This paper addresses the issues that confront the FASB and IASB in developing a new conceptual framework document. First, we suggest characteristics that a conceptual framework ought to exhibit. Most of these suggestions are based on our critique of the existing framework and the FASB-IASB work in progress. Second, we present a model framework that exhibits these characteristics. We emphasize up front that this framework is quite explicit. It goes to the heart of what a framework document should do: it places specific restrictions on what constitutes admissible accounting standards. The purpose of our effort is to stimulate broad discussion of alternative approaches to foundational documents and to offer a specific example of such an alternative approach.
This work investigates why the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Conceptual Framework Project (1973-1985), which sought to set down financial reporting standards for accounting, attracted so much criticism. The author suggests that a CF is expected to bear too heavy a load, but that it cannot furnish the answer to all financial accounting ills. He believes that the best contribution that a CF can offer is that it can provide a focus to the debate that leads to a new financial reporting standard.
First published in 1997. This volume is a collection of studies that look at the ‘conceptual framework’ undertaken initially for the UK’s Accounting Standards Committee (‘ASC’), and to consider how far the views expressed in them have stood the test of time as standard setters around the world have followed in the FASB’s footsteps.
The American Accounting Association's Financial Accounting Standards Committee is pleased to have an opportunity to express its views on the FASB's Call for Preliminary Views on its Conceptual Framework. We applaud the decision of the FASB to develop a Conceptual Framework and seek comments on its preliminary views and hope the financial reporting community will participate enthusiastically in this important activity.While we understand the importance of a Conceptual Framework, especially for accounting standard setting, we have deep reservations about the current document. In our response we explain why we think that the Preliminary Conceptual Framework is unlikely to be helpful in setting conceptually sound accounting standards. In particular, as you will see, we have reservations about the following key points: 1. We believe the Preliminary Conceptual framework is too focused on an investment role of accounting, and neglects the more important stewardship role of accounting. 2. The reliance on fair values that are not grounded on actual relevant market transactions (such as mark to model numbers) are not trustworthy. We believe that provision of soft accounting numbers will be harmful to the relevance and usefulness of accounting numbers. 3. We agree with the FASB's desire for neutral accounting numbers. However, given management's upward bias in reporting, we feel that conservative standards are required to produce neutral accounting numbers, and 4. We believe the FASB's standards should not be determined based only on a conceptual framework. Concepts such as relevance are too broad to be useful in determining a specific standard. A more rigorous field-performance-testing model is needed before conducting real world experiments with new accounting standards. We recommend allowing companies more flexibility in their reporting choices to allow market forces a greater role in setting accounting standards.In closing, despite our reservations about the Conceptual Framework, we applaud the FASB's desire to seek views on its preliminary effort and hope to participate again as this important activity progresses further.
The FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts contains the full text of five of the six Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts issued to date. The existing concepts are intended to serve the public interest by setting the objectives, qualitative characteristics, and other concepts that guide selection of economic events to be recognized and measured for financial reporting. Unlike a Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, a Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts does not establish generally accepted Accounting Principles.
Contains the full text of the Accounting Concepts issued to date. The existing concepts are intended to serve the public interest by setting the objectives, qualitative characteristics, and other concepts that guide selection of economic events to be recognized and measured for financial reporting.
