International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation)

The IFRS Foundation oversees the activities of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee, and aims to develop globally accepted financial reporting standards.

International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation)

Definition

The International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation) is a not-for-profit organization established to develop and maintain high-quality international financial reporting standards through its oversight of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Formed in March 2001 as the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation (IASC Foundation), it provides a framework for transparent and comparable financial reporting across global markets.

Examples

  1. Harmonization Across Countries: Multinational companies adhere to IFRS standards to ensure consistent accounting practices across their subsidiaries in different countries, improving transparency and comparability for investors.

  2. Financial Institutions Compliance: Major banks implement IFRS for detailed reporting of financial instruments, enhancing trust and stability in the international financial system.

  3. Cross-border Investment Facilitation: IFRS helps investors and analysts to compare financial performance across different jurisdictions, facilitating better investment decision-making in global markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main function of the IFRS Foundation?

The primary function of the IFRS Foundation is to develop globally accepted financial reporting standards through its oversight of the IASB. It ensures that these standards are applied consistently worldwide to promote transparency and comparability in financial statements.

Who governs the IFRS Foundation?

The IFRS Foundation is governed by 22 trustees from diverse geographical and functional backgrounds, including representatives from North America, Europe, Asia-Oceania, Africa, and South America. Their duties include appointing members of the IASB and ensuring the Foundation’s accountability to the International Financial Reporting Standards Monitoring Board.

How is the IFRS Foundation funded?

The IFRS Foundation is funded by contributions from various sources, including major accounting firms, private financial institutions, industrial companies, banks, and other international and professional organizations.

What is the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)?

The IASB is an independent body within the IFRS Foundation responsible for developing and issuing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It ensures that these standards are upheld globally to maintain high-quality financial reporting practices.

What role does the International Financial Reporting Standards Monitoring Board play?

The IFRS Monitoring Board oversees the trustees of the IFRS Foundation to ensure their accountability and the integrity of the standard-setting process.

  • International Accounting Standards Board (IASB): The standard-setting body within the IFRS Foundation responsible for developing International Financial Reporting Standards.

  • International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC): A committee within the IFRS Foundation that interprets and provides guidance on international accounting standards.

  • International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC): The predecessor to the IASB, which set international accounting standards prior to the establishment of the IASB.

  • IFRS Monitoring Board: An oversight body that ensures the IFRS Foundation trustees remain accountable and maintain the integrity of the financial reporting standards.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. Wiley IFRS 2020: Interpretation and Application of IFRS Standards by PKF International Ltd (Author)
  2. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Workbook and Guide: Practical insights, case studies, examples, multiple-choice questions, illustrations by Abbas A. Mirza (Author)
  3. Insights into IFRS: KPMG’s Practical Guide to International Financial Reporting Standards by KPMG (Author)
  4. IFRS: A Quick Reference Guide by Robert Kirk (Author)

Accounting Basics: “International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation” Fundamentals Quiz

### What is the primary function of the IFRS Foundation? - [ ] To regulate financial markets. - [ ] To provide financial advisory services. - [x] To develop and maintain global financial reporting standards. - [ ] To audit multinational corporations. > **Explanation:** The IFRS Foundation’s main function is to develop and maintain high-quality international financial reporting standards through the oversight of the IASB. ### Which organization is responsible for developing International Financial Reporting Standards under the IFRS Foundation? - [ ] International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee - [x] International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) - [ ] International Financial Reporting Standards Monitoring Board - [ ] International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) > **Explanation:** The IASB, which operates under the IFRS Foundation, is responsible for developing International Financial Reporting Standards. ### How many trustees govern the IFRS Foundation? - [ ] 20 - [x] 22 - [ ] 25 - [ ] 30 > **Explanation:** The IFRS Foundation is governed by 22 trustees from diverse geographical and functional backgrounds. ### Who oversees the trustees of the IFRS Foundation to ensure their accountability? - [ ] International Accounting Standards Committee - [ ] The World Bank - [x] International Financial Reporting Standards Monitoring Board - [ ] Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council > **Explanation:** The IFRS Monitoring Board oversees the trustees of the IFRS Foundation to ensure their accountability and the integrity of the standard-setting process. ### In which year was the IFRS Foundation established? - [ ] 1998 - [ ] 2005 - [ ] 2010 - [x] 2001 > **Explanation:** The IFRS Foundation was formed in March 2001 as the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation (IASC Foundation). ### Which geographical area does not have a specified representation on the IFRS Foundation trustee board? - [ ] North America - [ ] Europe - [ ] Asia-Oceania - [x] Antarctica > **Explanation:** The IFRS Foundation’s trustee board includes representations from North America, Europe, Asia-Oceania, Africa, and South America, but not from Antarctica. ### Which committee reviews and interprets the international accounting standards within the IFRS Foundation? - [x] International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) - [ ] International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) - [ ] Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) - [ ] Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) > **Explanation:** The IFRIC reviews and interprets international accounting standards within the IFRS Foundation to provide guidance. ### From which sector does the IFRS Foundation receive partial funding? - [ ] Charitable organizations - [ ] Government Entities - [x] Major accounting firms - [ ] Local businesses > **Explanation:** The IFRS Foundation is funded by contributions from major accounting firms, private financial institutions, industrial companies, banks, and other international and professional organizations. ### What was the original name of the IFRS Foundation before it was renamed? - [x] International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation - [ ] Global Reporting Standards Committee - [ ] International Accountancy Board Foundation - [ ] World Financial Reporting Foundation > **Explanation:** The IFRS Foundation was originally named the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation (IASC Foundation) before it was renamed. ### What does IFRS stand for? - [ ] International Federal Reporting Standards - [ ] Integrated Finance Reporting System - [x] International Financial Reporting Standards - [ ] International Fiscal Regulatory Standards > **Explanation:** IFRS stands for International Financial Reporting Standards, which are developed and maintained by the IASB under the IFRS Foundation.

Thank you for exploring in-depth details about the IFRS Foundation and enhancing your understanding of essential financial reporting standards. Keep striving for excellence in the world of accounting!

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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