Analysis Of Financial Reporting Including Regulatory Framework And Governance

This project report consists financial reporting its purpose, importance, objectives, regulatory framework, governance. Interpretation of financial statements, calculation of ratios, International Accounting and International Financial Reporting Standards, models of financial reporting and differences of financial reporting across different countries are covered under this report.

TASK 1

P1 Analysis of financial reporting including regulatory framework and governance of financial reporting

Financial reporting refers to the preparation of financial statements that help the management of the organization to analyse the performance and its current position in the market. Alpha Ltd is a manufacturing company, thus it is essential for the managers to plan financial reporting for achieving long term goals and objectives (Bertoni and De Rosa, 2012). Financial reporting include various financial statements such as balance sheet, cash flow statement and income statements. These types are explained below:

Importance of financial reporting

• It helps the organization to fulfil regulatory requirements of filing annual reports because, the organizations are required to file financial statements legal agencies.
• It facilitates the auditing process. The auditors are required to examine the annual reports of a company to explicit their views.
• Financial reports are essential for business planning, analysis,  and strategic decision making. These reports are used by various stakeholders to analyse performance of company.
• It  helps the companies to generate capital for business purposes.
• With the help of  financial reporting, the public in large organisations can examine the execution activities of the company as well as performance of its management.
• It is also used for the purpose of bidding, labour contract, government supplies etc. because the organisation involved in such functions have to show their financial reports to the government.

Purpose of financial reporting

• Main purpose of financial reporting is to provide actual financial information of the company to the stakeholder.
• Another purpose is to provide information of financial status of the company.
• Companies prepare financial reports to facilitate auditor while auditing the annual reports of the company.
• Financial reporting is conducted within the organisation to analyse economic resources.

Internation Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): These financial reporting standards are issued to deliver a common world wide language for the enterprise's transactions so that it can facilitate the understanding and compatibility of company's accounts (Dyreng, Mayew and Williams, 2012). Few selected IFRS are explained below:

• IFRS 9 (Financial instruments): It specify the concept in which companies are instructed to classify and analyse financial instruments like financial assets and liabilities and a few contracts to enter or not.
• IFRS 10 (Consolidated financial statements): It guides organizations for consolidation in which companies are directed to present and prepare financial statements in consolidated form.
• IFRS 13 (Fair value measurement):It gives instructions to the companies for how to measure fair value of the assets and liabilities of the business that are recorded in balance sheet.
• IFRS 15 (Revenue from contracts with customers): It was published by International Accounting Standard Board, and it renders direction while recording incomes from contracts with customers.

Role of organizations in financial reporting: IFRS and FRC are the regulatory authorities of UK and both play important role in governance in financial reporting. Explained below:

• Role of IFRS: IFRS plays an important role in governance of financial reporting because it provide direction to the companies to formulate their financial statements in a proper manner to attract various investors and meet expectations of their stakeholders.
• Role of FRC:FRC is Financial reporting council, its role in financial reporting is to regulate corporate governance and reporting adoptive investments of various organisations. It works as an independent regulator in UK (FriasAceituno,  RodríguezAriza and GarciaSánchez, 2014).

P2 Purpose of financial reporting to meet organizational objectives, development and growth

Alpha Ltd is a manufacturing company of hardware and it is very important for the management to formulate such strategies that help to meet the user expectation. Following are the users of the organisation:

Customers: The financial reporting of the enterprise help to attract more and more customers by providing them actual information of execution activities. Buyer of the products analyse the performance first and than attracts to buy. Financial statements of the organization help the customers to get insider information of the business and generate an urge to purchase the products. Thus financial reporting is very important for the company to meet customer's expectations.

Investors: Financial reporting is mainly focused with the accurate formation of financial statements. It is very important for the company to meet investors expectation because they can decide to invest or not to invest in the business or they may have the idea of their money whether they have invested in right company or not by analysing the financial statements.

Suppliers: Suppliers also examine the financial status of that organization where they are going to supply their goods, it will help them to analyse that they are supplying to right company or not and they are exploiting their time and money at right place (Fu, Kraft and Zhang, 2012). Financial reporting is very important for to meet suppliers expectations by providing them accurate business information.

The relevant legislation of financial reporting is IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). Which is explained below:

IFRS: These are the set of different standards that direct the companies while recording various types of transactions (IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), 2018). It helps Alpha Ltd to prepare financial statements in an effective way so that the transactions and amounts recorded in the statements show the accurate and actual position of business. IFRS assist organization while scripting various events. These standards are introduced by International Accounting Standards Board. It also help to set a positive image of business in market by providing direction to the companies while forming final accounts.

