Selection of Accounting Policy
Financial Statements are prepared to portray a true and fair view of the performance and state of affairs of an enterprise. In selecting a policy, alternative accounting policies should be evaluated in that light. In particular, major considerations that govern selection of a particular policy are:
Prudence:
In view of uncertainty associated with future events, profits are not anticipated, but losses are provided for as a matter of conservatism. Provision should be created for all known liabilities and losses even though the amount cannot be determined with certainty and represents only a best estimate in the light of available information. The exercise of prudence in selection of accounting policies ensure that
(i) profits are not overstated
(ii) losses are not understated
(iii) assets are not overstated and
(iv) liabilities are not understated.
Example 1
The most common example of exercise of prudence in selection of accounting policy is the policy of valuing inventory at lower of cost and net realisable value.
Suppose a trader has purchased 500 units of certain article @ ` 10 per unit. He sold 400 articles @ ` 15 per unit. If the net realisable value per unit of the unsold article is ` 15, the trader should value his stock at ` 10 per unit and thus ignoring the profit ` 500 that he may earn in next accounting period by selling 100 units of unsold articles. If the net realisable value per unit of the unsold article is ` 8, the trader should value his stock at ` 8 per unit and thus recognising possible loss ` 200 that he may incur in next accounting period by selling 100 units of unsold articles.
Profit of the trader if net realisable value of unsold article is ` 15
Example 2
Exercise of prudence does not permit creation of hidden reserve by understating profits and assets or by overstating liabilities and losses. Suppose a company is facing a damage suit. No provision for damages should be recognised by a charge against profit, unless the probability of losing the suit is more than the probability of not losing it.
Substance over form: Transactions and other events should be accounted for and presented in accordance with their substance and financial reality and not merely by their legal form.
Example 1
The most common example of exercise of prudence in selection of accounting policy is the policy of valuing inventory at lower of cost and net realisable value.
Suppose a trader has purchased 500 units of certain article @ ` 10 per unit. He sold 400 articles @ ` 15 per unit. If the net realisable value per unit of the unsold article is ` 15, the trader should value his stock at ` 10 per unit and thus ignoring the profit ` 500 that he may earn in next accounting period by selling 100 units of unsold articles. If the net realisable value per unit of the unsold article is ` 8, the trader should value his stock at ` 8 per unit and thus recognising possible loss ` 200 that he may incur in next accounting period by selling 100 units of unsold articles.
Profit of the trader if net realisable value of unsold article is ` 15
= Sale – Cost of goods sold = (400 x ` 15) – (500 x ` 10 – 100 x ` 10) = ` 2,000
Profit of the trader if net realisable value of unsold article is ` 8
= Sale – Cost of goods sold = (400 x ` 15) – (500 x ` 10 – 100 x ` 8) = ` 1,800
Profit of the trader if net realisable value of unsold article is ` 8
= Sale – Cost of goods sold = (400 x ` 15) – (500 x ` 10 – 100 x ` 8) = ` 1,800
Example 2
Exercise of prudence does not permit creation of hidden reserve by understating profits and assets or by overstating liabilities and losses. Suppose a company is facing a damage suit. No provision for damages should be recognised by a charge against profit, unless the probability of losing the suit is more than the probability of not losing it.
Substance over form: Transactions and other events should be accounted for and presented in accordance with their substance and financial reality and not merely by their legal form.
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