Due to a regulation of the European Union (EU) concerning financial accounting issued on June 6th, 2002, all listed companies in EU are obligated to provide their Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) in accordance with financial accounting principles of International Accounting Standards (IAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from January 1st, 2005. This regulation enables a necessary harmonization of accounting principles within the EU and supports a clear comparability of CFS worldwide.
The object of this study is to analyze major differences of CFS in German GAAP and IAS/IFRS. Thereby, variations of both accounting standards are compared and a major difference is explained thoroughly with a concrete example.
The major differences of CFS in IAS/IFRS and German GAAP result from different aims of both accounting standards. The German GAAP is strongly based on prudence principle for protection of creditors and authoritative principle (tax accounting based on commercial accounting). In comparison, the IAS/IFRS deliver potential investors realistic and decision useful information about assets, finance, and profit situations of a company (true and fair view / fair presentation principle). These basic principles could be reflected in several key points of the both accounting standards whose differences are clarified in this study.
Furthermore, an essential key point of CFS namely the basis of consolidation (contains enterprises included in the consolidation and capital consolidation methods) is illuminated with a concrete example. Hereby, the relation between the control influence of the parent enterprise on its “sub-entities” and the correspondent capital consolidation methods are studied.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Main Part
- General differences of consolidated financial statements in German GAAP and IAS/IFRS
- Explanation of a major difference between the German GAAP and IAS/IFRS
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to analyze the major differences between Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) prepared under German Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Accounting Standards (IAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It compares variations in both accounting standards and explains a key difference with a concrete example.
- Comparison of CFS under German GAAP and IAS/IFRS
- Analysis of the differing aims of German GAAP and IAS/IFRS
- Explanation of a major difference between German GAAP and IAS/IFRS with a concrete example
- Examination of the basis of consolidation in CFS
- The relationship between control influence and capital consolidation methods
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the study by outlining the EU regulation mandating the use of IAS/IFRS for listed companies' Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) from 2005. It highlights the need for harmonization and improved comparability of financial reporting across the EU and globally. The chapter clearly states the study's objective: to analyze and explain major differences between CFS prepared under German GAAP and IAS/IFRS.
Main Part: General differences of consolidated financial statements in German GAAP and IAS/IFRS: This section delves into the fundamental discrepancies between German GAAP and IAS/IFRS in preparing CFS. It explores how the differing aims of these accounting standards—German GAAP prioritizing creditor protection and tax accounting, while IAS/IFRS focusing on providing decision-useful information for investors—lead to variations in their application. The chapter likely lays the groundwork for a detailed comparison in subsequent sections.
Main Part: Explanation of a major difference between the German GAAP and IAS/IFRS: This chapter focuses on a specific, significant difference between German GAAP and IAS/IFRS in CFS preparation. It likely provides a detailed explanation of this difference, potentially using a concrete example to illustrate the practical implications of the contrasting approaches. The example might involve the treatment of a particular asset, liability, or transaction under each standard, highlighting the resulting differences in reported financial figures. The chapter's goal is to illuminate a key practical divergence between the two accounting frameworks.
Keywords
Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS), German GAAP, IAS/IFRS, International Accounting Standards, International Financial Reporting Standards, accounting standards, financial reporting, harmonization, comparability, prudence principle, true and fair view, fair presentation principle, basis of consolidation, control influence, capital consolidation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of German GAAP vs. IAS/IFRS in Consolidated Financial Statements
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a study comparing and contrasting the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) under German Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Accounting Standards/International Financial Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS). It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main topics covered in the study?
The study focuses on the key differences between preparing CFS under German GAAP and IAS/IFRS. It compares the underlying aims of each accounting standard, analyzes variations in their application, and provides a concrete example to illustrate a major difference. Specific topics include the basis of consolidation, the relationship between control influence and capital consolidation methods, and the impact of differing priorities (creditor protection vs. investor decision-making) on financial reporting.
What are the objectives of the study?
The study aims to analyze the major differences between CFS prepared under German GAAP and IAS/IFRS. It seeks to compare variations in both accounting standards and explain a key difference using a concrete example. The overall goal is to enhance understanding of the implications of these differences for financial reporting.
What are the key differences between German GAAP and IAS/IFRS in preparing CFS, as highlighted in the preview?
The preview highlights that German GAAP prioritizes creditor protection and tax accounting, while IAS/IFRS focuses on providing decision-useful information for investors. This fundamental difference in aims leads to variations in how CFS are prepared under each standard. A specific, significant difference is detailed in one of the main chapters, using a concrete example to illustrate the practical implications.
What is the structure of the study?
The study is structured into an introduction, a main part (divided into sections comparing general differences and explaining a major difference with an example), and a conclusion. The introduction sets the context by discussing EU regulations mandating the use of IAS/IFRS for listed companies. The main part provides a detailed comparison and analysis of the two accounting frameworks.
What are the key terms or keywords associated with this study?
Key terms include: Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS), German GAAP, IAS/IFRS, International Accounting Standards, International Financial Reporting Standards, accounting standards, financial reporting, harmonization, comparability, prudence principle, true and fair view, fair presentation principle, basis of consolidation, control influence, and capital consolidation methods.
What is the significance of the EU regulation mentioned in the introduction?
The introduction references an EU regulation mandating the use of IAS/IFRS for listed companies' CFS from 2005. This regulation highlights the need for harmonization and improved comparability of financial reporting across the EU and globally, providing the context for the study's focus on comparing German GAAP and IAS/IFRS.
Where can I find a more detailed explanation of the specific differences between German GAAP and IAS/IFRS?
A detailed explanation of a significant difference between German GAAP and IAS/IFRS in CFS preparation, including a concrete example, is provided in a dedicated chapter of the full study (not included in this preview).
- Quote paper
- Dr. Khanh Pham-Gia (Author), 2008, Consolidated financial statements in IAS/IFRS and German GAAP – Major differences explained, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/132250
