Difference between GAAP and IFRS There are different types of accounting standards that are followed around the globe. The most commonly used accounting standards are International Financial Reporting Standards or IFRS and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or GAAP. IFRS refers to the international financial reporting standards that are followed globally and includes instructions on how certain transactions should be reported in financial statements. IFRS is issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). GAAP refers to a common set of accounting standards and procedures that a company must follow at the time of preparation of financial statements.GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which are the generally accepted standards for financial reporting in the United States. IFRS stands for International Financial Reporting Standards, which are a set of internationally accepted accounting standards used by most of the world’s countries. The key differences between GAAP and IFRS include: GAAP is a framework based on legal authority while IFRS is based on a principles-based approach. GAAP is more detailed and prescriptive while IFRS is more high-level and flexible. GAAP requires more disclosures while IFRS requires fewer disclosures. GAAP is more focused on the historical cost of assets while IFRS allows for more flexibility in the valuation of assets. Which is better IFRS or GAAP? It depends on the context. Generally speaking, IFRS is more widely used globally and is better for companies that operate in multiple countries, while GAAP is more focused on the US and is better for companies that only operate in the US. Why is IFRS not used in the US? IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) is not used in the US because the US government has not adopted it as the official accounting standard. The US instead uses its own set of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The US government has indicated that it is considering adopting IFRS, but has yet to do so. What is the difference between GAAP and IFRS in inventory? GAAP and IFRS have some different requirements when it comes to inventory. Under GAAP, inventory must be valued at the lower of cost or market value, while IFRS requires inventory to be valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Additionally, GAAP does not allow for any inventory write-downs, whereas IFRS does. Lastly, GAAP requires that inventory be valued using a specific cost flow assumption (such as FIFO or LIFO) while IFRS does not. INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACOUNTING OF INDIA (ICAI) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, viz. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (Act No.XXXVIII of 1949) for regulating the profession of Chartered Accountancy in the country. The Institute, functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The ICAI is the second largest professional body of Chartered Accountants in the world, with a strong tradition of service to the Indian economy in public interest. The affairs of the ICAI are managed by a Council in accordance with the provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988. The Council constitutes of 40 members of whom 32 are elected by the Chartered Accountants and remaining 8 are nominated by the Central Government generally representing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders. Over a period of time the ICAI has achieved recognition as a premier accounting body not only in the country but also globally, for maintaining highest standards in technical, ethical areas and for sustaining stringent examination and education standards. Since 1949, the profession has grown leaps and bounds in terms of members and student base. GAAP (GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or GAAP is a defined set of rules and procedures that needs to be followed in order to create financial statements, which are consistent with the industry standards. GAAP helps in ensuring that financial reporting is transparent and uniform across industries. As financial information is based on historical data, therefore in order to facilitate comparison between data from various sources, GAAP must be followed. GAAP is developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) The following GAAP principles can be discussed: 1. Principle of Consistency: This principle ensures that the organizations use consistent standards while recording the transactions. 2. Principle of Regularity: This principle states that all the accountants abide by the rules and regulations as per GAAP. 3. Principle of Sincerity: This principle states that an accountant should provide an accurate depiction of the financial situation of a business. 4. Principle of Permanence of Method: This principle states that consistent practices and procedures should be followed for financial reporting purposes. 5. Principle of Prudence: This principle states that financial data should be reasonable, factual and should not be based on any speculation. 6. Principle of Continuity: This principle states that the valuation of assets is based on the assumption that the business will be continuing its operations in the future. 7. Principle of Materiality: This principle lays emphasis on the full disclosure of the true financial position of the business. 8. Principle of Periodicity: This principle states that business entities should abide by the commonly accepted accounting periods for financial reporting such as yearly, half-yearly, etc. 9. Principle of Non-compensation: This principle states that no business entities should expect compensation in return for providing accurate information in financial reporting. 10. Principle of Good Faith: This principle states that all the parties involved in financial reporting should be honest in reporting the transactions. