Based on extant literature, we review the positive theory of GAAP. The theory predicts that GAAP's principal focus is on control (performance measurement and stewardship) and that verifiability and conservatism are critical features of a GAAP shaped by market forces. We recognize the advantage...

In this paper, I draw parallels between the literatures on the effects of law on the financial development of countries and on the effects of accounting standards on financial reporting outcomes. My central thesis is that these literatures are complementary in terms of what they have to say...

This study examines the main problem raised by pro forma earnings (or “street” earnings) because investors may have trouble focusing their attention when they are relying on this information to make decisions about investing in French publicly traded securities.This article, based on 116 pro...

Business Combinations is the first completed joint convergence project of the FASB amp; IASB. The new business combinations standards converge US GAAP and IFRS in all but the calculation of non-controlling interests. Although the accounting community widely acknowledges the benefits of...

Disclosure of accounting information in accordance with stated standards is of great interest to academics, policymakers, businessmen and other users of financial statements. Consequently, this study assessed the degree of compliance with statement of accounting standard on leases, operating...

The Financial Reporting Policy Committee of the Financial Accounting and Reporting Section of the American Accounting Association responded to the SEC's July 13, 2007 proposal to accept financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from...

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently issued a call for comment on a proposal to accept financial statements prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. Accounting researchers have attempted to assess the...

This paper aims at understanding the recent evolution of Chinese accounting standards while focusing on the accounting for business combinations as case of reference. A comprehensive comparative analysis between International Accounting Standards Board's and Chinese accounting standards is...

This paper discusses arguments for and against introducing competition into the accounting standard-setting process in the U.S. by allowing individual corporations to issue financial reports prepared in accordance with either FASB or IASB rules. The paper examines several arguments supporting...

FASB and the IASB, in asserting their preference for the asset and liability view of income over the revenue and expense view, have mistakenly invoked J.R. Hicks as grounding their position. In fact, Hicks argues that income based upon the asset and liability view is irrelevant when windfalls...