by
Md Shahidul Islam , Head of Finance & Accounts , Abdul Monem Limited (Coca-Cola)
The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) - the accounting standard used in more than110 countries - has some key differences from the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). At the conceptually level, IFRS is considered more of a "principles based" accounting standard in contrast to U.S. GAAP which is considered more "rules based." By being more "principles based", IFRS, arguably, represents and captures the economics of a transaction better than U.S. GAAP. Some of differences between the two accounting frameworks are highlighted below:
Intangibles
The treatment of acquired intangible assets helps illustrate why IFRS is considered more "principles based." Acquired intangible assets under U.S. GAAP are recognized at fair value, while under IFRS, it is only recognized if the asset will have a future economic benefit and has measured reliability. Intangible assets are things like R&D and advertising costs.
Inventory Costs
Under IFRS, the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for accounting for inventory costs is not allowed. Under U.S. GAAP, either LIFO or first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory estimates can be used. The move to a single method of inventory costing could lead to enhanced comparability between countries, and remove the need for analysts to adjust LIFO inventories in their comparison analysis.
Write Downs
Under IFRS, if inventory is written down, the write down can be reversed in future periods if specific criteria are met. Under U.S. GAAP, once inventory has been written down, any reversal is prohibited.
Generally accepted accounting principles(GAAP) provide objective standards for judging and comparing financial data and its presentation, and limit the directors' freedom in showing an unrealistic picture through creative accounting.
international financial reporting standard(IFRS)The creation of international standards allows investors, organizations and governments to compare the IFRS-supported financial statements with greater ease. Over 100 countries currently require or permit companies to comply with IFRS standards. The International Financial Reporting Standards were previously called the International Accounting Standards (IAS)
