Statement Of Standard Accounting Practice Research Articles

საქართველოში საპენსიო ფონდების ბუღალტრული აღრიცხვისა და ფინანსური ანგარიშგების საკითხისათვის

In Georgia, A pension fund includes pension contributions made by employers, employees, the government, as well as any investment returns, gains or losses accrued on pension assets. The amount of accumulated funds depends on the amount of individual contributions, the profit of the fund and the number of participants. The pension system is a source of long-term financial resources, which contributes to the development of the capital market, the latter having a positive effect on the country's economy. Implementation a private pension system in our country is the most optimal decision, which will improve the long-term pension provision of pensioners. Countries in a situation similar to Georgia do not have to invent any radical innovations in the mentioned field, because European countries have a rich and diverse experience in the development of the social sphere. Sharing their experience is enough to develop your own model and successfully implement it in practice. Due to the great importance of pension funds, their accounting and reporting were included in the international accounting standards from the beginning. The first standard to regulate pension accounting with international practice - Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) 24 - was created in Great Britain, which was launched in 1988 and remained for 12 years. The present value of the expected future payments under the pension program can be calculated and presented based on the current salary level, or on the basis of the projected salary level of the plan participants covering their entire period of service until retirement. In many countries, actuarial valuations are carried out at least every three years. If the actuarial valuations are not ready by the reporting date, the actuarial valuations of the nearest period are used as the base of the calculations and the valuation date is indicated. The management of pension funds are responsible for preparing and submitting financial statements of these funds. The government of the pension agency in Georgia are: the director, the supervisory board, the investment board and the senior investment officer. The director's responsibility is to ensure the continued operation and management of the agency. Pension Agency of Georgia presented the interim financial statements of the accumulative pension scheme as of June 30, 2022 and 2021, which include: financial statement; Statement of changes in net assets and explanatory notes to financial statements. The presented financial statements are prepared in full compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"): IAS 26 - Accounting and Reporting for Pension Programs. The approved budget of the pension fund for 2022 amounts to 8,115 million GEL, which is financed by the annual service fee of pension assets, within the scope of the powers granted by the law. 65% of the budget is intended for agency management and administrative activities, and 35% for investment activities. This indicates that the management and administrative costs of the agency are presented in a large volume. It is necessary to increase investment assets at the expense of reducing them, which will contribute to the increase in profitability. Thus, it is essential that pension fund accounting reflects the long-term nature of pension liabilities and assets. They need to be reflected in order to assess the pension provision of the participants. Pension liabilities evolve over time, accounting standards use a mixed model approach, and therefore it is necessary to choose a model in which pension assets and pension liabilities are accounted for consistently. For accounting recognition, the plan value of the assets must be reduced to reflect the long-term pension liability. If pension assets are accounted for on the basis of discounted cash flows, this implies that the long-term nature of the investment planned to meet the pension obligation is accounted for in the same systematic manner as pension liabilities.

Segment Reporting: Is IFRS 8 Really Better?

This paper contributes to the debate on segment reporting standards in the UK and Europe and, specifically, the merit of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 8 relative to predecessor standards (Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) 25 and International Accounting Standard (IAS) 14R). We carry out a longitudinal analysis of segment reporting practices of a large sample of listed UK companies, covering all three reporting regimes. Using the proprietary cost theory (PCT) as our theoretical lens, we present evidence consistent with PCT, that proprietary costs considerations influence companies’ segment disclosure choices. We show that when companies are required to disclose more detailed accounting information for geographical segments (e.g. when geography is the basis of operating segments, under IFRS 8, or primary segments, under IAS 14R), they choose to define geographical segments in broader geographic areas terms than was the case under SSAP 25. We find that although companies disclose greater quantity of segmental information under IFRS 8 and IAS 14R (than SSAP 25), the more recent standards brought about a notable reduction in (i) the level of specificity of the disclosed geographical segments, and (ii) the quantity of disclosed geographic segment profit data – one of the most important data types for users. While this may have reduced the proprietary costs of segment disclosures, the reduction in disclosure of segmental performance data may have reduced the usefulness of segment reports to investors.

