

The accounting rule of the reliability principle concerns the financial information of a business, and states that the information presented in the accounting records and statements should be the most accurate and relevant information available. The issue of differing accounting principles is less of a concern in more mature markets. Since accounting principles differ across the world, investors should take caution when comparing the financial statements of companies from different countries. The Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts is issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and covers financial reporting concepts. Prudence requires that auditors and accountants choose methods that minimize the possibility of overstating either assets or income. A quality of accounting information that facilitates the comparison of financial reporting of one company to the financial reporting of another company. Why is comparability important in accounting?Ĭomparability definition. It is therefore necessary for entities to adopt accounting policies that best reflect the existing industry practice. This should aid users in analyzing the performance and position of one company relative to the industry standards. Financial statements of one entity must also be consistent with other entities within the same line of business. When accounting principles allow choice between multiple methods, a company should apply the same accounting method over time or disclose its change in accounting method in the footnotes to the financial statements. Accounting information is not absolute or concrete, and standards such as GAAP are developed to minimize the negative effects of inconsistent data.Completeness is ensured by the materiality principle, as all material transactions should be accounted for in the financial statements. Comparability is the ability for financial statement users to review multiple companies’ financials side by side with the guarantee that accounting principles have been followed to the same set of standards. must follow when they compile their financial statements. GAAP is a common set of accounting principles, standards, and procedures that public companies in the U.S. What Are the Objectives of Financial Accounting?įor example, in 2016 the FASB and the IASB jointly announced new revenue recognition standards. Statements of Financial Accounting Standards were published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to provide guidance on specific accounting topics. And, this outcome means the auditor finds no problems with matching, materiality, historical costs, or any other GAAP-defined accounting principle. Comparability PrincipleAnd, this means the auditor finds no issues with matching, materiality, “historical costs,” or any other GAAP-defined accounting principle.
