International Accounting, 7/e

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International Accounting, 7/e

Frederick D.S. Choi

Gary K. Meek

Chapter 1: Introduction

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Learning Objectives How is international accounting distinct from

domestic accounting? What does international accounting diversity entail? Does international accounting have a history? What factors are contributing to the importance of

international accounting as a field of study? What external and internal reporting issues arise

when business and investing transcend national borders?

What is meant by the term, global capital markets, and what does development mean for capital market participants?

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What is International Accounting?

Domestic accounting: an information specialty providing information about a firm to users of that information as a basis for economic decisions.

International accounting (defined): same as above except that the firm being reported on is a multinational company with operations and transactions that cross national boundaries or an entity with reporting obligations to non-domestic readers.

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What Does International Accounting Diversity Entail?

Measurement principles Financial disclosure (corporate transparency) Auditing practices

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Contributing Factors

Accounting’s international heritage Double-entry originates in the Italian city states. Bookkeeping spreads to Germany and assists the spread

of capitalism. Dutch enhance income measurement. French use accounting for governmental planning and

control. Double entry assists the British in managing and controlling

commercial interests in the colonies. Accounting plays a major role in the U.S. industrial

revolution.

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Contributing Factors (contin)

Paradox of international accounting In many countries, accounting remains a nationalistic

affair. Accounting serves people and institutions whose

decisions are international in scope. Accounting diversity creates a demand for

harmonization.

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Contributing Factors (contin)

Growth and spread of multinational operations

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Contributing Factors (contin) Reporting issues when business transcends national

boundaries Consolidation of foreign accounts Accounting for foreign currency fluctuations Accounting for changing prices International planning and control Performance evaluation of foreign operations Financial risk management International taxation and transfer pricing

Financial innovation Identifying potential market risks Quantifying trade-offs associated with alternative risk reduction strategies Measuring risk exposures Accounting for specific hedge products Evaluating the effectiveness of hedging programs

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Contributing Factors (contin)

Global competition Competitive

benchmarking necessitates international comparisons.

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Contributing Factors (contin)

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Contributing Factors (contin)

Cross-border mergers and acquisitions Corporate valuation is a function of accounting

measurements that vary from country to country. E.g., the e in p/e valuation multiples.

Internationalization of capital markets Raising external finance abroad means that

financial reports must increasingly travel internationally.

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Contributing Factors (contin)

Reporting issues associated with internationalization of capital markets How to analyze and interpret foreign accounts? How to report to foreign readers? How to harmonize reporting standards

internationally?

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Other Chapter Exhibits

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Chapter Exhibits (contin)

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Chapter Exhibits (contin)

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Chapter Exhibits (contin)