Importance of financial reporting in meeting objectives and promote development  and  growth: The main objectives of Alpha Ltd is to maximize profit and attract investors, which is possible when company prepare proper financial statements. Objectives of Alpha Ltd can be achieved with financial reporting because it provides the exact information and shows the actual status of the organization. It will also contribute to the organizational growth by maximizing profits and setting a positive image in investor's mind, which helps to attract them. Financial reporting is a tool to analyse performance of the company.

organization's growth is possible when it focuses on the field where improvement is required (Hope, Thomas and Vyas, 2013). It can be identified by financial statements which shows the performance and position of the company. If company is following the concept of financial reporting, that can provide information of the business to the stakeholders, which attracts them. When company succeeds to pull stakeholders it will create more business opportunities for the organization, that helps to maximize profits.

P3 Interpretation of P&L, balance sheet and cash flow statement

As described in the financial statements of the company, in income statement the revenues are increased up to £4850 from £3800. Gross profit £1100 for the year ending 31/12/2017 which is decreased by £100 because the cost of sales increased up to £3740 from £2600, it also affects the operating profit of the company which is reduced by £100. organization pays an interest of £68 which is decreased as compare to previous year. Company faces a loss of £240 that is because of sale of obsolete stock and tax liability is also increased by £40 as compare to previous year. It affects the net profits of the company, that are decreased from £570 to £192.

In balance sheet non current assets of the company are increased by £130. It do not have the cash balance in year 2017. Total Inventory and trade receivable of the company are increased up to £1190 from £1020. The share capital remain constant in both year which is £300. Retained profits are increased by £20 as compare to previous year. Loans remain changeless which is £600. Bank overdraft of £130 has been incurred in current year. Trade payables are increased up to £700 from £610. Tax liabilities are also increased up to £170 from £140.

Cash outflow in operating activities for year 2017 is £430 and in previous it was £420. Cash inflow in operating activities is £680 which is less then previous year. Cash outflow in investing activities is £180 which is dividend paid by the company. The variation in non current assets is because of the purchase of assets, so cash outflow in financing activities is £130.

P4 Financial ratios for organizational performance and investment

Calculation of ratios:

• Return on capital employed:Net operating profit/ Capital employed*100

= 680/1270*100

= 54%

• Net assets turnover: Net sales or revenue/ total assets

= 4850/2270

= 2.14

• Gross profit margin: Gross profit/ sales revenues*100

= 1100/4850*100

= 23%

• Net profit margin: Net profit/ sales revenue*100

= 192/4850*100

= 3.96%

• Current ratio:Current assets/ current liabilities

= 1190/1000

= 1.19:1

• Quick ratio: Quick assets/ current liabilities

= 640/1000

= 0.64:1

• Inventory holding period: 365/ inventory turnover

= 365/6.8

= 54 days

Inventory turnover = cost of sales/ closing inventory

= 3740/550

= 6.8

• Trade receivables collection period: 365/Average accounts receivables

= 365/7.58

= 48 days

Average account receivables=  sales/ trade receivables

=4850/640

= 7.58

• Trade payables payment period: 365/ average account payables

= 365/5.34

= 68 days

Average account payables= cost of goods sold/ trade payables

= 3740/700

= 5.34

• Debt to equity: External liabilities / internal liabilities*100

= 1600/2270*100

= 70.48%

• Dividend yield:Dividend per share/ market value per share*100

= 1.20/12*100

= 10 %

• Dividend cover:365/(Net profit/ dividend paid)

= 365/(192/180)

= 3.44 times

Interpretation of ratios: Industry average ratio of return on capital employed is 21.6% but the ratio of Alpha Ltd is 54% which is higher then industry average ratio. Net asset turnover of company is 2.14 times which is higher as compare to industry average. Gross profit and net profit margin of company are 23% and 3.96% respectively which is lower then industry average because higher cost of sales in current year. Current and quick ratio of company are 1.19:1 and 0.64:1 respectively and both are lower then industry average because of lower liquidity in the company.

Inventory holding period is 54 days which is higher than industry average it means company hold inventory for more time. Trade receivable collection period of company is 48 days, it is higher as compare to industry average, which means company recovers the amount of credit sales, late from debtors. Trade payables payment period of the company is 68 days which is also higher as compare to industry average, it means company make late payments to creditors that may affect its market image. Debt to equity ratio is 70.48% which means company is having more external liabilities. Dividend yield and cover ratios are 10% and 3.44 times respectively for the company.

Financial problems with suggestions: As analysed from the above calculated ratios, few financial problems are identified or may occur in future. These problems are lack of liquidity, lower profits and late payments by clients. Lack of liquidity can be resolved by selling more products in cash. Profits can be increased by reducing direct expenses and late payments by debtors also create financial issues it can be resolved by recovering outstanding amount on time from them.

TASK 2

P5 Benefits of International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards

Importance of International Financial Reporting Standards:

To forbid mistakes in annual reports: Economic decisions are based on financial statements. Hence, there is possibility of errors and mistakes in accounts, that may affect business or its position in market. IFRS direct companies to measure accurate events and record them in the financial statements which reduce the risk of mistakes and help a company to maintain its positive image in market. It will help the interested international investors to identify the status of the organisation and get the information of the company, where they are willing to invest (Lee, and Parker, 2014).

