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Intermediate Accounting: IFRS Edition, 3rd Edition Solution Manual

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    CHAPTER 1 Financial Reporting and Accounting Standards ASSIGNMENT CLASSIFICATION TABLE Topics Questions C oncepts for Analysis 1. Global markets and financial reporting . 1 , 2, 3, 4 4 2 . Objective of financial reporting. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 2 , 3 3 . Standard - setting organizations. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 , 8, 9, 11 4 . Financial reporting challenges. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 3, 7, 8, 10 , 11, 12

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    ASSIGNMENT CHARACTERISTICS TABLE Item Description Level of Difficulty Time (minutes) CA 1. 1 IFRS and standard - setting. Simple 5 – 10 CA 1. 2 IFRS and standard - setting. Simple 5 – 10 CA 1. 3 Financial reporting and accounting standards. Simple 15 – 20 CA 1. 4 Financial accounting. Simple 15 – 20 CA 1. 5 Need for IASB. Simple 15 – 20 CA 1. 6 IASB role in standard - setting. Simple 15 – 20 CA 1. 7 Accounting numbers and the environment. Simple 10 – 15 CA 1. 8 Politicalization of IFRS. Complex 15 – 20 CA 1. 9 Models for setting IFRS. Simple 10 – 15 CA 1. 10 Economic consequences. Moderate 10 – 15 CA 1. 11 Rule - making Issues. Complex 20 – 25 CA 1. 12 Financial reporting pressures. Moderate 25 – 35

