Explanation of significant changes in accounting methods and accounting estimates Accounting method changes hinder external users of the financial statements in comparing the income and the statement of financial position structures over the years. Adequate disclosure of the new accounting method applied and the impact on comparability could facilitate the analysis. Changes in accounting methods, estimates and presentation can occur because of a voluntary decision of management or because of a change in accounting regulation. The impact of these changes on the accounting numbers needs to be disclosed, otherwise inter-period and inter-firm comparability of firm information is hindered. An example of disclosure in relation to an accounting method change is provided in Activity 31.9 on the Walt Disney Company.