Accounting conservatism

Accounting conservatism is a principle-based approach to accounting which requires that all available information should be used to reflect the true economic position of a company. It requires that any uncertainty in the accountancy of an entity be treated in favour of caution and that all assets and liabilities be recorded at the lower of their possible values. This approach is designed to protect the interests of stakeholders by providing an accurate view of the financial status of the entity. This method is also known as the prudence principle.

Example of accounting conservatism

• Suppose a company has a building that it purchased for $200,000, but the market value today is only $150,000. Under the principles of accounting conservatism, the company would still record the building in its books at its original purchase price of $200,000, rather than its current market value, due to the uncertainty of whether or not its value will increase in the future.
• Suppose a company is considering an investment in a new project. Under the principles of accounting conservatism, the company would record the expected costs associated with the project, as well as any potential losses that may arise, in order to provide an accurate view of the financial implications of the investment.
• Suppose a company has a loan that is due to be paid off in 5 years. Under the principles of accounting conservatism, the company would record the loan as a liability in its books, rather than as an asset, since the company will not have access to the funds until the loan is paid off.
• Suppose a company has a deferred tax liability of $500,000. Under the principles of accounting conservatism, the company would record the deferred tax liability in its books, as the company will have to pay the amount at some point in the future.

When to use accounting conservatism

Accounting conservatism should be used in any situation where there is uncertainty or doubt about the financial position of a company. It is particularly useful when a company is facing financial difficulties, as it helps to protect the interests of stakeholders. Some specific applications of the accounting conservatism principle include:

• Recording assets at the lower of their cost or market value. This is important to ensure that the value of the asset is not overestimated, which could lead to overstatement of profits.
• Recording liabilities at their full value, even if there is a possibility that the amount owed may not be fully paid.
• Not recognising any potential gains until they have been fully realised.
• Not recognising expenses until they have been incurred.
• Taking a cautious approach to estimating the fair market value of assets or liabilities.
• Making conservative assumptions when estimating future cash flows.
• Considering the impact of inflation on the value of assets and liabilities.

Types of accounting conservatism

Accounting conservatism is a principle-based approach to accounting which requires that all available information should be used to reflect the true economic position of a company. There are various types of accounting conservatism, including:

• Recognition of Revenue - Revenue should only be recorded when it is realized or realizable and earned.
• Recognition of Expenses - All expenses should be recorded when they are incurred, regardless of when they are paid.
• Presentation of Assets - Assets should be recorded at the lower of their cost or market value.
• Disclosure of Liabilities - All liabilities should be disclosed, regardless of their likelihood of being paid.
• Disclosures of Risks - All risks should be disclosed in order to provide a clear picture of the entity’s financial position.
• Provision for Losses - Losses should be provided for when they become probable and estimable.
• Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities - Assets and liabilities should not be offset unless it is specifically allowed in the applicable accounting standards.

Advantages of accounting conservatism

Accounting conservatism has its advantages. It provides stakeholders with an accurate financial position of the entity and helps to protect their interests. It also helps to ensure transparency in financial reporting, by providing investors and other stakeholders with reliable and up-to-date financial information. The following are some of the key advantages of accounting conservatism:

• It ensures the accuracy of financial information by taking into account all available information and recording assets and liabilities at the lower of their possible values.
• It helps to protect the interests of stakeholders by providing them with an accurate view of the financial status of the entity.
• It helps to prevent overstating of profits and assets, which is beneficial to investors and other stakeholders.
• It helps to ensure transparency in financial reporting by providing reliable financial information.
• It helps to reduce the risk of losses from unexpected events and helps to maintain the credibility of the financial statements.

Limitations of accounting conservatism

Accounting conservatism is an important principle-based approach to accounting which has been used for many years. However, it also has some limitations. These include:

• Accounting conservatism may be too cautious in some cases, leading to an underestimation of a company’s true economic position.
• Accounting conservatism can lead to conservative reporting, which may overstate liabilities and understate assets.
• Accounting conservatism can lead to a lack of transparency in financial reporting, making it difficult to compare financial results across companies.
• Accounting conservatism can lead to an overly conservative approach to taxation, resulting in a lower tax liability.
• Accounting conservatism can lead to a lack of flexibility in financial reporting, making it difficult to make timely decisions.
• Accounting conservatism can lead to an overly conservative approach to investments and risk management, resulting in missed opportunities.

Accounting conservatism — recommended articles

Conservatism principle — Change in accounting estimate — Prudence concept — Effective interest method — Cost principle — Substance over form — Accrual method — Qualitative characteristics — Matching principle — Corporate social responsibility

References

• Ruch, G. W., & Taylor, G. (2015). Accounting conservatism: A review of the literature. Journal of Accounting Literature.