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    ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 1. World markets are becoming increasingly intertwined. The tremendous variety and volume of both exported and imported goods indicates the extensive involvement in international trade. As a result, the move towards adoption of international financial reporting standards has and will continue in the future. LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 2. Financial accounting measures, classifies, and summarizes in report form those activities and that information which relate to the enterprise as a whole for use by parties both internal and external to a business enterprise. Managerial accounting also measures, classifies, and summarizes in report form enterprise activities, but the communication is for the use of internal, managerial parties, and relates more to subsystems of the entity. Managerial accounting is management decision oriented and directed more toward product line, division, and profit center reporting. LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 3. Financial statements generally refer to the four basic financial statements: statement of financial position, statement of comprehensive income , statement of cash flows, and statement of changes in equity. Financial reporting is a broader concept; it includes the basic financial statements and any other means of communicating financial and economic data to interested external parties. LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 4. If a company’s financial performance is measured accurately, fairly, and on a timely basis, the right managers and companies are able to attract investment capital. To provide unreliable and irrelevant information leads to poor capital allocation which adversely affects the securities market. LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 5. A single set of high quality accounting standards ensures adequate comparability. Investors are able to make better investment decisions if they receive financial information from a U.S. company that is comparable to an international competitor. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 6 . The 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 in about providing resources to the entity . LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 7 . General - purpose financial statements provide financial reporting information to a wide variety of users. To be cost effective in providing this information, general - purpose financial statements provide at the least cost the most useful information possible. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 8 . Shareholders, creditors, suppliers, employees, and regulators all use general - purpose financial statements. The primary user group is capital providers (shareholders and creditors). LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 9 . The proprietary perspective is not considered appropriate because this perspective generally does not reflect a realistic view of the financial reporting environment. Instead the entity perspective is adopted which is consistent with the present business environment where most companies engaged in financial reporting have substance separate and distinct from their owners . LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 1 (Continued) 10 . This statement is not correct. The objective of financial reporting is primarily to provide information to investors interested in assessing the company’s ability to generate net cash inflows and management’s ability to protect and enhance the capital providers’ investments. Financial reporting should help investors assess the amounts, timing and uncertainty of prospective cash inflows. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 11. The two organizations involved in international standard - setting are IOSCO (International Organi - zation of Securities Commissions) and the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board.) The IOSCO does not set accounting standards, but ensures that the global markets can operate in an efficient and effective manner. Conversely, the IASB’s mission is to develop a single set of high quality, enforceable and global financial reporting standards (IFRSs) for general - purpose financial statements. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 12. IOSCO is an association of organizations that regulate the world ’ s securities markets . Members are generally the main fi nancial regulators for a given country. IOSCO does not set accounting standards. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 1 3 . The mission of the IASB is to develop, in the public interest, a single set of high quality, enforc e able global international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) for general - purpose financial statements. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 14. The purpose of the Monitoring Board is to establish a link between accounting standard - se tt ers and those public authorities ( such as IOSCO ) that generally oversee accounting standard - setters . This board also provide s political legitimacy to the overall organization. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 15. The IASB preliminary views are based on research and analysis conducted by the IASB staff. IASB exposure drafts are issued after the Board evaluates research and public response to preliminary views. IASB standards are issued after the Board evaluates responses to the exposure draft. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 16. IASB In ternational F inancial R eporting Standards are financial accounting standards issued by the IASB and are referred to as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The IFRS C oncept u al Framework for Financial Reporting sets forth fundamental objectives and concepts that the Board uses in developing future standards of financial reporting. The intent of the Conceptual Framework is to form a cohesive set of interrelated con cepts that will serve as tools for solving existing and emerging problems in a consistent manner. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 17. International Financial Reporting Standards are the most authoritative, followed by International Financial Reporting Standard Interpretations then the Conceptual Framework . LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 1 (Continued) 18. The International Financial Reporting Standard s Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) applies a principles - based approach in providing interpretative guidance. The IFRIC issues interpretations that cover newly identified financial reporting issues not specifically dealt with in IFRS, and issues where conflicting interpretations have developed, or seem likely to develop in the absence of authoritative guidance. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 19. Some major challenges facing the accounting profession relate to the following items: Nonfinancial measurement — how to report significant key performance measurements such as customer satisfaction indexes, backlog information and reject rates on goods purchased. Forward - looking information — how to report more future oriented information. Soft assets — how to report on intangible assets, such as market know - how, market dominance, and well - trained employees. Timeliness — how to report more real - time information. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 20. The sources of pressure are innumerable, but the most intense and continuous pressure to change or influence the development of IFRS come from individual companies, industry associations, governmental agencies, practicing accountants, academicians, professional accounting organizations , and investing public. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 21 . Economic consequences means the impact of accounting reports on the wealth positions of issuers and users of financial information and the decision - making behavior resulting from that impact. In other words, accounting information impacts various users in many different ways which leads to wealth transfers among these various groups. If politics plays an important role in the development of accounting rules, the rules will be subject to manipulation for the purpose of furthering whatever policy prevails at the moment. No matter how well intentioned the rule maker may be, if information is designed to indicate that investing in a particular enterprise involves less risk than it actually does, or is designed to encourage invest - ment in a particular segment of the economy, financial reporting will suffer an irreplaceable loss of credibility. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 22 . No one particular proposal is expected in answer to this question. The students ’ proposals, however, should be defensible relative to the following criteria: (1) The method must be efficient, responsive, and expeditious. (2) The method must be free of bias and be above or insulated from pressure groups. (3) The method must command widespread support if it does not have legislative authority. (4) The method must produce sound yet practical accounting principles or standards. The students’ proposals might take the form of alterations of the existing methodology, an accoun - ting court (as proposed by Leonard Spacek), or governmental device. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 23 . Concern exists about fraudulent financial reporting because it can undermine the entire financial reporting process. Failure to provide information to users that is accurate can lead to inappropriate allocations of resources in our economy. In addition, failure to detect massive fraud can lead to additional governmental oversight of the accounting profession. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 1 (Continued) 24 . The “ expectations gap ” is the difference between what people think accountants should be doing and what accountants think they can do. It is a difficult gap to close. The accounting profession recognizes it must play an important role in narrowing this gap. To meet the needs of society, the profession is continuing its efforts in developing accounting standards, such as numerous pronouncements issued by the IASB, to serve as guidelines for recording and processing business transactions in the changing economic environment. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 25 . Accountants must perceive the moral dimensions of some situations because IFRS does not define or cover all specific features that are to be reported in financial statements. In these instances , accountants must choose among alternatives. These accounting choices influence whether par ticular stakeholders may be harmed or benefited. Moral decision - making involves awareness of potential harm or benefit and taking responsibility for the choices. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    TIME AND PURPOSE OF CONCEPTS FOR ANALYSIS CA 1. 1 (Time 5 – 10 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to answer questions about IFRS and standard - setting . CA 1. 2 (Time 5 – 10 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to answer questions about IFRS and standard - setting. CA 1. 3 (Time 15 – 20 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to answer questions about financial reporting and standard - setting. CA 1. 4 (Time 15 – 20 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to distinguish between financial accounting and managerial accounting, identify major financial statements, and differentiate financial statements and financial reporting. CA 1. 5 (Time 15 – 20 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to evaluate the viewpoint of removing mandatory accounting rules and allowing each company to voluntarily disclose the information it desired. CA 1. 6 (Time 15 – 20 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to identify the sponsoring organization of the IASB, the method by which the IASB arrives at a decision, and the types and the purposes of documents issued by the IASB. CA 1. 7 (Time 10 – 15 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to describe how reported accounting numbers might affect an individual’s perceptions and actions. CA 1. 8 (Time 15 – 20 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to focus on the types of organizations involved in the rule making process, what impact accounting has on the environment, and the environment’s influence on accounting. CA 1. 9 (Time 10 – 15 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to focus on what type of rule - making environment exists. In addition, this CA explores why user groups are interested in the nature of IFRS and why some groups wish to issue their own rules. CA 1. 10 (Time 10 – 15 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with the opportunity to discuss the role of government officials in accounting rule - making. CA 1. 11 (Time 20 – 25 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with an opportunity to consider the ethical dimensions of implementation of a new accounting pronouncement. CA 1. 12 (Time 25 – 35 minutes) Purpose — to provide the student with a writing assignment concerning the ethical issues related to meeting earnings targets.

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    SOLUTIONS TO CONCEPTS FOR ANALYSIS CA 1. 1 1. True. 2. False. Any company claiming compliance with IFRS must comply with all standards and inter - pretations, including disclosure requirements. 3. False. The IFRS advisory council provides advice and council to the IASB on major policies and technical issues . It is not a governmental body 4. True. 5. False. The IASB has no government mandate and does follow a due process in issuing IFRS. LO: 3 , Bloom: K , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 5 - 10 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 2 1 . False. The objective emphasizes an entity perspective. 2 . False. The objective of 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 in their capacity as capital providers. 3 . False. International Accounting Standards were issued by the International Accounting Standards Committee while International Financial Reporting Standards are issued by the IASB. Both have authoritative support . 4 . True. LO: 2 , 3, Bloom: K , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 5 - 10 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 3 1. (c); 2. (d); 3. ( c ); 4. (d); 5. (b); 6. (a); 7. (a); 8. (b); 9. (d); 10. (b). LO: 2 , 3, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 15 - 20 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 4 (a) Financial accounting is the process that culminates in the preparation of financial reports relative to the enterprise as a whole for use by parties both internal and external to the enterprise. In contrast, managerial accounting is the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, analysis, prepa - ration, interpretation, and communication of financial information used by the management to plan, evaluate, and control within an organization and to assure appropriate use of, and accountability for, its resources. (b) The financial statements most frequently provided are the statement of financial position, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of cash flows, and the statement of changes in equity.

