Why is it necessary to develop a definitional framework for the basic elements of accounting?

Short Answer

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The primary objective is to provide clarity about the elements included in the accounting process, which is important for understanding the analytical concepts. It also aids in thedecision-making process of the firm.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Definitional Framework

A definitional framework is a framework that provides a definite structure required to classify the basic elements to be included in the accounting. Three main definitional groups comprise the basics of accounting, such as assets, liabilities, and shareholder’s or owner’s equity.

02

Importance of definitional framework in the context of accounting elements

The importance of a definitional framework in relation to accounting elements is that it provides financial information about the reporting organization that is beneficial to the present and potential equity investors, lenders, and other creditors in making decisions about supplying resources to the organization.

Therefore, the elements of financial statements are considered as building blocks; by the help of which the statements are built or created, it is important to develop a basic definitional framework for them.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Question: What are some of the differences in elements in the IASB and FASB conceptual frameworks?

(Assumptions, Principles, and Constraint) Presented below are the assumptions, principles, and constraints used in this chapter.

1. Economic entity assumption 6. Measurement principle (fair value)2. Going concern assumption 7. Expense recognition principle3. Monetary unit assumption 8. Full disclosure principle4. Periodicity assumption 9. Cost constraint5. Measurement principle (historical cost) 10. Revenue recognition principle

Instructions

Identify by number the accounting assumption, principle, or constraint that describes each situation below. Do not use a number more than once

.(a) Allocates expenses to revenues in the proper period.

(b) Indicates that fair value changes subsequent to purchase are not recorded in the accounts. (Do not use revenue recognition principle.)

(c) Ensures that all relevant financial information is reported.

(d) Rationale why plant assets are not reported at liquidation value. (Do not use historical cost principle.)

(e) Indicates that personal and business record keeping should be separately maintained.(f) Separates financial information into time periods for reporting purposes.

(g) Assumes that the dollar is the “measuring stick” used to report on financial performance.

(Full Disclosure Principle) Presented below are a number of facts related to Weller, Inc. Assume that no mentionof these facts was made in the financial statements and the related notes.

Instructions

Assume that you are the auditor of Weller, Inc. and that you have been asked to explain the appropriate accounting and related disclosure necessary for each of these items.

(a) The company decided that, for the sake of conciseness, only net income should be reported on the income statement. Details as to revenues, cost of goods sold, and expenses were omitted.

(b) Equipment purchases of \(170,000 were partly financed during the year through the issuance of a \)110,000 notes payable. The company offset the equipment against the notes payable and reported plant assets at \(60,000.

(c) Weller has reported its ending inventory at \)2,100,000 in the financial statements. No other information related to inventories is presented in the financial statements and related notes.

(d) The company changed its method of valuing inventories from weighted-average to FIFO. No mention of this change was made in the financial statements.

The life of a business is divided into specific time periods, usually, a year, to measure results of operations for each such time period and to portray financial conditions at the end of each period.

  1. This practice is based on the accounting assumption that the life of the business consists of a series of time periods and that it is possible to measure accurately the results of operations for each period. Comment on the validity and necessity of this assumption.
  2. What has been the effect of the practice on accounting? What is its relation to the accrual system? What influence has it had on accounting entries and methodology?

What are the enhancing qualities of the qualitative characteristics? What is the role of enhancing qualities in the conceptual framework?

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