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED BY ICAI Accounting Standards for non-corporate entities, such as Small and Mediumsized Enterprises (SMEs), in India are determined by the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) of ICAI. These standards adhere to Indian GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices), aiming to enhance comprehension of financial statements for users. Conversely, corporate entities follow the Accounting Standards mandated by the MCA. by ICAI have prevailed for two decades. Currently, they are undergoing a review and revision The Accounting Standards simplify matters by establishing a consistent set of best practices and globally recognized accounting policies, which must be adhered to when presenting financial statements. These standards share the same objectives and fundamental principles worldwide. These standards must be followed from the specified dates mentioned in the respective document or as communicated by the ICAI/ MCA. The MCA provides companies with Accounting Standards based on recommendations from the ICAI. These Accounting Standards are communicated through the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, and any updates or modifications are also shared by the MCA. It is important to note that these standards apply to all companies, including Small and Medium-sized Companies, which are not bound by the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS). THE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS FOR NON-CORPORATE ENTITIES PROCESS TO ALIGN WITH THE FINANCIAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF IND AS, PARTICULARLY TAILORED FOR SMES. ICAI’sAccounting Standards The Accounting Standards Board of ICAI has put out a booklet called “Accounting Standards: Quick Referencer” so that everyone can quickly look up the most important parts of the Accounting Standards. This booklet has a summary of the Accounting Standards put out by the ICAI and the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006, which were put out by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, to protect the interests of the people who make or audit financial statements as well as the interests of other stakeholders. IFRS (INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARD) IFRS is a acronym of International Financial Reporting Standards and covers full set of principles and rules on reporting of various items, transactions or situations in the financial statements. Often they are referred to as “principles based” standards because they describe principles rather than dictate rigid accounting rules for treatment of certain items. In simple words, IFRS are a set of International accounting standards, stating how particular types of transactions and other events should be reported in the financial statements. They are the guidelines and rules set by IASB which the company and organisation can follow while preparing their financial statements. IFRS are designed as a common global language for business affairs so the company accounts are understandable and comparable across international boundaries. COMPONENTS OF IFRS IFRS comprises the following components: 1. International Accounting Standards (IASs) issued by IASC 2. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued by IASB Both IAS and IFRS are standards themselves that prescribe rules or accounting treatments for various individual items or elements of financial statements. IASs are the standards issued before 2001 and IFRSs are the standards issued after 2001. There used to be 41 standards named IAS 1, IAS 2, etc.., however, several of them were superseded, replaced or just withdrawn. 3. Interpretations originated from Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC) 4. Interpretations originated from the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRICS) SICs and IFRICs are interpretations that supplements IAS/IFRS standards. SIC were issued before 2001 and IFRIC were issued after 2001. They deal with more specific situations not covered in the standard itself, or issues that arose after publishing of certain IFRS. FEATURES OF IFRS: . 1.IFRS are principle base standards as compared to the rule based GAAP: This means that they have distinct advantage that transactions cannot be manipulated easily. 2. IFRS lays down treatments based on the economic substance of various events and transactions rather than their legal form. 3. Fair value accounting: Under the IFRS, the historical cost concept has been abandoned and replaced by a current cost system for more accurate financial reporting. The concept of fair value accounting has taken over historical cost accounting in financial reporting to improve the relevance of the information contained in financial reports and getting the balance sheet right. 4. Format of financial statements: Presentation of financial statements is significantly different from presentation of financial statements in GAAP, which follows the Schedule III of the Companies Act, 2013. For example, IFRS requires clean segregation of assets and liabilities into current and non-current groups. At present, the liquidity basis is preferred as per the Companies Act. 5. Functional currency: Indian entities prepare financial statements in Indian Rupees. Under IFRS, an entity measures its assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses in its functional currency. Functional currency is the currency of the primary environment in which the entity operates which may be different from the local currency of a country. 6. IFRS requires annual reassessment of useful life of the assets. Earlier depreciation was stopped once asset is retired from active use. But under IFRS depreciation is to be allowed till the time of actual de-recognition of asset from the books. 