2. 2-2
1. Describe the usefulness of a conceptual framework.
2. Understand the objectives of financial reporting.
3. Identify the qualitative characteristics of accounting
information.
4. Define the basic elements of financial statements.
5. Describe the basic assumptions of accounting.
6. Explain the application of the basic principles of
accounting.
7. Describe the impact that constraints have on reporting
accounting information.
Learning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning ObjectivesLearning Objectives
3. 2-3
Conceptual
Framework
First Level:
Basic Objectives
Second Level:
Fundamental
Concepts
Third Level:
Recognition and
Measurement
Need
Development
Overview
Qualitative
characteristics
Basic elements
Basic
assumptions
Basic
principles
Constraints
Summary of
the structure
Conceptual Framework ForConceptual Framework For
Financial AccountingFinancial Accounting
Conceptual Framework ForConceptual Framework For
Financial AccountingFinancial Accounting
4. 2-4
The Need for a Conceptual Framework
To develop a coherent set of standards
and rules.
To solve new and emerging practical
problems.
The evaluation of existing ones.
Conceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual Framework
5. 2-5
It is defined as:
A constitution, a coherent system of interrelated
objectives and fundamentals.
A conceptual framework underlying financial accounting
is important because it can lead to consistent standards
and it prescribes the nature, function, and limits of
financial accounting and financial statements.
Conceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual Framework
6. 2-6
A conceptual framework underlying financial
accounting is necessary because future
accounting practice problems can be solved by
reference to the conceptual framework.
Conceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual Framework
7. 2-7
Advantages and DisadvantagesAdvantages and DisadvantagesAdvantages and DisadvantagesAdvantages and Disadvantages
AdvantagesAdvantages
A consistent conceptual base.A consistent conceptual base.
A consistent approach for financialA consistent approach for financial
statements.statements.
Avoids fire-fighting approach to settingAvoids fire-fighting approach to setting
standards.standards.
DisadvantagesDisadvantages
Different users have different needs.Different users have different needs.
Different users may require differentDifferent users may require different
conceptual bases.conceptual bases.
It may hamper the development forIt may hamper the development for
preparation of standards.preparation of standards.
8. 2-8
The framework is broken down into seven sections as follows.
Development of Conceptual FrameworkDevelopment of Conceptual FrameworkDevelopment of Conceptual FrameworkDevelopment of Conceptual Framework
No.1 - Objectives of Financial Reporting.
No.2 - Qualitative Characteristics of Accounting Information.
No.3 - Elements of Financial Statements.
No.4- Underlying Assumptions.
No.5 - Recognition of the elements of Financial Statements.
No.6 - Measurements of the elements of Financial
Statements.
No.7 - Concepts of Capital and Capital Maintenance.
.
9. 2-9
First Level = Basic Objectives
Second Level = Qualitative
Characteristics and Elements
Third Level = Recognition,
Measurement, and Disclosure
Concepts.
Conceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual Framework
Overview of the Conceptual Framework
11. 2-11
What are the Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts intended to
establish?
a. Generally accepted accounting principles in financial reporting
by business enterprises.
b. The meaning of “Present fairly in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.”
c. The objectives and concepts for use in developing standards of
financial accounting and reporting.
d. The hierarchy of sources of generally accepted accounting
principles.
Conceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual FrameworkConceptual Framework
Review
12. 2-12
First Level: Basic Objective of FinancialFirst Level: Basic Objective of Financial
StatementsStatements
First Level: Basic Objective of FinancialFirst Level: Basic Objective of Financial
StatementsStatements
Objective of general-purpose financial
reporting is:
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.
13. 2-13
According to the IASB conceptual framework, the objectives
of financial reporting for business enterprises are based on?
a. Generally accepted accounting principles
b. Reporting on management’s stewardship.
c. The need for conservatism.
d. The needs of the users of the information.
First Level: Basic ObjectivesFirst Level: Basic ObjectivesFirst Level: Basic ObjectivesFirst Level: Basic Objectives
Review
14. 2-14
“The IASB identified the Qualitative Characteristics of
accounting information that distinguish better (more useful)
information from inferior (less useful) information for
decision-making purposes.”