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    CA 1. 4 (Continued) (c) Financial statements are the principal means through which financial information is communicated to those outside an enterprise. As indicated in (b), there are four major financial statements. However, some financial information is better provided, or can be provided only, by means of financial reporting other than formal financial statements. Financial reporting (other than financial statements and related notes) may take various forms. Examples include the company president’s letter or supplementary schedules in the corporate annual reports, prospectuses, reports filed with govern - ment agencies, news releases, management’s forecasts, and descriptions of an enterprise’s social or environmental impact. LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 1 5 - 20 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 5 It is not appropriate to abandon mandatory accounting rules and allow each company to voluntarily disclose the type of information it considered important. Without a coherent body of accounting theory and standards, each accountant or enterprise would have to develop its own theory structure and set of practices, and readers of financial statements would have to familiarize themselves with every company’s peculiar accounting and reporting practices. As a result, it would be almost impossible to prepare state - ments that could be compared. In addition, voluntary disclosure may not be an efficient way of disseminating information. A company is likely to disclose less information if it has the discretion to do so. Thus, the company can reduce its cost of assembling and disseminating information. However, an investor wishing additional information has to pay to receive additional information desired. Different investors may be interested in different types of information. Since the company may not be equipped to provide the requested information, it would have to spend additional resources to fulfill such needs; or the company may refuse to furnish such information if it’s too costly to do so. As a result, investors may not get the desired information or they may have to pay a significant amount of money for it. Furthermore, redundancy in gathering and distributing information occurs when different investors ask for the same information at different points in time. To the society as a whole, this would not be an efficient way of utilizing resources. LO: 3 , Bloom: AP , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 15 - 20 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 6 (a) The International Financial Reporting Standards Committee Foundation ( The Foundation ) is the sponsoring organization of the IASB. The Foundation selects the members of the IASB and the Advisory Council, funds their activities, and generally oversees the IASB’s activities. The IASB follows a due process in establishing a typical International Financial Reporting Standard. The following steps are usually taken: (1) A topic or project is identified and placed on the Board’s agenda. (2) Research and analysis are conducted by the IASB and a preliminary views document is drafted and released. (3) A public hearing is often held. (4) The Board analyzes and evaluates the public response and issues an exposure draft. (5) The Board studies the exposure draft in relation to the public responses, revises the draft if necessary, gives the revised draft final consideration and votes on issuance of an IFRS. The passage of a new accounting standard in the form of an IASB Standard requires the support of six of the eleven Board members. (b) The IASB issues three major types of pronouncements: International financial reporting standards, conceptual framework for financial reporting, and International financial reporting standard s interpretations. Financial reporting standards issued by the IASB are referred to as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

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    CA 1. 6 (Continued) The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASB predecessor) issued a document entitled “Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements.” This framework sets forth fundamental objectives and concepts that the Board uses in developing future standards of financial reporting. The intent of the document is to form a cohesive set of interrelated concepts, a conceptual framework, that will serve as tools for solving existing and emerging problems in a consistent manner. Interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee ( The Interpretations Committee ) are also considered authoritative and cover (1) newly identified financial reporting issues not specifically dealt with in IFRS, and (2) issues where unsatisfactory or conflicting interpretations have developed, or seem likely to develop in the absence of authoritative guidance. The Interpretations Committee can address controversial accounting problems as they arise. It determines whether it can quickly resolve them, or whether to involve the IASB in solving them. The IASB will hopefully work on more pervasive long - term problems, while the Interpretations Committee deals with short - term emerging issues. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 15 - 20 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 7 Accounting numbers affect investing decisions. Investors, for example, use the financial statements of different companies to enhance their understanding of each company’s financial strength and operating results. Because these statements follow international accounting standards, investors can make meaningful comparisons of different financial statements to assist their investment decisions. Accounting numbers also influence creditors’ decisions. A commercial bank usually looks into a company’s financial statements and past credit history before deciding whether to grant a loan and in what amount. The financial statements provide a fair picture of the company’s financial strength (for example, short - term liquidity and long - term solvency) and operating performance for the current period and over a period of time. The information is essential for the bank to ensure that the loan is safe and sound. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 10 - 1 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 8 (a) Arguments for politicalization of the accounting standard - setting process: 1. Accounting depends in large part on public confidence for its success. Consequently, the critical issues are not solely technical, so all those having a bona fide interest in the output of accounting should have some influence on that output. 2. There are numerous conflicts between the various interest groups. In the face of this, compro - mise is necessary, particularly since the critical issues in accounting are value judgments, not the type which are solvable, as we have traditionally assumed, using deterministic models. Only in this way (reasonable compromise) will the financial community have confidence in the fairness and objectivity of accounting standard - setting. 3. Over the years, accountants have been unable to establish, on the basis of technical accoun - ting elements, standards which would bring about the desired uniformity and acceptability. This inability itself indicates standard - setting is primarily consensual in nature.

