Many businesses have been growing and expanding their global footprint, as a result there is an increased need for consistent global financial reporting standards. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) was created as the global language for financial reporting. Created to promote transparency and comparability across countries.
For private companies, the optional conversion to IFRS has been available since January 1, 2011. However, Publicly Accountable Enterprises (PAEs) have no choice; they have are required to report under IFRS since 2011.
What is IFRS?
The International Financial Reporting Standards, is a set of accounting principles and guidelines created by the International Accounting Standards Board, an independent private-sector body based in London, committed to creating worldwide accounting standards. The IFRS was created to establish a common language for financial reporting that allows international businesses to present their financial statements transparently and consistently across national borders.
This standard is primarily used when preparing financial statements for publicly accountable companies such as listed companies, banks, insurance companies, and any organizations that operate in many countries worldwide. The adoption of the IFRS is not mandatory in all countries, but many have embraced it as their main accounting framework.
Why Does IFRS Matter?
IFRS creates a uniform financial reporting method. This makes it easier for investors and stakeholders to compare financial statements of companies operating out of different countries. This allows investors to understand the data easily and gain access to the information they need to make international investments. The IFRS also requires entities to provide more relevant and reliable information in their financial statements, overall increasing transparency. This increase in better information helps investors when evaluating and mitigating risk, and it protects stakeholders from potential fraud or mismanagement.
The IFRS also allows businesses the opportunity to move with a more international pool of investors and capital markets. Facilitating cross-border investments, lowering the cost of capital, and promoting economic growth and stability for them. It also provides more clear guidelines for the accounting treatment of business combinations, mergers, and acquisitions, simplifying and unifying these complex transactions.
Who is IFRS For?
The main target of the IFRS is publicly accountable entities that issue their securities on public exchanges. These reporting standards help them attract global investors and comply with any international reporting standards that may exist.
The IFRS also helps investors and creditors to make better decisions by offering them consistent and transparent financial data no matter the country or different industry that they want to invest in.
Auditors and Accounting Professionals also benefit from the IFRS as it gives them a standardized framework, simplifying and creating uniformity in financial reporting practices.
IFRS has changed financial reporting for the better, creating a global framework for consistent and transparent reporting of financial information. The adoption of this standard has improved the overall compatibility, transparency, of financial data and created access to international capital markets. As businesses continue to grow across international borders the IFRS will remain a critical tool in creating meaningful financial reports.
