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International public-sector framework IDs primary financial statement users

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) released the first four chapters of its conceptual framework for public-sector general-purpose financial reporting. The chapters describe the objective of financial reporting by public-sector entities as providing information to users for accountability and decision-making purposes. The partial release identifies service recipients and

FASB repurchase agreement proposal aims to adequately reflect risks

FASB issued proposed revisions Tuesday to financial reporting standards for repurchase agreements, in part to address investors’ concerns that some current practices do not adequately reflect the transferor’s obligations and risks. The Proposed Accounting Standards Update, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860)—Effective Control for Transfers With Forward Agreements to Repurchase Assets

Segment disclosure standard affirmed by FAF review team

A Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) review released Monday has affirmed the general effectiveness of a FASB statement that establishes standards for the way public companies report information about operating segments in annual and interim financial statements. But the report on the post-implementation review also revealed room for improvement in Statement

Amendment enables audits of statements prepared under new framework

A new statement issued by the Auditing Standards Board (ASB) clears the way for audits of financial statements prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Framework for Small- and Medium-Sized Entities (SMEs) that the AICPA is developing. Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 127, Omnibus Statement on Auditing Standards—2013, defines

“Exciting and challenging times” coming for auditors

International auditing standards appear set for a period of substantial change as investors seek more information, new forms of reporting emerge, and companies look to provide assurance on additional items. The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) plans to release an exposure draft in June in its ongoing project

New mechanisms eyed by FASB, IASB in long march toward global comparability

The mechanisms for continuing to facilitate global comparability in accounting standards will change over the next few years. But the leaders of two major standard-setting boards said Thursday during a meeting in New York City that the commitment to global comparability remains. With their joint board meetings and convergence projects

New GASB standard addresses government combinations and disposals

GASB on Tuesday approved a standard geared toward the specific needs of state and local governments’ financial reporting of mergers, acquisitions, transfers of operations, and disposals of government operations. “Historically, governments have accounted for their mergers and acquisitions by analogizing to guidance intended for the private-sector business environment, which proved

FASB working on fair value disclosure exemption for nonpublic entities

FASB is moving quickly to clarify the applicability of a certain fair value disclosure requirement to nonpublic entities. In a Proposed Accounting Standards Update (ASU), FASB asks for public comment on a clarification that is intended to reduce confusion among stakeholders. The proposal would amend Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04,

FASAB issues standards for federal entities’ asset impairment

U.S. federal government entities will be required to report the effects of general property, plant, and equipment impairments under new standards issued Thursday by the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB). Statement of Federal Financial Accounting Standards (SFFAS) 44, Accounting for Impairment of General Property, Plant, and Equipment Remaining in

Private Company Council has VIEs on radar

Variable-interest entities (VIEs), which have long been identified as one of the most frustrating concepts in accounting for private companies, were among the four issues the new Private Company Council (PCC) identified for further study and possible agenda consideration during its initial meeting Dec. 6 in Norwalk, Conn. The PCC

FAF wants U.S. represented in IASB standards advisory group

The Financial Accounting Foundation trustees are advocating for broad membership, including a possible U.S. role, in a forum of national and regional standard setters that is being formed to advise the International Accounting Standards Board. In a letter dated Dec. 27, Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) Chairman Jeffrey Diermeier encouraged the

SEC names Beswick to chief accountant post

Paul Beswick recently confessed that he enjoys reading about the evolution of accounting standards throughout history. Now Beswick has a chance to make his own historical mark as chief accountant of the SEC. On Friday, the SEC announced that Beswick, who had been serving as acting chief accountant since James

FAF names 3 new trustees

Charles Cox, John Dugan, and Teri List-Stoll have been appointed to the Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) Board of Trustees, the foundation announced Friday. Their five-year terms begin Jan. 1. The three new trustees replace Frank Brod, Edward Harrington and John Perrell, whose terms end Dec. 31. Another trustee, Mary Stone,

Conceptual framework among IASB priorities

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) plans to complete a new conceptual framework by September 2015. In addition, the board plans to have its technical program focus on implementation and maintenance, including post-implementation reviews and a small number of IFRS projects. The IASB announced that it has mapped its future

Build a strong team to comply with conflict minerals rule

There is no mistaking the effect that a new regulation regarding conflict minerals will have on manufacturers and their suppliers. Tracing the commonly used minerals of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold through intricate global supply chain networks will be no easy task. “This is one of the most complex compliance

Streamlining disclosures a tricky job for FASB

There is considerable agreement that more disclosures often do not lead to more useful financial statements. The question FASB faces now is: How to decide the best way to instruct preparers on which footnote disclosures to omit? Stakeholders at round-table discussions held this fall by FASB and the Center for

IFRS Foundation Trustee: Don’t wave white flag on cooperation

The remaining convergence projects facing FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) need to be wrapped up soon – even if the boards fall short of completely harmonizing their standards, an IFRS Foundation trustee and a U.K. accountancy body said separately this week. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in

VIEs among first issues PCC identifies for discussion

Variable-interest entities (VIEs), which have long been identified as one of the most frustrating concepts in accounting for private companies, were among the four issues the new Private Company Council (PCC) identified for further study in its initial meeting Thursday in Norwalk, Conn. The PCC was created by FASB’s parent

Nine tips for effective MD&A reporting

Deciding what to include in the management discussion and analysis (MD&A) section of a company’s financial report seldom is an easy task. Although the SEC issued guidance regarding MD&A, a fair amount of judgment is required. Obeying MD&A guidance is a case of complying with the spirit of a rule

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