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    CA 1. 8 (Continued) 4. The public accounting profession made rules which business enterprises and individuals “had” to follow. For many years, these businesses and individuals had little say as to what the standards would be, in spite of the fact that their economic well - being was influence d to a substantial degree by those standards. It is only natural that they would try to influence or control the factors that determine their economic well - being. (b) Arguments against the politicalization of the accounting standard - setting process: 1. Many accountants feel that accounting is primarily technical in nature. Consequently, they feel that substantive, basic research by objective, independent and fair - minded researchers ultimately will result in the best solutions to critical issues, such as the concepts of income and capital, even if it is accepted that there isn’t necessarily a single “right” solution. 2. Even if it is accepted that there are no “absolute truths” as far as critical issues are concerned, many feel that professional accountants, taking into account the diverse interests of the various groups using accounting information, are in the best position, because of their independence, education, training, and objectivity, to decide what international financial reporting standards ought to be. 3. The complex situations that arise in the business world require that trained accountants develop the appropriate reporting standards. 4. The use of consensus to develop reporting standards would decrease the professional status of the accountant. 5. This approach would lead to “lobbying” by various parties to influence the establishment of reporting standards . LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Complex , Time: 15 - 20 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 9 (a) Most believe the IASB process is a public private mixed approach. I n many respects, the IASB is a quasi - governmental agency in that its pronouncements are required to be followed in some jurisdictions . For example, all public European companies are required to use IASB standards when preparing financial statements. In fact, both the FASB and the IASB believe that IFRS has the best potential to provide a common platform on which companies can report and investors can compare financial information. The purely political approach is used in France and West Germany. The private, professional approach is employed in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. (b) Publicly reported accounting numbers influence the distribution of scarce resources. Resources are channeled where needed at returns commensurate with perceived risk. Thus, reported accounting numbers have economic effects in that resources are transferred among entities and individuals as a consequence of these numbers. It is not surprising then that individuals affected by these numbers will be extremely interested in any proposed changes in the financial reporting environment. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 10 - 1 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 10 President Sarkozy put pressure on the IASB to craft fair value standards that favor banks. However, by introducing politics into the standard - setting process will likely lead to the following consequences: 1. Too many alternatives. 2. Lack of clarity that will lead to inconsistent application. 3. Lack of disclosure that reduces transparency. 4. Not comprehensive in scope.

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    CA 1. 10 (Continued) When the resulting standards have these attributes, they will be of lower quality and the credibility of the standard - setting process will be questioned. At the extreme, market participants will have less confidence in accounting information and capital markets will be less liquid — cost of capital will be higher. Another indication of the problem of government intervention is shown in the accounting standards used by some countries around the world. Completeness and transparency of information needed by investors and creditors is not available in order to meet or achieve other objectives. In the fair value case, the IASB did respond by accelerating its process to develop a new standard, which provided some exceptions to the fair value accounting that benefited some banks and insurance companies. LO: 4 , Bloom: AP , Difficulty: Moderate , Time: 10 - 1 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication CA 1. 11 (a) Inclusion or omission of information that materially affects net income harms particular stakeholders. Accountants must recognize that their decision to implement (or delay) reporting requirements will have immediate consequences for some stakeholders. (b) Yes. Because the IASB rule results in a fairer representation, it should be implemented as soon as possible — regardless of its impact on net income. (c) The controller ’s responsibility is to provide financial statements that present fairly the financial condition of the company. By advocating early implementation, Weller fulfills this task. (d) Potential lenders and investors, who read the financial statements and rely on their fair representation of the financial condition of the company, have the most to gain by early implementation — they would be most directly harmed by deferral of implementation. At the same time, a shareholder who is considering the sale of shares may be harmed by early implementation that lowers net income (and may lower the value of the shares). If employee bonuses are based on the reported income number, the employees could receive lower bonuses with early implementation. LO: 3 , Bloom: AP , Difficulty: Complex , Time: 20 - 2 5, AACSB: Ethics , AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication , Legal CA 1. 12 (a) The ethical issue in this case relates to making questionable entries to meet expected earnings forecasts. As indicated in this chapter, businesses’ concentration on “maximizing the bottom line,” “facing the challenges of competition,” and “stressing short - term results” places accountants in an environment of conflict and pressure. (b) Given that Normand has pleaded guilty, he certainly acted improperly. Doing the right thing, making the right decision, is not always easy. Right is not always obvious, and the pressures to “bend the rules,” “to play the game,” “to just ignore it” can be considerable. (c) No doubt, Normand was in a difficult position. I am sure that he was concerned that if he failed to go along, it would affect his job performance negatively or that he might be terminated. These job pressures, time pressures, peer pressures often lead individuals astray. Can it happen to you? One individual noted that at a seminar on ethics sponsored by the CMA Society of Southern California, attendees were asked if they had ever been pressured to make questionable entries. This individual noted that to the best of his recollection, everybody raised a hand, and more than one had eventually chosen to resign. (d) Major stakeholders are: (1) Troy Normand, (2) present and potential shareholder s and creditors of WorldCom, (3) employees, and (4) family. Recognize that WorldCom is one of the largest bankruptc ies in United States history, so many individuals are affected.

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    LO: 4 , Bloom: AP , Difficulty: Moderate , Time: 25 - 3 5, AACSB: Ethics , AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication , Legal