7. Component accounting: IFRS mandates Component Accounting. Under this approach each major part of an item of equipment with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of an item has to be maintained and depreciated separately. List of Mandatory Accounting Standards of ICAI (AS-1 to AS-29): Updated as on 01/02/2022 The first question for students and learners is, “How many accounting standards are there?” For their information, the ICAI has put out a total of 32 Accounting Standards (AS-1 to AS-32), of which AS-1 to AS-29 are mandatory. AS-6, AS-8, AS-30, AS-31, and AS-32 have been taken away by the ICAI through different Announcements. So, as of February 1, 2022, there are really only 27 Accounting Standards of ICAI. All these accounting standards are mandatory in nature, as of 01/07/2017: ICAI’s AS-1: Disclosure of Accounting Policies AS-1 of ICAI addresses the disclosure of significant accounting policies used to prepare and present financial statements in a supplementary statement or notes. This enables effective comparison of financial statements across different enterprises and periods. ICAI’s AS-2: Valuation of Inventories AS-2 of ICAI deals with determining the value at which inventories are recorded in financial statements. This includes considering both the cost and net realizable value. ICAI’s AS-3: Cash Flow Statements AS-3 of ICAI provides information about an enterprise’s historical changes in cash and cash equivalents through a Cash Flow Statement. This statement helps differentiate cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities ICAI’s AS-4: Contingencies and Events Occurring After Balance Sheet Date AS-4 of ICAI covers post-balance-sheet events and contingencies. ICAI’s AS-5: Net profit or Loss for the period, Prior Period Items and Changes in Accounting Policies When preparing the Statement of Profit and Loss, it is recommended to apply AS-5 of ICAI. This accounting standard helps in presenting profit or loss from ordinary activities, extraordinary items, prior period items, accounting for changes in accounting estimates, as well as disclosing any changes in accounting policies. ICAI’s AS-7: Construction Contracts According to the provisions of AS-7 by ICAI, contractors are required to include accounting information for construction contracts in their financial statement ICAI’s AS-9: Revenue Recognition AS-9 of ICAI addresses revenue recognition in a company’s profit and loss statement. This standard covers the identification and recording of revenue derived from various sources, including the sale of goods, provision of services, interest, royalties, and dividends. ICAI’s AS-10: Property, Plant and Equipment The objective of AS-10 of ICAI is to prescribe the accounting treatment for property, plant and equipment (PPE). ICAI’s AS-11: The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates AS-11 of ICAI provides accounting standards for foreign currency transactions and foreign operations. It guides businesses on determining the appropriate exchange rate to use and how to accurately reflect the financial impact of changes in exchange rates. This standard ensures that companies can effectively manage their international financial activities. ICAI’s AS-12: Government Grants AS-12 of ICAI deals with the accounting treatment of government grants, which include subsidies, monetary incentives, duty drawbacks, and more. ICAI’s AS-13: Accounting for Investments ICAI’s AS-13 focuses on how enterprises should account for investments in their financial statements and the corresponding disclosure requirements. ICAI’s AS-14: Accounting for Amalgamations AS-14 of ICAI focuses on the accounting treatment of amalgamations, including how to handle any resulting goodwill or reserves. ICAI’s AS-15: Employee Benefits The AS-15 of ICAI provides guidelines for how to handle and disclose employee perks, excluding share-based payments. However, it does not address the accounting and reporting of employee benefit plans. ICAI’s AS-16: Borrowing Costs AS-16 of ICAI pertains to the treatment of borrowing costs. However, it’s important to note that this standard does not encompass the actual or imputed cost of owners’ equity, which includes preference share capital that is not classified as a liability. ICAI’s AS-17: Segment Reporting ICAI’s AS-17 establishes guidelines for reporting financial information regarding a company’s segments, products, services, and geographic locations. ICAI’s AS-18: Related Party Disclosures The use of AS-18 by ICAI is recommended to report transactions and relationships involving related parties. This Standard applies to the financial statements of each reporting enterprise as well as the consolidated financial statements of holding companies. ICAI’s AS-19: Leases The AS-19 of ICAI establishes accounting standards and disclosure requirements for financing and operating leases pertaining to both lessees and lessors. This ensures that all parties. ICAI’s AS-20: Earnings Per Share AS-20, a standard established by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), outlines the criteria for calculating and presenting earnings per share. This guideline aims to enhance performance comparisons between different businesses ICAI’s AS-21: Consolidated Financial Statements AS-21 outlines the methods and principles for creating consolidated financial statements. These statements provide a comprehensive view of the economic resources controlled by both a parent company and its subsidiary(ies), treating them as one cohesive entity. They also present information about their combined liabilities and the outcomes achieved through effective resource management. ICAI’s AS-22: Accounting for Taxes on Income The purpose of AS-22 of ICAI is to oversee the accounting treatment of taxes on income. This is because taxable income often differs significantly from accounting income due to various factors. As a result, it becomes challenging to properly match taxes against revenue within a specific period. ICAI’s AS-23: Accounting for Investments in Associates In the production and presentation of consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) by an investor when accounting for investments in associates, the AS-23 of ICAI is to be applied. ICAI’s AS-24: Discontinuing Operations AS-24 of ICAI establishes guidelines that provide information on discontinuing operations for readers of financial statements. These guidelines allow them to predict an enterprise’s cash flows, earnings-generating potential, and financial position by distinguishing between discontinuing and continuing operations. It is important to note that AS 24 applies to all enterprises that are in the process of discontinuing operations. ICAI’s AS-25: Interim Financial Reporting AS-25 of ICAI applies when a business is required or chooses to release an interim financial report. The purpose of this standard is to establish guidelines for the minimum content of an interim financial report and the rules for recognizing and measuring information in both complete and condensed financial statements for a specific period. ICAI’s AS-26: Intangible Assets ICAI AS-26 outlines the accounting treatment for intangible assets. These