Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is the objective of financial reporting?
To provide financial information about the reporting entity that is useful to present and potential equity investors, lenders, and other creditors in making decisions about providing resources to the entity.
Who are the parties involved in standard-setting?
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
Describe the Capital Allocation Process
Financial Reporting > Users (investors and creditors) > Capital Allocation
Reporting helps users make decisions on on to allocate their capital among competing interests.
What are the major challenges in Financial Reporting?
Political environment Expectation gap Financial reporting issues International accounting standards Ethics
What are the essential characteristics of Accounting?
1) the identification, measurement, and communication of financial information about 2) economic entities to 3) interested parties
What are the most frequently provided Financial Statements?
Balance Sheet Income Statement Statement of Cash Flows Statement of Owners' or Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosures
What is the purpose of information presented in notes to the financial statements?
To provide disclosure required by generally accepted accounting principles.
Describe Entity Perspective
Companies viewed as separate and distinct from their owners
Describe Decision-Usefulness
Investors are interested in assessing the company’s
1) ability to generate net cash inflows and
2) management’s ability to protect and enhance the capital providers’ investments.
What is the purpose of the Financial Accounting Foundation?
To select members of the FASB and their Advisory Councils, fund their activities, and exercise general oversight.
What is the purpose of the FASB?
To establish and improve standards of financial accounting and reporting for the guidance and education of the public, including issuers, auditors, and users of financial info.
What is the purpose of Staff and Task Forces in setting accounting standards?
To assist the FASB on reporting issues by performing research, analysis and writing functions.
What is the purpose of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC)?
To consult on major policy issues, technical issues, project priorities, and selection and organization of task forces.
Explain Due Process steps for FASB
1) Topics identified and placed on Board’s Agenda
2) Preliminary views - research and analysis conducted and preliminary views of pros and cons issues
3) Public hearing on proposed standard
4) Exposure draft - Board evaluates research and public response and issues exposure draft
5) Accounting standards update (GAAP) - Board evaluates responses and changes exposure draft, if necessary. Final standard issued.
Explain GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Principles that have substantial authoritative support.
Major sources of G A A P:
- F A S B Standards, Interpretations, and Staff Positions
- A P B Opinions
- A I C P A Accounting Research Bulletins