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    FINANCIAL REPORTING PROBLEM (a) The two organizations involved in international standard - setting are International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) . (b) Different authoritative literature pertaining to methods of recording accoun ting transactions exists today. Some authoritative literature has received more support from the profession than other literature. The literature that has substantial authoritative support is the one most supported by the profession and should be followed when recording accounting transactions. These standards and procedures are called I nternational F inancial R eporting S tandards (IFRS). LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 10 - 15 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    FINANCIAL REPORTING CASE (a) The International Accounting Standards Board is an independent, pri - vately funded accounting standards - setter based in London, UK. The Board is committed to developing, in the public interest, a single set of high quality, enforceable and global accounting standards that require transparent and comparable information in general - purpose financial statements. In addition, the Board cooperates with national accounting standards setters to achieve convergence in accounting standards around the world. (b) In summary, the following groups might benefit from the use of Inter - national Accounting Standards: • Investors, investment analysts and stockbrokers: to facilitate inter - national comparisons for investment decisions. • Credit grantors: for similar reasons to bullet point above. • Multinational companies: as preparers, investors, appraisers of pro - ducts or staff, and as movers of staff around the globe; also, as raisers of finance on international markets (this also applies to some comp - anies that are not multinationals). • Governments: as tax collectors and hosts of multinationals; also inter - ested are securities markets regulators and governmental and non - governmental rule makers. (c) The fundamental argument against convergence is that, to the extent that international differences in accounting practices result from under - lying economic, legal, social, and other environmental factors, convergence may not be justified. Different accounting has grown up to serve the different needs of different users; this might suggest that the existing ac - counting practice is “correct” for a given nation and should not be changed merely to simplify the work of multinational companies or auditors. There does seem to be strength in this point particularly for smaller com - panies with no significant multinational activities or connections. To foist upon a small private family company in Luxembourg lavish disclosure requirements and the need to report a “true and fair” view may be an expensive and unnecessary piece of convergence.

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    FINANCIAL REPORTING CASE (Continued) The most obvious obstacle to convergence is the sheer size and deep rootedness of the differences in accounting. These differences have grown up over the previous century because of differences in users, legal systems, and so on. Thus, the differences are structural rather than cosmetic, and require revolutionary action to remove them. LO: 1, 2,3,4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Moderate , Time: 2 0 - 2 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    ACCOUNTING, ANALYSIS AND PRINCIPLES ACCOUNTING (a) The requirements will depend on the jurisdiction in which they intend to sell the securities. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issues I nternational F inancial R eporting S tandards (IFRS) which are used on most foreign exchanges. T he IASB standards require companies to prepare a full set of financial statements and related disclosures so investors can evaluate and compare investments. (b) The two entities that are primarily responsible for establishing IFRS are IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions) and the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board). The IOSCO does not set accounting standards, but ensures that the global markets can operate in an efficient and effective manner. Conversely, the IASB’s mission is to develop a single set of high quality, enforceable and global I nternational F inancial R eporting S tandards (IFRSs) for general - purpose financial statements. ANALYSIS (a) Decision - usefulness involves providing investors interested in financial reporting information that is useful for making decisions. (b) The financial statements provide information on company performance ( statement of comprehensive income), financial position – assets owned and liabilities incurred (statement of financial position) and cash flows (statement of cash flows) and statement of change s in equi t y . Investors and creditors use this information to form their own expectations about a company’s future cash flows. These assessments are the basis of the decision about an investment in the company.

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    ACCOUNTING, ANALYSIS AND PRINCIPLES (Continued) PRINCIPLES The hierarchy of IFRS to determine what recognition, valuation, and disclosure requirements should be used are: 1. International Financial Reporting Standards; 2. International Accounting Standards; and 3. Interpretations from the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee Any company indicating that it is preparing its financial statements in conformity with IFRS must use these standards and interpretations , as appropriate . LO: 1, 2,3,4, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Moderate , Time: 2 0 - 2 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    RESEARCH CASE The following responses are drawn from the IFRS Conceptual Framework (a) As indicated in the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting , “The objective of financial statements is to provide financial information about the reporting entity that is useful to existing and potential investors, lenders, and other creditors in making decisions about providing resources to the entity. (b) According to paragraph 21 of the Conceptual Framework, notes and supplementary schedules serve in this role. For example, they may contain additional information that is relevant to the needs of users about the items in the statement of financial position and statement of comprehensive income ( income statement. ) They may include disclosures about the risks and uncertainties affecting the entity and any resources and obligations not recognised in the statement of financial position (such as mineral reserves). Information about geographical and industry segments and the effect on the entity of changing prices may also be provided in the form of supplementary information. (c) As indicated in paragraphs 13 and 14, financial statements prepared to meet the objective of financial reporting meet the common needs of most users. However, financial statements do not provide all the information that users may need to make economic decisions since they largely portray the financial effects of past events and do not necessarily provide non - financial information. In addition, financial statements also show the results of the stewardship of management, or the accountability of management for the resources entrusted to it. Those users who wish to assess the stewardship or accountability of management do so in order that they may make economic decisions; these decisions may include, for example, whether to hold or sell their investment in the entity or whether to reappoint or replace the management. LO: 2,4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Complex , Time: 25 - 30 , AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    GAAP CONCEPTS and APPLICATION GAAP 1.1 Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for U.S. companies are developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The FASB is a private organization. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exercises oversight over the actions of the FASB. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication GAAP1.2 Diff erences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS should not be surprising because standard - setters have developed standards in response to different user needs. In some countries, the primary users of financial statements are private investors. In others, the primary users are tax authorities or central government planners. In the United States, investors and creditors have driven accounting standard formulation. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    CHAPTER 2 Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting ASSIGNMENT CLASSIFICATION TABLE (BY TOPIC) Topics Questions Brief Exercises Exercises Concepts for Analysis 1. Conceptual framework – general. 1 1, 2 2. Objective of financial reporting. 2, 7 13 1, 2 3 3. Qualitative characteristics of accounting. 3, 4, 5, 6 , 8 1, 2, 3, 4 , 11 , 13 2, 3, 4 4, 8 4. Elements of financial statements. 9, 10, 24 5, 6 5 5. Basic assumptions. 11, 12 , 13 7, 8, 12 6, 7 6. Basic principles: a. Measurement. b. Revenue recognition. c. Expense recognition. d. Full disclosure. 14, 15 , 16, 17 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22 23 24, 25 , 26 9, 10, 12 9 9, 12 9, 12 6, 7, 9, 10 7, 9, 10 6, 7, 9, 10 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 5 5 5, 6, 7, 9 7 . Constraint. 27 , 28 12, 13 3, 6, 7 10 8 . Comprehensive assignments on assumptions, principles, and constraints. 13 6, 7, 9, 10

