounting standards, (Elliott and Elliott, 2009). It is more of standardization than harmonization as it is less flexible. This therefore raises suspicion as to the true purpose of their efforts oddly when we consider their respective current compositions, history, their headquarters and the majority of stakeholders who are likely to benefit. Perera (1989) as quoted in Deegan and Unerman (2006) argued that the accounting standards themselves tend to reflect the circumstances and patterns of thinking of the representatives that makes the committees. Already, IASB seems to have noted similar criticism and Nobes and Parker (2010) states that the trustees will gradually increase the Board membership to include members from Europe, northeastward America, Asia/Oceania, Africa and South America by 2012.Similar concerns were once echoed by Gray, et al (1981) while commenting on the proposal to introduce standards specifically for MNCs and the question seems to be noneffervescent valid. He submitted that the term standard could be used broadly to mean a set of logical arguments which may include reference to disclosure or touchstone issues for the benefit of Multinational Companies. He found such statements to have a different meaning from that intended to achieve strict uniformity to those capable of more flexible interpretation from those derived from statutory authority, to those which are effectively advisory. However, he relented that the fact that they exist as guidelines or criteria against which MNCs accountability is assessed, qualified such statements to be expound as standards.Whittington (2005) stated that the motivation for the creation of the IASC was due to the need for a common international language of accounting to serve capital markets. He highlighted that a common set of accounting standards increased the comparability of companies in different countries and facilitated the easy consolidation of gr oup of companies based in different countries. Although IASB sets standards after near(a) scrutiny from different national standard setters, it is evident that it is involved more with convergence than harmonisation. This may in a way also support the sen mnts verbalized by UK finance directors during a survey that IFRSs undermined UK (and obviously of all other countries) reporting integrity, (Elliott and Elliott, 2009). Countries still need to maintain their national pride as they introduce substantial economic and cultural differences.On another hand, it is important to note that we now have more of a global economy hence the underdeveloped of international standards makes it easier to raise cross-border finance and to compare performance of companies by users who include prospective investors, (Elliott and Elliott, 2009). To summary, Epstein and Mirza (2001) and Choi et al.(2002) gave reasons for the harmonization process of accounting practices in the preparers and user pe rspectives, they stated that harmonization created huge advantages as listed in the following tablesTable Advantages of harmonizationPreparersUsersBetter comparison betwixt group company and subsidiaries in preparing consolidation of financial statementHigher quality and comparable information among companies to decision making andBetter communications in internal reporting systemReduce the risk for financial institutionsMNCs do not have to castrate their statements to conform to each countrys rules when listing on exchange stockLead to a well-developed and good functioning capital market, and its a pre-condition for a good economy and development form of harmonization on IASC/IASB and EUThe IASC and its successor are considered to be the most successful torso that evolved in harmonization of accounting practices (Nobes and Parker, 2010). The harmonization efforts of IASC can be classified in three phases. Simultaneously, the IOSCO and IFAC have supported to the IASC/IASB and EU .First phase 1973 to 1988This period of time is called the first stage of development of IASC. During this period, the IASC set up most of its standards which covered major accounting topics like accounting for chronicle (Epstein and Mirza, 2001). IASC focused on achieving compatibility between the existing standards and IAS and giving a lowest-common denominator approach cross the countries. At the same time, the strategy of IASC allowed multiple methods that used in various countries. IOSCO accepted that IASs for financial statement of foreign companies that listed in their stock exchange market (Larson, 2011). Additionally, the IFAC was founded in 1983 to develop the areas which were uncovered by the IASC, such as auditing and management accounting (Nobes and Parker, 2010). The following table shows the detail information of processTable Harmonization Process from 1973 to 1988Harmonization Process 1973-1988Context1973The IASC was founded.1976The Economic Cooperation and Develop ment make an announcement on