Second Level: Fundamental ConceptsSecond Level: Fundamental ConceptsSecond Level: Fundamental ConceptsSecond Level: Fundamental Concepts
Qualitative Characteristics
17. 2-17
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Relevance
To be relevant, accounting information must be capable of
making a difference in a decision.
18. 2-18
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Relevance
Financial information has predictive value if it has value as an
input to predictive processes used by investors to form their own
expectations about the future.
19. 2-19
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Relevance
Relevant information also helps users confirm or correct prior
expectations.
20. 2-20
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Relevance
Information is material if omitting it or misstating it could
influence decisions that users make on the basis of the reported
financial information.
22. 2-22
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Faithful Representation
Faithful representation means that the numbers and
descriptions match what really existed or happened.
23. 2-23
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Faithful Representation
Completeness means that all the information that is necessary
for faithful representation is provided.
24. 2-24
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Faithful Representation
Neutrality means that a company cannot select information to
favor one set of interested parties over another.
25. 2-25
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Fundamental Quality—Faithful Representation
An information item that is free from error will be a more
accurate (faithful) representation of a financial item.
26. 2-26
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Enhancing Qualities
Information that is measured and reported in a similar manner
for different companies is considered comparable.
27. 2-27
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Enhancing Qualities
Verifiability occurs when independent measurers, using the
same methods, obtain similar results.
28. 2-28
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Enhancing Qualities
Timeliness means having information available to decision-
makers before it loses its capacity to influence decisions.
29. 2-29
Second Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative CharacteristicsSecond Level: Qualitative Characteristics
Enhancing Qualities
Understandability is the quality of information that lets
reasonably informed users see its significance.
30. 2-30 LO 5
Illustration 2-7
Conceptual Framework
for Financial Reporting
Basic ElementsBasic ElementsBasic ElementsBasic Elements
31. 2-31
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
Financial statements portray the financial effects of
transactions and other events by grouping them into broad
classes according to their economic characteristics. These
broad classes are termed the elements of financial
statements.
32. 2-32
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
The elements directly related to financial position (balance
sheet) are:
Assets
Liabilities
Equity
33. 2-33
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
The IASB elements and their definitions are as follows.
Assets. A resource controlled by the entity as a result of past events and
from which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity.
Liabilities. A present obligation of the entity arising from past events, the
settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow from the entity of
resources embodying economic benefits. Liabilities may be legally
enforceable via a contract or law, but need not be, i.e., they can arise due
to normal business practice or customs
Equity. A residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all its
liabilities.
34. 2-34
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
The elements directly related to performance (income
statement) are:
Income
Expenses
35. 2-35
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
Second Level: Basic Elements of FinancialSecond Level: Basic Elements of Financial
StatementsStatements
Income. Increases in economic benefits that result in
increases in equity (other than those related to
contributions from shareholders). Income includes both
revenues (resulting from ordinary activities) and gains.
Expenses. Decreases in economic benefits that result in
decreases in equity (other than those related to
distributions to shareholders). Expenses includes losses
that are not the result of ordinary activities
36. 2-36
Review:
Second Level: Basic ElementsSecond Level: Basic ElementsSecond Level: Basic ElementsSecond Level: Basic Elements
According to the IASB conceptual framework, an entity’s
revenue may result from
a. A decrease in an asset from primary operations.
b. An increase in an asset from incidental transactions.
c. An increase in a liability from incidental transactions.
d. A decrease in a liability from primary operations.
37. 2-37
Illustration 2-7
Conceptual Framework
for Financial Reporting
Third Level: Recognition and MeasurementThird Level: Recognition and MeasurementThird Level: Recognition and MeasurementThird Level: Recognition and Measurement
The FASB sets forth most of these concepts in its Statement of
Financial Accounting Concepts No. 5, “Recognition and
Measurement in Financial Statements of Business Enterprises.”
38. 2-38
Economic Entity – company keeps its activity separate from
its owners and other businesses.
Going Concern - company to last long enough to fulfill
objectives and commitments.
Monetary Unit - money is the common denominator.
Periodicity - company can divide its economic activities into
time periods.
