Properly identifying financial transactions, mergers, and acquisitions in accordance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) on balance sheets, statements of comprehensive income, and cash flow statements is important to IFRS accounting. IFRS accounting is designed to help shareholders, creditors, and financial advisors decide whether or not to invest in a company based on accurate and honest financial reports. Consequently, financial transactions and events should be relevant and reported in good faith. When distinguishing financial data based on such criteria, the IFRS accountant preparing the report should only include data that would influence an individual’s decision to invest with the company. The inclusion of notes and information related to the company’s accounting policies and judgments shall also be included in order to facilitate financial analysis of the company.
Balance sheets provide insight into the financial health of a company at the time of financial reporting. Assets, liabilities, and equity must appear on any balance sheet prepared in accordance with IFRS accounting standards. The value of any property, equipment, inventory, investments, and cash or cash equivalents constitute assets. An IFRS accountant can identify liabilities by finding records of financial transactions related to tax liabilities, loans, credit, and other payables. Equity represents any capital infused into the company by majority owners or investors with non-controlling interest. Preparers of such reports should also ensure that the information is presented in an easy-to-read manner with clear classifications and notes if necessary.
Statements of comprehensive income provide information related to revenue and finance. IFRS accounting requires that profits or losses are clearly reported. This standard of reporting also requires prepares to include information relevant to the financial analysis of the company. Each component of income must be classified so that investors can determine how revenues are generated. Tax expense is relevant to investors because it influences net profit margins. Consequently, IFRS accounting calls for all statements of comprehensive income to show post-tax gains or losses as well.
Cash flow statements show how well companies generate and employ cash and cash equivalents according to three categories: operating activities, investing activities, and finance activities. IFRS accounting requires this report so that potential investors can evaluate how well a company creates and utilizes cash assets. When presenting cash flow from operating activities in accordance to IFRS accounting, the preparer should include all transactions that produced revenue. An IFRS accountant reporting investing activities should list only transactions involving the purchase and selling of assets or financial investments. Financing activities can be identified by evaluating any stock offerings, credit terms, or loans that generated cash for the company.
