Advantages of International Harmonization
Advantages of International Harmonization
Harmonization of accounting standards between nations is a very important current issue which has many possible benefits or consequences, as well as many obstacles to overcome for success. The international business community recognized the need for uniform accounting standards. This has been necessitated by of the spectacular growth in the number and size of multinational companies, foreign investments and cross-border listings on the stock exchanges.
Comparability
To improve the comparability against domestic and international peers, harmonization of financial statements is advocated. Harmonization strives to enhance comparability between financial statements by setting restrictions on the alternative accounting treatments allowed for similar transactions. The comparability of financial statements becomes doubtful if similar transactions are accounted for differently in different countries. Investors and analysts benefit from enhanced comparability of financial statements.
Reduced Reporting Costs
Financial reporting is a costly affair. Multinationals operating in countries with different accounting standards would incur high costs of preparing financial statements in accordance with each country's accounting principles, then repeating the whole process for consolidation purposes. Harmonized financial statements benefits multinational corporations because they can prepare one report rather than one for each country in which they operate. In addition, it enables a systematic review and evaluation of the performance of foreign subsidiaries and associates.
Level Playing Field
Financial statements prepared on basis of the same accounting principles means that a level playing field is set where no country is privileged or underprivileged by its generally accepted accounting principles. Harmonized financial reporting standards that cut across national borders are not simply ideal for a better global market; they are
Harmonization of accounting standards between nations is a very important current issue which has many possible benefits or consequences, as well as many obstacles to overcome for success. The international business community recognized the need for uniform accounting standards. This has been necessitated by of the spectacular growth in the number and size of multinational companies, foreign investments and cross-border listings on the stock exchanges.
Comparability
To improve the comparability against domestic and international peers, harmonization of financial statements is advocated. Harmonization strives to enhance comparability between financial statements by setting restrictions on the alternative accounting treatments allowed for similar transactions. The comparability of financial statements becomes doubtful if similar transactions are accounted for differently in different countries. Investors and analysts benefit from enhanced comparability of financial statements.
Reduced Reporting Costs
Financial reporting is a costly affair. Multinationals operating in countries with different accounting standards would incur high costs of preparing financial statements in accordance with each country's accounting principles, then repeating the whole process for consolidation purposes. Harmonized financial statements benefits multinational corporations because they can prepare one report rather than one for each country in which they operate. In addition, it enables a systematic review and evaluation of the performance of foreign subsidiaries and associates.
Level Playing Field
Financial statements prepared on basis of the same accounting principles means that a level playing field is set where no country is privileged or underprivileged by its generally accepted accounting principles. Harmonized financial reporting standards that cut across national borders are not simply ideal for a better global market; they are