What SSAP 24 can tell us about accounting quality

Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) 24 required, for the first time, particular levels of disclosure in relation to firms’ pension arrangements. Whilst this was a major step forward, it allowed a significant degree of discretion. This discretion meant that SSAP 24 was an observable measure of the quality and quantity of accounting disclosure for firms. This information can be used to determine the types of firms that give less information or use weaker assumptions. In my analysis, I find some evidence that large firms give more complete disclosures, but also that they are more able to exert influence on their actuaries to use weaker assumptions for the valuation of pension scheme liabilities. There is also some evidence that more profitable firms disclose less, so firms with a higher average tax rate might want to overfund their pension scheme. Finally, there is evidence that highly levered funds are less likely to give complete disclosure, and that when they do disclose their assumptions, they use a weaker basis.

The Concept of Segmental Financial Reporting

Segmental financial reporting applies to multinational organizations that maintain one or more subsidiaries or branches in different geographical locations and with divergent operations. This paper, thus, focuses on the basic concept underlying the preparation and presentation of financial statements that are of great help the users. Accordingly, the aims, scope and applicability of the disclosure requirements of companies and allied matters legislations are examined. Other areas that are equally examined and discussed are: the concomitant problems that are encountered in the course of producing financial reports for the diversified or multinational companies, the treatment of internal sales and inter-segmental or common costs such as issues of allocation problems, the determination of reportable segment, and the contrast between formal financial statements with informal commentaries as a means of conveying financial. Furthermore, the disclosure requirements of SSAP 25 (Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 25), FRS 3 (Financial Reporting Standard No. 3) and companies and allied matters legislations are also highlighted. The paper concludes that users of financial statements need to be abreast with the current or latest practices and operations of these multinationals. Thus, the preparation and presentation of these financial statements should be done in such a way that would give a true and fair view of the company. Again, the reporting entities should disclose the geographical segmentation of turnover by origin; and to the third parties, the disclosure should be by destination. The paper recommends the harmonization of SSAP 25 and FRS 3 as a means of shading more light on the area of interpretation and disclosure practices.

Incremental Value Relevance of Unrecognized Deferred Taxes: Evidence from the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT: We examine empirically whether the use of the partial method for deferred taxes provides incremental information of use to investors. Specifically, we test whether U.K. capital markets valued unrecognized deferred tax amounts reported in the footnotes to U.K. annual reports, pursuant to U.K. Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) No. 15 (ASB 1985). Our empirical model is based on Feltham and Ohlson (1995). We run iterative weighted least-squares (IWLS) regression of year-end share prices on a decomposition of book value per share for a pooled sample of U.K. firm-years drawn from the years 1993 through 1998, and find positive associations with price for net deferred tax assets—both recognized and unrecognized. Moreover, we are unable to reject the null hypothesis that both parts of deferred taxes have similar multiples in our price regressions. These findings support some theoretical predictions in Sansing (1998), Guenther and Sansing (2000, 2004), and Amir et al. (2001).

Characteristics of UK firms related to timing of adoption of Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 20

This study examines whether the timing of adoption of the UK Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 20 'Foreign Currency Translation' depended on firms' financial characteristics. Consistent with US studies, we find that early adopters tended to be larger firms, and that variables, such as growth options, profitability, leverage and management payout, have strong predictive power. In general, the decision to adopt the Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 20 did not appear to adversely affect the profitability measures or dividend payout. Firms tended to adopt when the adverse economic consequences of the adoption were likely to be minimal. They also appeared to defer the adoption of the standard to influence their financial performance and, hence, to achieve certain corporate financial objectives. © 2006 AFAANZ.

Incremental Value Relevance of Unrecognized Deferred Taxes: Evidence from the United Kingdom

We examine empirically whether the use of the partial method for deferred taxes provides incremental information of use to investors. Specifically, we test whether U.K. capital markets valued unrecognized deferred tax amounts reported in the footnotes to U.K. annual reports, pursuant to U.K. Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) 15. Our empirical model is based on Feltham and Ohlson (1995). We run iterative weighted least squares (IWLS) regression of year-end share prices on a decomposition of book value per share for a pooled sample of U.K. firm-years drawn from the years 1993 through 1998, and find positive associations with price for net deferred tax assets - both recognized and unrecognized. Moreover, we are unable to reject the null hypothesis that both parts of deferred taxes have similar multiples in our price regressions. These findings support some theoretical predictions in Sansing (1998), Guenther and Sansing (2000, 2004), and Amir et al. (2001).