investment funds in MNCs to develop guidelines on disclosure of information (Choi et al., 2002)1977A Report about IASs for transitional corporations was issued by an expert group of United Nations (Choi et al., 2002).1981In order to set IAS widely, the IASC had forums with other organizations.1983Foundation of IFAC helped IASC to get a closer relationship with other bodies (Nobes and Parker, 2010).1984The London Stock Exchange issued a number of incorporated companies to follow IAS in the UK or Ireland (Choi et al., 2002).Second phase 1989 to 1993During this period IASC started to cooperate with IOSCO, and made agreement with IFRS for cross-border securities offerings (Nobes and Parker, 2010). However, the IASC was decreasing the choices under the IAS and the IASC needed more capital market so that the IOSCO would accept it in the period between 1989 and 1993 (Fritz and Lmmle, 2003). IASC published a framework to prepare financial statement in 1989 and Comparability/Improvement realize was carried out to narrow the alternative accounting treatment in this period. Furthermore, 10 standards was revised in 1993 (Nobes and Parker, 2010). Table 4 shows the processes in this period.Table Harmonization Process from 1989 to 1993Harmonisation Process 1989-1993Context1989Exposure Draft 32 was issued by IASCThird phase 1993-2001IASC started agreement with IOSCO and IOSCO supported 30 core standards that were developed or revised by IASC. From 2001, IASB started to improve existing International Accounting Standards, deal with the problem that IASC havent addressed and enhance quality of financial report. IASB also involves in reducing the international differences in standards with FASB (USA) (Nobes and Parker, 2010).Table Harmonization Process from 1993 to 2001Harmonization Process 1993-2001Context1995The European Commission planned to support the IASC to make IAS link with EU accounting requirements.1996The SEC manifested that it suppor ts the IASCs objective to develop, as expeditiously as possible, Accounting Standards that could be used for preparing financial statements that could be used in cross-border offerings. (Choi et al., 2002296)1998The IOSCO published an announcement International Disclosure Standards for Cross Border Offerings and Initial Listings by Foreign Issuers (Choi et al., 2002296) the IASC began to explore a new strategy and organization structure.2000The IOSCO accepted the IAS, especially for foreign registers (Nobes and Parker, 2010).2001IASB was set up by supporting from the IOSCO and SEC (Nobes and Parker, 2010).The fundamental of EU accounting harmonization is a harmonization of company law which is aim to create a uniform business environment (Mueller, 1997). Harmonization of company law taken by EU is directives, which have publicized 12 directives. Moreover, the by and the seventh directives made the contribution to the accounting harmonization process in the Europe (Hulle, 2001). In details, the fourth directive in 1978 combines Member States provision and nominate a guideline of the presentation and content of annual accounts, valuation methods and the publication. The Directive also pointed out that the annual report must include a funfair review of firms financial position and the true and fair view brought from UK was firstly mentioned in mandatory term. Also, the seventh Company Law Directive in 1983 combines issue laws on consolidation accounting and the fourth directive together, and sets out the methods of preparing consolidated accounts.Choi (2002) suggested that IASs as the new accounting standards are the preferred choice for EU countries by European Union. In terms of international harmonization of accounting standards, the policy stated by European Commission in 1995 pointed out that it was more economic to associate EU with IASC and IOSCO than amend existing directives (Epstein and Mirza, 2001). In 2000, a further step in harmonization process was made by EU, which required enterprises on a regulated market to prepare their consolidated accounts under IAS (Fritz and Lmmle, 2003).The important obstacles faced by EU and IASC are differing accounting practice, which caused by different countries, nationalism, as well as lack of strong professional bodies and international enforcement agency. Also, the difference in regulatory sources is the challenge for EU and IASC (Houssain,nd).IASC is broadly focused on removing unnecessary differences in accounting principles and practice around the whole world (McComb, 1982). That A lack of synchronization between release of standards in different countries and the grooming of standards by IASC will be an obstacle for harmonization (Rivera, 1989). Furthermore, lack of the professional bodies takes a challenge to implement IASs. It is said that IASC can only implement its accounting standards by its member bodies, not through the own authority. Taking France and Germany as examples, th e