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    ASSIGNMENT CLASSIFICATION TABLE (BY LEARNING OBJECTIVE) Learning Objectives Brief Exercises Exercises Concepts for Analysis 1. Describe the usefulness of a conceptual framework and explain the objective of financial reporting. 13 1, 2 1, 2 ,3 2 . Identify the qualitative characteristics of accounting information and the basic elements of financial statements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13 2, 3, 4 , 5 8 , 4 3. Review the basic assumptions of accounting. 7, 8, 12 6, 7 4 . Explain the application of the basic principles of accounting. 9, 10, 11, 12 , 13 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 , 10 5, 6, 7, 9 , 10

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    ASSIGNMENT CHARACTERISTICS TABLE Item Description Level of Difficulty Time (minutes) E2 . 1 Usefulness, objective of financial reporting. Moderate 10 – 15 E2 . 2 Usefulness, objective of financial reporting, qualitative characteristics. Moderate 10 – 15 E2 . 3 Qualitative characteristics. Moderate 15 – 20 E2 . 4 Qualitative characteristics. Simple 15 – 20 E2 . 5 Elements of financial statements. Simple 10 – 15 E2 . 6 Assumptions, principles, and constraint. Simple 15 – 20 E2 . 7 Assumptions, principles, and constraint. Moderate 20 – 25 E2 . 8 Full disclosure principle. Complex 20 – 25 E2 . 9 Accounting principles – comprehensive. Moderate 20 – 25 E2 . 10 Accounting principles – comprehensive. Moderate 20 – 25 CA2 . 1 Conceptual framework – general. Simple 20 – 25 CA2 . 2 Conceptual framework – general. Simple 25 – 35 CA2 . 3 Objective of financial reporting. Moderate 25 – 35 CA2 . 4 Qualitative characteristics. Moderate 30 – 35 CA2 . 5 Revenue recognition principle. Complex 25 – 30 CA2 . 6 Expense recognition principle. Complex 20 – 25 CA2 . 7 Expense recognition principle. Moderate 20 – 30 CA2 . 8 Qualitative characteristics. Moderate 20 – 30 CA2 . 9 Expense recognition principle. Moderate 20 – 25 CA2 . 10 Cost - c onstraint . Moderate 30 – 35

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    ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 1. A conceptual framework is a coherent system of concepts that flow from an objective. The objective identifies the purpose of financial reporting. The other concepts provide guidance on (1) identifying the boundaries of financial reporting, (2) selecting the transactions, other events, and circumstances to be represented, (3) how they should be recognized and measured, and (4) how they should be summarized and reported. A conceptual framework is necessary in financial accounting for the following reasons: (1) It will enable the IASB to issue more useful and consistent standards in the future. (2) New issues will be more quickly solvable by reference to an existing framework of basic theory . (3) It will increase financial statement users’ understanding of and confidence in financial reporting . (4) It will enhance comparability among companies’ financial statements. LO: 1 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 2. The primary objective of financial reporting is as follows: The 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 e nti ty . Information that is decision useful to capital providers may also be useful to other users of financial reporting who are not capital providers. LO: 1 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 3. The IASB identified the qualitative characteristics of accounting information that distinguish better (more useful) information from inferior (less useful) information for decision - making purposes. They involve determining which alternative provides the most useful information for decision - making purposes (decision - usefulness). The fundamental qualitative characteristics are relevance and faithful representation. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 4. Relevance and faithful representation are the two fundamental qualities that make accounting information useful for decision - making. To be relevant, accounting information must be capable of making a difference in a decision. Information with no bearing on a decision is irrelevant. Financial information is capable of making a difference when it has predictive value, confirmatory value, or both. Faithful representation means that the item is representative of the real - world phenomenon that it purports to represent. Faithful representation is a necessity because most users have neither the time nor the expertise to evaluate the factual content of the information. In other words, faithful representation means that the numbers and descriptions match what really existed or happened. To be a faithful representation, information must be complete, neutral, and free of material error. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 5. M ateriality refers to the relative significance of an amount, activity, or item to informative disclosure and a proper presentation of financial position and the results of operations. Materiality has qualitative and quantitative aspects; both the nature of the item and its relative size enter into its evaluation.