To establish world wide harmony: These standard are introduced internationally, which helps to set good ethical environments within various companies and set good relations in international companies. It facilitates international trade which helps to set a world wide harmony, by setting good business relations within countries (Leuz and Wysocki, 2016).

Difference between International Accounting and International Financial Reporting Standards:

P6 Models of financial reporting and auditing

Models of financial reporting:

• Voluntary discloser model:It is provision, which refers to disclose various reports and other information to the stakeholders of the company. It is not mandatory for the management to follow this provision. This provision is made to disclose vision, mission and reports such as sustainability and human resource management report. It helps the organisations to be transparent for the public and stakeholders of the company.
• Compulsory discloser model:It refers to the mandatory discloser of annual reports of the company to the stakeholders and general public. It consist financial statements like income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement. It is necessary for every organisation to disclose these statements to the stakeholders.

Models of financial auditing

• Policeman model:It refers to the duty of the auditor which is to concentrate on pure mathematics and on the prevention and identification of frauds.
• Lending credibility model:It is based on the concept of enhancing stakeholder's trust. Audited financial statements are used by management to deepen the trust and faith of shareholders, customers, suppliers, creditors and other stakeholders towards company's position.
• Model of inspired confidence:It is concerned with the need for audited accounts is the direct issue of the involvement of outside parties such as customers, government, shareholders, creditors etc. of the company. They demand accuracy of the financial statements from the management, in return for their contribution to the organisation. If the statements presented by the managers are transparent it can result in inspired confidence of the stakeholders.
• Agency model:It is mainly based on the resolution of problems that can affect the agency relationships. The problems may occur due to unspecific goals and risks involved in the operations. The main agency relation is between shareholders and the company, that may affect by those problems (Nobes, 2014).

P7 Evaluation of the differences and importance of financial reporting across different countries

Financial reporting principles in relation to UK and US: There are two types of financial reporting principles internal and external principles that are adopted and followed by both the countries. These principles are explained below:

Internal principles: The internal principles are mainly related to the quality of the recorded information in final accounts and their features. UK and US both follow the standards of IFRS and have set strict rules for the companies to prepare financial statements accurately. The statements should be understandable, reliable, comparable and relevance for the  stakeholders of the company (Zeff, van der Wel and Camfferman, 2016).

External principles: It refers to the measurement of various assets and liabilities that are recorded in balance sheet, cash transactions shown in cash flow statement and expenditures and revenues recorded in income statements should be measured accurately. Both the countries follow these principles to pull more and more international investment and increase cross border trade by identifying various business opportunities.

Both the countries follow internal as well as external principles to improve foreign trade and investment and set up the business globally.

Response of UK and US to IFRS: IFRS was introduced in 2001 by International Accounting Standard Board. It bound the countries to maintain its financial statements in a proper way. UK and US both are developed countries, but follow different standards UK follow IFRS and US follow GAAP (Generally accepted accounting principles). It help them to prepare financial statement is appropriate manner and increase the number of investors in their business. The standards of IFRS mainly focus on formations of annual reports in consolidated form. The companies in UK follow this concept and use these standards. But in US SEC (Security and Exchange Commission) does not permit its local companies to use IFRS while preparing financial statements. UK responded positively to the standards of IFRS and US responded negatively.

Differences in external financial reporting and factors that influence the differences:  External financial reporting refers to show the financial statements to the external parties of the company to enhance the investments and attract more people toward the organisation by showing them good performance of the business and market image. There is not any specific difference in financial reporting of US and UK, but there is a difference of adopting different standards, those are explained below:

The main factor of difference is that US adopts GAAP and UK adopts IFRS. GAAP is based on rules and IFRS is based on principles. Financial reporting is same in both the countries but the standards differentiate their financial reporting, by implementing principle and rules for the companies that run their business in both countries.

CONCLUSION

From the above project report it has been concluded that, financial reporting include formulation of financial statements i.e. balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. It helps to show the actual position of the company to the stakeholders so that, they contribute to attain organisational goals and development. IFRS which is published by international accounting standard board direct companies to follow a consolidated form for financial statement. In US and UK financial reporting is same but the standards adopted are different from each other. US has adopted GAAP and UK has adopted IFRS to govern its external financial reporting.

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REFERENCES

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• Fu, R., Kraft, A. and Zhang, H., 2012. Financial reporting frequency, information asymmetry, and the cost of equity. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 54(2-3). pp.132-149.
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• Lee, T. A. and Parker, R. H. eds., 2014. Evolution of Corporate Financial Reporting (RLE Accounting). Routledge.
• Leuz, C. and Wysocki, P. D., 2016. The economics of disclosure and financial reporting regulation: Evidence and suggestions for future research. Journal of Accounting Research. 54(2). pp.525-622.
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• Zeff, S. A., van der Wel, F. and Camfferman, C., 2016. Company financial reporting: A historical and comparative study of the Dutch regulatory process. Routledge.
• Online
• IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). 2018. [Online]. Available through:
• <https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/IFRS-International-Financial-Reporting-Standards>

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