The Changing Accounting Environment: International Accounting
Standards and US implementation
Assma Sawani
Westminster College
Abstract
Accounting provides useful information to decision makers, thus as the business
environment has changed so have the accounting standards that govern the presentation and
disclosure of information. International Accounting Standards are central to this concept.
International standards were first developed in the late 1960’s but they have reached their zenith
of importance in today’s economic and business environment. It is also evident that
governments and policymakers recognize this change. This point was made publicly when the
European Council of Ministers passed a resolution requiring all EU companies listed on a
regulated market to prepare accounts in accordance with International Accounting Standards for
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005. This decisive change was met with
great furor in the accounting profession as well as in corporate boardrooms. The International
Accounting Standards Board welcomed the resolution; pleased that the EU was among the first
major “nation-states” to take the initiative and embrace international accounting standards.
The EU recognized the many benefits of requiring the implementation of international
accounting and auditing standards. Moreover, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC)
recently voted on a roadmap that requires U.S. public companies to use International Financial
Reporting Standards by 2014. In light of the interests and activities of companies and users of
financial information becoming global, the SEC released a statement declaring its involvement
and support to develop a globally accepted, high quality financial reporting framework. The
benefits of international accounting standards can be financial, economic and political.
Preliminary evidence suggests that companies, lenders, and investors would prefer a
convergence of domestic accounting standards with international accounting standards to create
a quality financial reporting framework.
Although there are significant benefits to implementing international accounting
standards and it is increasing in importance there are still many challenges to further
development and authoritative implementation. To best understand these challenges one must
look at the factors that influence the development of accounting regulations. Such factors can
include, social and cultural values; political and legal systems; business activities and economic
conditions; standard setting processes; capital markets and forms of ownership; and finally
cooperative efforts by nations. These factors if properly understood can mitigate or even
eliminate the challenges to international accounting standards. International accounting
standards are important today and will most certainly become more important for the future as
they are further developed.
Keywords: Accounting Standards, Capital Markets, Transparency, Measurement Issues,