The Implications of Unverifiable Fair-value Accounting


Book Description

I study the evolution of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) # 142, which uses unverifiable fair-value estimates to account for acquired goodwill. I find evidence consistent with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issuing SFAS 142 in response to political pressure over its proposal to abolish pooling accounting: pro-pooling firms can be linked-via political contributions-to U.S. Congresspersons pressuring the FASB on this issue. This result is interesting given the proposal to abolish pooling was due in part to the Securities and Exchange Commission's concerns over pooling misuse. I also find evidence consistent with lobbying support for SFAS 142 increasing in firms' discretion under the standard. Agency theory predicts this unverifiable discretion will be used opportunistically. The results highlight the potential costs of unverifiable fair-value accounting.




Evidence on the Effects of Unverifiable Fair-value Accounting


Book Description

SFAS 142 requires firms to use fair-value estimates to determine goodwill impairments. Watts (2003) and Ramanna (2007) argue the unverifiable nature of those fair-value estimates gives firms discretion to manage impairments. We test this argument in a sample of firms with market indications of impairment (firms with book goodwill and market-to-book ratio below one). We find that the frequency of non-impairment in this sample is about 71%, and that non-impairment is increasing in financial characteristics predicted to be associated with greater unverifiable fair-value-based discretion. To investigate whether non-impairment is associated with managers producing on average better estimates of goodwill than the market, we test whether non-impairment increases in industries with higher average information asymmetries. We fail to find evidence consistent with this proposition.




Fair Value Accounting


Book Description

The 2008 financial crisis has turned a spotlight on the role of financial reporting in periods of economic downturn. In analysing the financial crisis, many commentators have attributed blame to fair value accounting (FVA) because of the pro-cyclical effect it potentially introduces in banks' financial statements. This book discusses how FVA affects financial reporting during a financial crisis. It provides an in-depth analysis of the key benefits and negatives of FVA, and discusses the controversial practice of trade-offs with historical cost accounting (HCA). It provides an overview of the principles and applications of FVA, and explains its impact on banks' financial statements. Investigating the effect of FVA on the volatility of earnings and regulatory capital in European banks, the book asks whether incremental volatility is indeed reflected in bank share prices. It examines empirical evidence to quantify the role that FVA may have played in times of stress in the banking sector, both in Europe and elsewhere. Fair Value Accounting explores the criticism FVA has received despite its perceived merits, and summarizes the various opposing views of parties in this major policy debate, which has involved banking and accounting regulators from across the globe.










Fair Value Accounting Fraud


Book Description

Essential guidance on the new fair value rules for accounting managers, auditors, and fraud investigators Fair Value accounting is emerging as the next prime opportunity for financial statement fraud. Explaining the many complex applications of fair value accounting in the preparation of financial statements, Fair Value Accounting Fraud offers timely guidance on an up-and-coming issue as U.S. and international accounting rules pertaining to the use of fair value accounting continue to change. You'll find discussion of U.S. GAAP and IFRS rules on fair value accounting issues, highlighting the areas most vulnerable to fraud Explanations of 75 categories of fair value accounting fraud schemes Fraud risk checklist that you can put to immediate use Practical detection techniques useful for auditors, investigators and others who rely on financial statements Expert advice from Gerard Zack, CFE, CPA, author of Fraud and Abuse in Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Prevention and Detection Comparing US accounting standards to International Financial Reporting Standards-thereby making this book useful worldwide- Fair Value Accounting Fraud helps you understand the new rules and develop new auditing and investigative techniques to enable you to detect potential fraud.




Fair Value Accounting


Book Description

Fair value accounting is viewed as a major feature of IFRS and several standards either require assets to be measured at fair value or at least provide an option to fair value measurement instead of applying historical cost. While it is argued that fair values provide more timely and relevant information, the global financial crisis led to a considerable debate about the usefulness of fair value accounting. The study examines the implications of fair value accounting for financial analysts and nonprofessional investors. It provides evidence that, even if financial analysts find it challenging to produce accurate forecasts under a fair value regime, nonprofessional investors make larger investments and are more confident with their judgments for fair value firms.







Perspectives of Management Accounting for Sustainable Business Practices


Book Description

In the 21st century, management accounting gains new dimensions, expanding its research area. Additionally, management of sustainable performance is one of the phenomena faced by the current business environment, and in particular management corporations. The focus of management on profitability remains the main objective of any company, but it must also take into account the sustainability of social, economic, and environmental aspects. Under these circumstances, managerial decisions must be adjusted and strongly substantiated considering the information required by internal and external stakeholders including financial reporting. The information requirements of customers and other stakeholders are steadily increasing, and some companies face certain problems in implementing the concept of sustainability and environmental reporting. Perspectives of Management Accounting for Sustainable Business Practices proposes an interdisciplinary perspective and explores various theoretical and practical approaches to management accounting and its impact in the 21st century on different areas of activity. It contrasts external financial accounting for government regulators and the investment community with internal management accounting for managers to leverage decision making. Covering topics such as corporate social responsibility, disclosure issues, and performance analysis, this premier reference source is an essential resource for business leaders and executives, accountants, financial controllers, business analysts, budgeting managers, students and faculty of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.