assets, known as identifiable non-monetary assets, lack physical substance but play a crucial role in the production or supply of goods and services, renting to others, or administrative purposes. ICAI’s AS-27: Financial Reporting of Interests in Joint Ventures ICAI’s AS-27 aims to establish accounting rules and reporting systems concerning joint venture interests, assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. These guidelines ensure accurate representation in the financial statements of both venturers and investors. ICAI’s AS-28: Impairment of Assets AS-28 of the ICAI outlines the steps businesses must take to ensure their assets are valued at a recoverable value. If an asset’s carrying amount exceeds what can be recovered through use or sale, AS 28 mandates recognizing an impairment loss. Unless specifically excluded, AS 28 addresses the impairment of all assets. ICAI’s AS-29: Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets AS-29 ensures that provisions and contingent liabilities are recognized and measured correctly, with relevant information provided in the financial statements’ notes. This helps users understand the nature, timing, and amount of these items. Additionally, this Standard defines how to account for contingent assets. What Are International Accounting Standards (IAS)? International Accounting Standards (IAS) are a set of rules for financial statements that were replaced in 2001 by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and have subsequently been adopted by most major financial markets around the world.1 Both sets of standards were issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), an independent body based in London. The United States does not follow IFRS. Instead, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission requires public companies in the U.S. to follow Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAP). China and Japan also declined to adopt IFRS. International Accounting Standards (IAS) were the first international accounting standards that were issued by the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC), formed in 1973. The goal then, as it remains today, was to make it easier to compare businesses around the world, increase transparency and trust in financial reporting, and foster global trade and investment.6 Globally comparable accounting standards promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial markets around the world. This enables investors and other market participants to make informed economic decisions about investment opportunities and risks and improves capital allocation. Universal standards also significantly reduce reporting and regulatory costs, especially for companies with international operations and subsidiaries in multiple countries.The United States is exploring adopting international accounting standards. Since 2002, America's accounting-standards body, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the IASB have collaborated on a project to improve and converge the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and IFRS.5 However, while the FASB and IASB have issued norms together, the convergence process is taking much longer than was expected—in part because of the complexity of implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.8 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. "Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test 2020: Supervisory Stress Test Results." The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which regulates U.S. securities markets, has long supported high-quality global accounting standards in principle and continues to do so. In the meantime, because U.S. investors and companies routinely invest trillions of dollars abroad, fully understanding the similarities and differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRS is crucial. One conceptual difference: IFRS is thought to be a more principles-based accounting system, while GAAP is more rules-based. Differences Between Indian Accounting Standards and International Accounting Standards Differences based on What they Entail The International Accounting Standards, now known as International Financial Reporting Standards refers to the accounting guidelines and regulations followed by each nation. In the last couple of years, the monetary situation has changed drastically all around the world. Few transitional groups are now working in a number of countries to resolve IFRS convergence-related situations. The standard, which can also be widely acknowledged globally, therefore needs to be maintained. It is also known as the objective of setting a certain set of standards that everyone can utilize nationally and worldwide. In the context of Indian firms, the abbreviation IND AS is used. Throughout the period, such standards were established in India. These standards are often known as Ind As. Such standards must be adopted under the monitoring and supervision of the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) under a distinct type of corporation and NBFCs in India. In 1977, the Accounting Standards Board was established as a regulating organization and authority. The ASB is an independent and professional body controlled by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Other organizations that govern ASB requirements include the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). People, professors, and scholars from the abovementioned body present various accounting standards. Indian Accounting Standards were created in order to unify worldwide accounting and reporting standards. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) contain international accounting standards (IFRS). The National Advisory Committee on Accounting Standards (NACAS), an Indian government organization, recommended these standards to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Differences based on Issuing Body The Central Government of India in collaboration with the National Advisory Committee on Accounting Standards developed Indian Accounting Standards (NACAS). The Accounting Standards Board (ASB) of the ICAI oversaw and controlled the process. NACAS recommended the Indian AS to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which has the authority to apply it to Indian companies. The Ind AS have the same names and numbers as their IFRS equivalents. There have been 40 Indian AS issued so yet. