and concepts and how they are derived. They further assert that it includes the reporting of accounting and
financial information. According to (Perara and Matthew, 1996), it is the logical reasoning in the form of broad
principles that provide a general frame of reference to every accountant to evaluate and guide the development
of new practices and procedures. It is the rationalization of the rules of accounting which further explains the
manner in which accountants gather, record, classify, report and interpret financial data especially when
monetary amount is determined in the financial statements. In the words of Hendrickson, (1992), accounting
theory was defined as logical reasoning in the form of a set of broad principles that (1) Provide a general frame
of reference by which accounting practice can be evaluated, and (2) guide the development of new practices and
procedures. Accounting theory is used to explain existing practices and procedures to obtain a better
understanding and to provide a coherent set of logical principles that form the general frame of reference for the
evaluation and development of sound accounting practices. In accounting however, theory has loose and
overlapping meaning with principles, concepts, conventions, doctrines, standards, rules, assumptions, tenets,
postulates and procedures which are used interchangeably in this case. These doctrines however gave credence
to the rational judgment, universal applicability, comparability, and acceptability of financial statements.
Accounting conventions, unlike the laws of chemistry or natural science, are man-made-laws on data generation,
recording, classifying and analyses of financial information that are at least in part of monetary character and
interpreting the results therein for management decisions, Anao,(1996).
Unifying the views of American Accounting Association (A.A.A.) (1996), AICPA (1970) and Anao, (1996),
accounting theory means a cohesive set of conceptual, hypothetical and pragmatic propositions explaining and
guiding the accountants' actions in identifying, analyzing, measuring and communicating economic information
to the users an informed decision. These principles represent the best possible guides based on reason,
observation and experimentation. These rules are constantly changing, and hence resultantly influencing the
business practices. These principles however, contradict and conflict the interest of statement users because
various parties have different interests. Even though principles were developed from the opinions of the
stakeholders (creditors, labour unions, management, accountants, teachers, auditors, journalists, financial
institutions, government, tax authority, etc), their areas of diversities can hardly be resolved, Goldberg,(1949).
As theories are evolving, some are either rejected or accepted or continually being revised or modified in order
to keep pace with the increasing complexity of business operations and business risks. This is the nexus that
empowers International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) its relevance. Accounting theory in recent time,
has experienced tremendous growth and development, just like any system void of rules and regulations may
encounter pre mature death and stagnation, barred from withstanding the test of time and may lack basis of
evaluation and comparability, Macre,(1981). Globally known influential changer of many conceived and
underling Accounting theories is International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS).
The main objective of this study is to critically review the Origin, Growth and Development of accounting
theories and their impacts on financial reporting. Other objectives are to explore accounting theory in resolving
areas of diversities among users of financial statements. It further examines the various uses of accounting
concepts and real income determination in the financial statements. Furthermore, to examine the extent to which
accounting theory has influenced practices and development of accounting profession in recent times. It is
obvious that the governments, financial institutions, professional and academic institutions and other users of
financial report stand to benefit greatly from this research. The legislative, executive and judiciary arms of
government also stand to benefit from the study in terms of policy formulation, administration and
interpretations of financial statements for investment decision. The historical accounting periods in different
regions of the world were critically reviewed and with particular attention to recent developments in accounting
theory. The paper however reviewed the achievements made in accounting theory; and precisely in Europe, Asia,
Athens, Mesopotamia, Great Britain and Africa. The review period is between 12th - 21st centuries. Emphasis
was on evolution of accounting standards. The paper also offered possible suggestions for the improvement of
accounting theory. The method used in gathering, reco