Committee on Accounting for Smaller Entities (CASE)
Definition
The Committee on Accounting for Smaller Entities (CASE) is a specialist committee formed by the Accounting Standards Board (ASB). Its primary purpose is to provide guidance and recommendations on how accounting standards should be applied to smaller entities, thereby ensuring that these standards are relevant, practical, and not unduly burdensome for smaller businesses. CASE played a pivotal role in the creation of the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE), which was first issued in 1999.
Importance
CASE was established to address the unique challenges smaller entities face in financial reporting and compliance. By adapting broader accounting standards to the context of smaller businesses, CASE helps ensure that these businesses can maintain proper financial records without the complexities often associated with the standards designed for larger corporations.
Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE)
- Objective: The FRSSE aims to simplify and reduce the reporting requirements for smaller entities while maintaining a high standard of accountability and transparency.
- Scope: It applies to entities that qualify as small under the Companies Act and who elect to apply the FRSSE instead of the full UK GAAP.
Examples
- ABC Local Grocers: A small family-owned grocery store benefiting from simplified financial statements preparation under FRSSE.
- XYZ Design Ltd: A small graphic design firm that issues financial reports utilizing guidelines set out by CASE, finding compliance easier and less costly than following full UK GAAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary role of CASE? CASE’s primary role was to advise the Accounting Standards Board on how general accounting standards should be tailored for smaller entities, ensuring these standards are not overly complex or resource-intensive for small businesses.
Who benefits from the FRSSE? Small entities that qualify as small under relevant legislation benefit from the FRSSE as it allows for simplified financial reporting, reducing the administrative burden.
Is FRSSE still in effect? As of January 1, 2016, the FRSSE was withdrawn and replaced by FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (“Section 1A Small Entities”).
Are there equivalent committees to CASE in other countries? Many countries have similar bodies or initiatives that adapt their national accounting standards to better fit smaller entities, recognizing the importance of scalability and relevance in financial reporting.
Related Terms
- Accounting Standards Board (ASB): The UK body responsible for setting accounting standards until its functions were transitioned to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in 2012.
- United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP): A comprehensive set of accounting standards and principles used in the UK.
- Financial Reporting Council (FRC): The regulatory body overseeing accounting, auditing, and actuarial practices in the UK.
- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for SMEs: International standards developed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
Online Resources
- Financial Reporting Council (FRC)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Wiley GAAP for Governments 2022” by Warren Ruppel
- “IFRS for Small and Medium-Sized Entities: A Pocket Guide” by Paul Pacter
- “Accounting and Finance for Your Small Business” by Steven M. Bragg and Edwin Burton
- “UK GAAP 2019: Generally Accepted Accounting Practice under UK and Irish GAAP” by Ernst & Young LLP
Accounting Basics: “Committee on Accounting for Smaller Entities (CASE)” Fundamentals Quiz
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