Accrual Basis -
Third Level: Basic AssumptionsThird Level: Basic AssumptionsThird Level: Basic AssumptionsThird Level: Basic Assumptions
39. 2-39
Recognition of the elements of FinancialRecognition of the elements of Financial
statementsstatements
Recognition of the elements of FinancialRecognition of the elements of Financial
statementsstatements
Recognition is the process of incorporating in theRecognition is the process of incorporating in the
balance sheet or income statement an item thatbalance sheet or income statement an item that
meets the definition of an element and satisfies themeets the definition of an element and satisfies the
following criteria for recognition:following criteria for recognition:
It is probable that any future economic benefitIt is probable that any future economic benefit
associated with the item will flow to or from theassociated with the item will flow to or from the
entity; andentity; and
The item's cost or value can be measured withThe item's cost or value can be measured with
reliability.reliability.
40. 2-40
Recognition of the elements of FinancialRecognition of the elements of Financial
statementsstatements
Recognition of the elements of FinancialRecognition of the elements of Financial
statementsstatements
Based on these general criteria:Based on these general criteria:
An asset is recognised in the balance sheetAn asset is recognised in the balance sheet
when it is probable that the future economic benefitswhen it is probable that the future economic benefits
will flow to the entity and the asset has a cost orwill flow to the entity and the asset has a cost or
value that can be measured reliably.value that can be measured reliably.
A liability is recognised in the balance sheetA liability is recognised in the balance sheet
when it is probable that an outflow of resourceswhen it is probable that an outflow of resources
embodying economic benefits will result from theembodying economic benefits will result from the
settlement of a present obligation and the amount atsettlement of a present obligation and the amount at
which the settlement will take place can bewhich the settlement will take place can be
measured reliably.measured reliably.
41. 2-41
Recognition of the elements of FinancialRecognition of the elements of Financial
statementsstatements
Recognition of the elements of FinancialRecognition of the elements of Financial
statementsstatements
oo Income is recognised in the income statement when anIncome is recognised in the income statement when an
increase in future economic benefits related to an increaseincrease in future economic benefits related to an increase
in an asset or a decrease of a liability has arisen that can bein an asset or a decrease of a liability has arisen that can be
measured reliably.measured reliably.
oo Expenses are recognised when a decrease in futureExpenses are recognised when a decrease in future
economic benefits related to a decrease in an asset or aneconomic benefits related to a decrease in an asset or an
increase of a liability has arisen that can be measuredincrease of a liability has arisen that can be measured
reliably.reliably.
42. 2-42
Measurement Principle – Measurement involves assigning
monetary amounts at which the elements of the financial
statements are to be recognised and reported.
Issues:
Historical cost provides a reliable benchmark for
measuring historical trends.
NRV
Present Value (Discounted)
Current Cost
Third Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic Principles
43. 2-43
Third Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic Principles
Illustration 2-5
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition - generally occurs (1) when realized
or realizable and (2) when earned.
Exceptions:
44. 2-44
Expense Recognition - “Let the expense follow the
revenues.”
Third Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic Principles
Illustration 2-6
Expense Recognition
45. 2-45
Third Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic Principles
Full Disclosure – providing information that is of sufficient
importance to influence the judgment and decisions of an
informed user.
Provided through:
Financial Statements
Notes to the Financial Statements
Supplementary information
46. 2-46
Third Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic PrinciplesThird Level: Basic Principles
Brief Exercise 2-8: Identify which basic principle of accounting is
best described in each item below.
(a) KFC Corporation reports revenue in its income
statement when it is earned instead of when the cash is
collected.
(b) Yahoo, Inc. recognizes depreciation expense for a
machine over the 2-year period during which that machine
helps the company earn revenue.
(c) Oracle Corporation reports information about pending
lawsuits in the notes to its financial statements.
(d) Kodak Company reports land on its balance sheet at
the amount paid to acquire it, even though the estimated
fair market value is greater.
RevenueRevenue
RecognitionRecognition
ExpenseExpense
RecognitionRecognition
FullFull
DisclosureDisclosure
MeasurementMeasurement
47. 2-47
Cost Constraint – cost of providing information must be
weighed against the benefits that can be derived from using it.
Industry Practice - the peculiar nature of some industries
and business concerns sometimes requires departure from
basic accounting theory.
Third Level: ConstraintsThird Level: ConstraintsThird Level: ConstraintsThird Level: Constraints