A conceptual framework of accounting policy choice under SSAP 20

PurposeTo provide a framework of accounting policy choice associated with the timing of adoption of the UK Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) No. 20, “Foreign Currency Translation”. The conceptual framework describes the accounting policy choices that firms face in a setting that is influenced by: their financial characteristics; the flexible foreign exchange rates; and the stock market response to accounting decisions.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the positive accounting theory context, this paper puts into a framework the motives and choices of UK firms with regard to the adoption or deferment of the adoption of SSAP 20. The paper utilises the theoretical and empirical findings of previous studies to form and substantiate the conceptual framework. Given the UK foreign exchange setting, the framework identifies the initial stage: lack of regulation and flexibility in financial reporting; the intermediate stage: accounting policy choice; and the final stage: accounting choice and policy review.FindingsThere are situations where accounting regulation contrasts with the needs and business objectives of firms and vice‐versa. Thus, firms may delay the adoption up to the point where the increase in political costs can just be tolerated. Overall, the study infers that firms might have chosen to defer the adoption of SSAP 20 until they reach a certain corporate goal, or the adverse impact (if any) of the accounting change on firms' financial numbers is minimal. Thus, the determination of the timing of the adoption is a matter which is subject to the objectives of the managers in association with the market and economic conditions. The paper suggests that the flexibility in financial reporting, which may enhance the scope for income‐smoothing, can be mitigated by the appropriate standardisation of accounting practice.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the study encompassed a period when firms and investors were less sophisticated users of financial information. Second, it is difficult to ascertain the decisions that firms would have taken, had the pound appreciated over the period of adoption and had the firms incurred translation losses rather than translation gains.Originality/valueThis paper is useful to accounting standards setters, professional accountants, academics and investors. The study can give the accounting standard‐setting bodies useful information when they prepare a change in the accounting regulation or set an appropriate date for the implementation of an accounting standard. The paper provides significant insight about the behaviour of firms and the associated impacts of financial markets and regulation on the decision‐making process of firms. The framework aims to assist the market and other authorities to reduce information asymmetry and to reinforce the efficiency of the market.

Translation gains and losses and firms' accounting choices: UK evidence on and before SSAP No. 20

In the light of foreign exchange (FX) rate fluctuation, this paper concentrates in the accounting choices of firms and their motivation to adopt or defer the adoption of the UK Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) No. 20 "Foreign Currency Translation". The paper provides evidence that the implementation of SSAP No. 20 has improved the financial accounting measures of firms, such as profitability and leverage. The effects of the standard tended to be more substantial for adopters that exhibited larger size and higher leverage measures. In the absence of a clear regulatory framework, prior to SSAP No. 20, the financial reporting of translation gains and losses displayed significant variation and inconsistencies. Overall, firms anticipated the issue of SSAP No. 20 and tended to recognise the translation differences in the balance sheet.

Segmental Reporting: A Preparers' Perspective

Abstract Following the introduction of Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 25, Segmental Reporting, companies must now report turnover, result and net assets analysed by geographical segments and business classes. This paper, unlike most previous research into segmental reporting, focuses on the preparers of accounts. The empirical study, based on information obtained by a questionnaire survey, has two objectives. First, to investigate the preparers' perceptions of the usefulness of segmental information and second, to identify which criteria were used to select reportable segments. The results show that the reported selection criteria have discarded or ignored many of the suggestions identified in previous academic literature and in the standard, in favour of pre-existing organisational groupings. The responses also indicate that preparers doubt the usefulness to shareholders of the reported information.

Structure and Argument in Accounting Standards

Abstract This paper summarises the results of a detailed examination of the contents of explanatory notes of Statements of Standard Accounting Practice. The presentation of argument in the explanatory notes is discussed in the light of recent writings on rhetoric, and the Accounting Standards Committee is assessed in terms of its performance as a persuader rather than by reference to the substantive requirements of SSAPs. The paper suggests that changes in the structure of future accounting standards would be desirable, and concludes by linking the rhetorical perspective to the notion of a conceptual framework.