professional accounting bodies in these two countries have rarely influence range of accounting rules than pose by the government and governmental bodies, so that IASs can only promoted by persuasion (Nobes, 1995).In terms of nationalism, there is an unwillingness to change accounting practice by accepting compromises. Nationalism may be brought out when attempting to maintain independence of sovereignty. It can be observed that some countries did not make a reaction to attempts of harmonization by IASC (Nobes and Parker, 2002).Another challenge is the economic consequences of a particular country. Various in economic consequences of standards could result in de-harmonization unless considered by those who set the standards (Nobes and Parker, 2002). The international accounting firms are also worried about the increasing interest of outsiders in the profession and the wish the standard setting process to be kept outside of the hands of the government (Samuels and Piper,1985).The achievements or successes of both EU and IASC/IASB in harmonising accounting practicesIn order to decide whether EU and the IASC were successful, it is important to review the objectives of these 2 organizations.First of all, the achievements of EU would be evaluated. In the past, countries in European used control of bookkeeping system instead of the financial statements which were lack of law and format. The EU set two main directives to improve financial reporting practices and brought about some harmonisation. These directives approached rapidly throughout Europe and directly most countries in the continental Europe followed the EUs accounting system rather than Anglo-American type. The Table 6 describes the extent of harmonization that has been achieved in descending order.Table point of harmonisation achieved between 8 EU countries in descending orderThe balance sheet translationDifferences in translation treatmentValue of inventoryThe income statement translationThe way t o approach depreciationExamination and improvementValue of Fixed AssetGoodwillApproach for cost of inventorySource Herrmann Thomas, 1995, p264Besides those successes, EU had some failures. Montagna (1986) stated that weak regulations, general and vague disclosure made European accounts be the same. In addition, Blake and Amat (1994) concluded that because of no worry for foreign currency translation, deferred taxation and accounting for lease commitments, the EUs directives was failed itself. Some countries have explained the directives paralleling with the national accounting tradition. Some individual companies might refuse to agree to the rules disposed(p) by EU. For example, 90% of German companies failed to publish their accounts. The EU harmonization also failed at the material level of actual accounting practices. The Table 6 shown higher up have presented 9 material harmonisation completed by 8 European countries. Some of these areas are not concealed by the EU legislati on.Secondly, we will determine whether IASC succeeded. The term issuing standards is clearly successful. IASC released forty-one standards coming along with conceptual framework. However, because of that the standards were criticized for allowing many options. Another objective which should be considered is promotion and observance of standards. We have to study four types of country developing countries, emerging nations, continental Western Europe and Japan, and capital market countries in order to decide IASCs success. In developing countries type, Saudagaran and Diga (2003) achieved that the harmonization in ASEAN countries would go on and be based on IASBs standard. In addition, IASC had advantages as a global standard-setter to be a major sham in some emerging nations which moved from communist to capitalist economics. In the continental Western Europe and Japan type, IASC has achieved limited success. Some countries considered IASC as a Trojan horse trying to inflict the acc ounting standard in EU. Some companies in Switzerland chose IASs for their financial statements, and until 1994 IASs were used by several large companies all over Europe. The last type of countries including United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and Netherlands seems influence the IASC. Furthermore, IASC could be considered as a successful organization as it had a support from IOSCO and EU commission in 2000. Nevertheless, IASC has accomplished their objectives.CONCLUSIONReferencesIASB (2011) History of International Accounting Standards Board http//archive.iasb.org.uk/about/history.asp IAS.COM (2010) What is IASB? The objectives of IASB, http//www.iasplus.com/restruct/whatis.htm Larson, Robert K, Kenny, Sara York (1999) Harmonization of International Accounting Standards Progress in the 1990s, Multinational Business Review, spring 1999.Nobes, C. and Parker, R. (2000) Comparative international accounting, 6th edition, Harlow Pearson Education.