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), an independent international standard-setting body based in London, issued previous accounting standards known as International Accounting Standards (IAS). The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is the IFRS Foundation’s independent accounting standard-setting organization. It is one of the most widely used accounting standards. The Board of Directors is an impartial group of specialists with an adequate combination of practical experience recently gained with accounting standards, auditing, preparing, or using financial reports, and in accounting education. It’s also necessary to have a lot of geographical diversity. The IFRS Foundation Constitution sets out the complete qualifications for the Board membership and the geographical allocation on the individual profiles can be viewed. The members of the Board shall establish and publish the IFRS standards, including the IFRS Standard for SMEs. The IFRS Interpretation Committee also has the responsibility of approving the interpretation of IFRS Standards (formerly IFRIC). The International Financial Reporting Standards replaced the IAS in 2001 (IFRS). When balancing accounts, international accounting is a subset of accounting that takes international accounting standards into consideration Differences based on Significance The Indian AS supports cross-border cash flows, makes global listing easier, and allows international comparability of the financial statement This encourages worldwide investments, which benefits all stakeholders in the capital market. The Indian AS assists the investor in making a global comparison of investments. There is no need to reinstate the financial statements of Indian corporations now that the Indian AS is in existence. The aim was initially to simplify comparison between organizations worldwide, enhance transparency and confidence in financial reporting, and promote worldwide trade and investment. This enhances capital allocation by allowing investors and other market participants to make informed economic judgments about investment possibilities and risks. Universal standards can help organizations with multinational operations and subsidiaries in different countries save money on reporting and regulatory compliance. Differences based on Applicability Indian AS’s first fiscal year was 2011, but the Ministry of Corporate Affairs postponed it due to some concerns. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs published the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules in February 2015. Banking, insurance, and non-bank financial companies were left out of the updated implementation roadmap. Since 1 April 2015, IND AS has been introduced voluntarily and made necessary by notification on 1 April 2016. The notifications released thereafter covered the implementation of the NBFCs, banking, and insurance firms. A company can freely or mandatorily follow IND AS. But, once it starts following the Ind AS, it cannot revert to its old method of accounting. The International Accounting Standards Foundation was the IFRS Foundation’s predecessor body (IASF). On February 6, 2001, it was founded. On July 1, 2010, the Foundation has renamed the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation). It has been incorporated in Delaware, the USA as a non-profit company that operates independently. Its main mission under its Constitution is, in the public interest, to produce a single set of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) that are high quality, intelligible, enforceable, and universally acknowledged, based on clearly articulated principles. Differences based on Revenue In the case of IFRS, revenue is always determined as the fair value of the consideration receivable or received. On the other hand, according to the Indian AS, revenues are taken into account if the companies charge products/services and also benefit firms by employing their resources. Differences based on Exchange Rate According to IFRS, the Company’s assets and liabilities are transformed into an exchange rate if it does not use its functional currency. Indian AS, on the other hand, does not require an exchange rate because it is solely relevant to Indian enterprises. Differences based on Disclosure of the statement Whenever a corporation complies with IFRS, it must indicate that they comply with the IFRS in the form of a note. However, the declaration is not obligatory for the Indian AS. When an organization is deemed to be following the Indian AS, the truth and fairness of its financial activities are presumed to be in conformity to the Indian AS. Conclusion The context is the most crucial aspect of both IFRS versus Indian AS accountability requirements. We use these to make an enormous difference in this context. Furthermore, comparing these two IFRS vs. Indian As accounting standards provides insight into the benchmarks that each of these IFRS vs. Indian As accounting standards has established for themselves. What works in one country may not work in another, and vice versa. This is why in the respective settings, the applicability of these two IFRS vs Indian AS standards remains relevant. .Acknowledgement On this great occasion of accomplishment of our project on Corporate Accounting on the topic A STUDY ON THEKA COFFEE, we would like to sincerely express our gratitude to Mrs. Parul Atri, who has been supporting through the completion of this project. Finally, as one of the team members, I would like to appreciate all my group members for their support and coordination, I hope we will achieve more in our future endeavours. Manya Nigam B.Com Certificate This is to certify that Manya Nigam of Jagran Lakecity University has successfully completed the Project on A STUDY ON THEKA COFFEE and has exhibited exceptional skills and knowledge in the field of Corporate Accounting. The project was completed under the guidance of Mrs. Parul Atri. This project was evaluated by a panel of experts and was found to be wellconceived, well-executed, and of high quality. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the student and the guidance provided by the teacher.