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    Questions Chapter 2 (Continued) Materiality is a company - specific aspect of relevance. Information is material if omitting it or misstating it could influence decisions that users make on the basis of the reported financial information. An individual company determines whether information is material because both the nature and/or magnitude of the item(s) to which the information relates must be considered in the context of an individual company’s financial report. Information is immaterial, and therefore irrelevant, if it would have no impact on a decision - maker. In short, it must make a difference or a company need not disclose it. Assessing materiality is one of the more challenging aspects of accounting because it requires evaluating both the relative size and importance of an item. However, it is difficult to provide firm guidelines in judging when a given item is or is not material. Materiality varies both with relative amount and with relative importance. One should consider the importance of the relative size of an item in determining its materiality. It is generally not feasible to specify uniform quantitative thresholds at which an item becomes material. Rather, materiality judgments should be made in the context of the nature and the amount of an item. Materiality factors into a great many internal accounting decisions. Only by the exercise of good judgment and professional expertise can reasonable and appropriate answers be found, which is the materiality concept sensibly applied. LO: 2 , Bloom: C , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 6 . The enhancing qualitative characteristics are comparability, verifiability, timeliness, and understandability. These characteristics enhance the decision usefulness of financial reporting information that is relevant and faithfully represented. Enhancing qualitative characteristics are complementary to the fundamental qualitative characteristics. Enhancing qualitative characteristics distinguish more - useful information from less - useful information. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 7 . Decision - makers vary widely in the types of decisions they make, how they make decisions, the information they already possess or can obtain from other sources, and their ability to process the information. For information to be useful, there must be a connection (linkage) between these users and the decisions they make. This link, understandability, is the quality of information that lets reasonably informed users see its significance. Understandability is enhanced when information is classified, characterized, and presented clearly and concisely. Users of financial reports are assumed to have a reasonable knowledge of business and economic activities. In making decisions, users also should review and analyze the information with reasonable diligence. Information that is relevant and faithfully represented should not be excluded from financial reports solely because it is too complex or difficult for some users to understand without assistance. LO: 1, Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 8 . Information that is measured and reported in a similar manner for different companies is considered comparable. Comparability enables users to identify the real similarities and differences in economic events between companies. Another type of comparability, consistency, is present when a company applies the same accounting treatment to similar events, from period to period. Through such application, the company shows consistent use of accounting standards. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 2 (Continued) 9 . An important aspect of developing any theoretical structure is the body of basic elements or definitions to be included in it. Accounting uses many terms with distinctive and specific meanings. These terms constitute the language of business or the jargon of accounting. One such term is asset. Is it merely something we own? Or is an asset something we have the right to use, as in the case of leased equipment? Or is it anything of value used by a company to generate revenues — in which case, should we also consider the managers of a company as an asset? LO: 2 , Bloom: C , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 10 . The IASB classifies the elements into two distinct groups. [5] The first group of three elements — assets, liabilities, and equity — describes amounts of resources and claims to resources at a moment in time. The second group of two elements describes transactions, events, and circumstances that affect a company during a period of time. The first class, affected by elements of the second class, provides at any time the cumulative result of all changes. This interaction is referred to as “articulation.” That is, key figures in one financial statement correspond to balances in another. LO: 2 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 11 . The five basic assumptions that underlie the financial accounting structure are: (1) An economic entity assumption. (2) A going concern assumption. (3) A monetary unit assumption. (4) A periodicity assumption. (5) Accrual - basis assumption. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 12 . a) Users need to know a company’s performance and economic status on a timely basis so that they can evaluate and compare companies, and take appropriate actions. Therefore, companies must report information periodically. The periodicity (or time period) assumption implies that a company can divide its economic activities into artificial time periods. These time periods vary, but the most common are monthly, quarterly, and yearly. The shorter the time period, the more difficult it is to determine the proper net income for the period. A month’s results usually prove less reliable than a quarter’s results, and a quarter’s results are likely to be less reliable than a year’s results. Investors desire and demand that a company quickly process and disseminate information. Yet the quicker a company releases the information, the more likely the information will include errors. This phenomenon provides an interesting example of the trade - off between relevance and faithful representation in preparing financial data. The problem of defining the time period becomes more serious as product cycles shorten and products become obsolete more quickly. Many believe that, given technology advances, companies need to provide more online, real - time financial information to ensure the availability of relevant information. b) Companies prepare financial statements using the accrual basis of accounting. Accrual - basis accounting means that transactions that change a company’s financial statements are recorded in the peri ods in which the events occur. For example, using the accrual basis means that companies recognize revenues when it satisfies a performance obligation (the revenue recognition principle). This is in contrast to recognition based on receipt of cash. Likewise, under the accrual basis, companies recognize expenses when incurred (the expense recognition principle) rather than when paid. Financial statements prepared on the accrual basis inform users not only of past transactions involving the payment and receipt of cash but also of obligations to pay cash in the future and of resources that represent cash to be received in the future. Hence, they provide the type of information about past transactions and other events that is most useful in making economic decisions. LO: 3 , Bloom: C , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 2 (Continued) 13 . The monetary unit assumption assumes that the unit of measure remains reasonably stable so that Euros, Yen, or dollars of different years can be added without any adjustment. When the value of the currency fluctuates greatly over time, the monetary unit assumption loses its validity. The IASB indicated that it expects the currency unadjusted for inflation or deflation to be used to measure items recognized in financial statements. Only if circumstances change dramatically will the Board consider a more stable measurement unit. LO: 3 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 14 . Some of the arguments which might be used are outlined below: (1) Cost is definite and reliable; other values would have to be determined somewhat arbitrarily and there would be considerable disagreement as to the amounts to be used. (2) Amounts determined by other bases would have to be revised frequently. (3) Comparison with other companies is aided if cost is employed. (4) The costs of obtaining fair values could outweigh the benefits derived. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 15 . Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value is therefore a market - based measure. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 16 . The fair value option gives companies the option to use fair value as the basis for measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The Board believes that fair value measurement for financial assets and financial liabilities provides more relevant and understandable information than historical cost. It considers fair value to be more relevant because it reflects the current cash equivalent value of financial assets and financial liabilities . As a result companies now have the option to record fair value in their accounts for most financial assets and financial liabilities , including such items as receivables, investments, and debt securities. LO: 4 , Bloom: C , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 17. The fair value hierarchy provides insight into the priority of valuation techniques that are used to determine fair value. The fair value hierarchy is divided into three broad levels. Fair Value Hierarchy Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for Least Subjective identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or through corroboration with observable data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs (for example, a company’s own data or assumptions). Most Subjective As indicated, Level 1 is the most reliable because it is based on quoted prices, like a closing stock price in the Wall Street Journal . Level 2 is the next most reliable and would rely on evaluating similar assets or liabilities in active markets. At the least - reliable level, Level 3, much judgment is needed based on the best information available to arrive at a relevant and reliable fair value measurement. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 2 (Continued) 18. The revenue recognition principle requires that companies recognize revenue in the accounting period in which the performance obligation is satisfied. In the case of services, revenue is recognized when the services are performed. In the case of selling a product, the performance obligation is met when the product is delivered. Companies follow a five - step process to analyze revenue arrangements to determine when rev enue should be recognized: (1) Identify the contract(s) with the customer; (2) Identify the separate performance obligations in the contract; (3) Determine the transaction price; (4) Allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations; and (5) Recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 19. A performance obligation is a promise to deliver a product or pr ovide a service to a customer. The revenue recognition principle requires that companies recognize revenue in the accounting period in which the performance obligation is satisfied. In the case of services, revenue is recognized wh en the services are performed. In the case of selling a product, the performance obligation is met when the product is delivered. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 20. The five steps in the revenue recognition process are: Step 1 . Identify the contract(s) with the customer. A contract is an agreement between two parties that creates enforceable rights or obligations. Step 2 . Identify the separate performance obligations in the contract. A performance obligation is ether a promise to provide a service or deliver a product, or both. Step 3. Determine the transaction price. Transaction price is the amount of consideration that a company expects to receive from a customer in exchange for transferring a good or service. Step 4. Allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations. This is usually done by estimating the value of consideration attributable to each product or service. Step 5. Recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied . This occurs when the service is provided or the product is delivered. Note that many revenue transactions pose few problems because the transaction is initiated and completed at the same time. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 21. Revenues are recognized when a performance obligation is met. The most common time at which these two conditions are met is when the product or merchandise is delivered or services are rendered to customers. Therefore, revenue for Selane Eatery should be recognized at the time the luncheon is served. LO: 4 , Bloom: C , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 22 . The president means that the “gain” should be recorded in the books. This item should not be entered in the accounts, however, because a reliable measurement of the revenue is questionable. LO: 4 , Bloom: C , Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 2 (Continued) 23 . The cause and effect relationship can seldom be conclusively demonstrated, but many costs appear to be related to particular revenues and recognizing them as expenses accompanies recognition of the revenue. Examples of expenses that are recognized by associating cause and effect are sales commissions and cost of products sold or services provided. Systematic and rational allocation means that in the absence of a direct means of associating cause and effect, and where the asset provides benefits for several periods, its cost should be allocated to the periods in a systematic and rational manner. Examples of expenses that are recognized in a systematic and rational manner are depreciation of plant assets, amortization of intangible assets, and allocation of rent and insurance. Some costs are immediately expensed because the costs have no discernible future benefits or the allocation among several accounting periods is not considered to serve any useful purpose. Examples include officers’ salaries, most selling costs, amounts paid to settle lawsuits, and costs of resources used in unsuccessful efforts. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 24 . An item that meets the definition of an element should be recognized if: (a) it is probable that any future economic benefit associated with the item will flow to or from the entity; and (b) the item has a cost or value that can be measured with reliability. LO: 2 ,4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 25 . (a) To be recognized in the main body of financial statements, an item must meet the definition of an element. In addition , the item must have been measured, recorded in the books, and passed through the double - entry system of accounting. (b) Information provided in the notes to the financial statements amplifies or explains the items presented in the main body of the statements and is essential to an understanding of the per - formance and position of the enterprise. Information in the notes does not have to be quanti - fiable, nor does it need to qualify as an element. (c) Supplementary information includes information that presents a different perspective from that adopted in the financial statements. It also includes management’s explanation of the financial information and a discussion of the significance of that information. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 26 . The general guide followed with regard to the full disclosure principle is to disclose in the financial statements any facts of sufficient importance to influence the judgment of an informed reader. The fact that the amount of outstanding common shares doubled in January of the subsequent reporting period probably should be disclosed because such a situation is of importance to present shareholders. Even though the event occurred after December 31, 201 9 , it should be disclosed on in the notes to the financial statements as of December 31, 201 9 , in order to make adequate disclosure. (The major point that should be emphasized throughout the entire discussion on full disclosure is that there is normally no “black” or “white” but varying shades of grey and it takes experience and good judgment to arrive at an appropriate answer.) LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication 27 . Accounting information is subject to the cost constraint . Information is not worth providing unless the benefits it provides exceed the costs of preparing it. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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    Questions Chapter 2 (Continued) 28 . The costs of providing accounting information are paid primarily to highly trained accountants who design and implement information systems, retrieve and analyze large amounts of data, prepare financial statements in accordance with authoritative pronouncements, and audit the information presented. These activities are time - consuming and costly. The benefits of providing accounting information are experienced by society in general, since informed financial decisions help allocate scarce resources to the most effective enterprises. Occasionally new accounting standards require presentation of information that is not readily assembled by the accounting systems of most companies. A determination should be made as to whether the incremental or additional costs of providing the proposed information exceed the incremental benefits to be obtained. This deter - mination requires careful judgment since the benefits of the proposed information may not be readily apparent. LO: 4 , Bloom: K, Difficulty: Simple, Time: 3 - 5, AACSB: None, AICPA BB: None, AICPA FC: Reporting, AICPA PC: Communication

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