Accounting Standards and the Judiciary

Abstract The aim of this paper is to assess by means of a study of decided cases the evidential weight attached by the courts to Statements of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAPs) and the status of their provisions relative to statutory accounting rules. This issue is discussed with reference to the accounting requirements of both the Companies Act and the Taxes Act. The extent to which non-statutory accounting principles have acquired the status of binding precedents is also considered. The study reveals that SSAPs have considerable persuasive value as evidence of accounting practice but that expert evidence has not been rendered redundant. There is considerable evidence that the courts regard the determination of accounting principles as a question of fact rather than law where statutory provisions are not in point.

SSAP 16 and Capital Maintenance

After more than five years debate Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 16 (SSAP 16) brought current cost accounting (CCA) into the annual financial reports of most large businesses. This debate may have allowed many of the ideas contained in CCA to enjoy widespread familiarity and even acceptance, but when introducing a standard as far reaching as SSAP 16, it is important to ensure that the concepts on which it is based are clearly understood. Unfortunately, despite the considerable discussion on SSAP 16, there are still important implicit concepts which have not been clarified adequately and so impede understanding. One of the most important concepts in this respect is capital maintenance.

Fixed Asset Lives and Replacement Cost Accounting

In depreciating and valuing fixed assets, companies in Britain, on the whole, have traditionally ignored inflation. At the same time, however, they have also seriously underestimated the economic lives of their fixed assets. These errors appear to have offset each other fairly completely so far as reported annual depreciation charges are concerned. That is, the annual depreciation charges reported by industrial and commercial companies appear to have been roughly the same as they would have been if the companies had used replacement cost accounting together with realistic estimates of asset lives. But in the process, the two errors have combined to produce a serious understatement of fixed asset values, compared with a valuation at current replacement cost. The implication of this result is that the adoption of replacement cost accounting (otherwise known as current cost, or current value, accounting) is unlikely to result in a complete improvement in financial reporting unless companies also adopt more realistic estimates of fixed asset lives. While British companies, by and large, have not made explicit allowances for inflation in their external financial reports in the past, this situation, clearly, will change as a result of the British standard on inflation accounting (Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 16 [1980]; henceforth SSAP 16), which applies to accounting periods beginning in 1980. However, if the arguments presented here are correct, the new situation could be even worse than the old. In this paper, accounting data for seven years are examined, and a comparison is made between the reported depreciation charges of British industrial and commercial

In Defence of Base Stock Valuation

One of the most important principles that accountants apply when determining trading profit is the matching of costs against related revenues—a principle that in practical terms requires the identification of those costs incurred prior to and during the accounting period under review which have to be charged against the revenue brought into the profit and loss account and those which have to be carried forward as a charge against the revenues of future accounting periods. In the case of manufacturing and trading enterprises many of the problems associated with this matching process arise in relation to the valuation of stocks and work in progress. Expenditures incurred in bringing these stocks of raw materials, work in progress and finished goods to their present state at the balance sheet date, after taking into consideration the possibility of deterioration, pilferage, obsolescence and factors of a similar nature, are treated as a charge against the revenues of future accounting periods and are accordingly carried forward in the balance sheet under the classification of “current assets”. It is thus that the values ascribed to trading stocks become a key factor in determining the trading profit for the period. It is not surprising, therefore, that the methods of valuing stocks and work in progress should have formed the subject of one of the most significant of the Statements of Standard Accounting Practice that have been issued by the Accounting Standards Steering Committee under the sponsorship of the major accountancy bodies. Even less surprising is the strength of feeling that has been aroused by some of the views expressed by individuals and organisations in giving evidence to the ASSC and to the Sandilands Committee, which has also been considering the problems of stock valuation in relation to its inquiry into inflation accounting. In this article the finance director of Tate & Lyle Limited argues the case for the “base stock” method of stock valuation. Although this method has a limited range of applications and is not widely used, it has got valid arguments in its favour in certain circumstances—despite failing to find favour with the ASSC in its Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 9. He contends that for his company to use the “first in—first out” method that finds favour with many accountants as an “all purpose” basis, the outcome would be to produce trading results that bear little reality to the true position.