Harmonizing International Accounting Standards

It is difficult to understand company performance when financial information originates in different geographic locations. Also, the lack of financial statement comparability influences many economic activities. There are many market variables that influence a country’s accounting and financial reporting policy. The IASC (International Accounting Standards Committee) committee’s progress to date includes the completion of a “core” set of accounting rules(January 1999) with a present focus on establishing industry-specific accounting rules. The goal of the IASC is to harmonize–though some would say standardize–accounting internationally through the development, publication, and avocations of its standards. During the past year, actions taken by the SEC, the European Commission of the European Union (EU), and the International Organization of Securities Commissions(IOSCO) contributed significantly to the acceptance and prestige of the IASC, SEC involvement has been a key factor. A new IASC constitution is expected to move the organization even closer to its goals. The new structure and due process are somewhat similar to the structure of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board. It would appear that the SEC believes that the structure for establishing international accounting standards is in place and it is time to move on to a comprehensive infrastructure that is required for the establishment of truly global securities markets.