Margins of Error in Accounting [Hardcover]

Margins of Error in Accounting covers the main reasons why published company accounts cannot be completely 'accurate' and the likely extent of the resulting errors. Separate chapters cover: the 'interim-ness' of accounts;?the use of current value estimates; the cumulative effect of inflation on money as the unit of account.List of Tables List of Figures Preface Acronyms INTRODUCTION Accounting rules Inputs and outputs Is too much expected of accounts? Quantifying margins of error Causes and types of error Simple mistakes PART II: THE INTERIM-NESS OF ACCOUNTS Introduction Fixed assets  tangible Depreciation General Different methods Different assumptions about life and residual value Capitalising interest Current assets Stocks and work in progress Long-term contracts Stocks Trade debtors Liabilities Current Longer-term Sales revenue Revenue investments Research and development Staff training Advertising Taxation Current Deferred tax Conclusions PART III:?BASIS OF MEASUREMENT The purpose of accounts Realised and unrealised profits Technical aspects of Current Value accounting Operating gains and holding gains Replacement cost versus realisable value Implications of Current Value accounting Margins of error in 'current value' Possible impact on reported profits Revaluation of tangible fixed assets Goodwill Cash and liquid resources Executive stock options Provision for pensions Discounting long-term liabilities Derivatives Conclusions PART IV: THE UNIT OF ACCOUNT Money and inflation Money Modern UK inflation The unit of account Impact on accounts Which index to use? Constant Purchasing Power accounting Overview Losses (and gains) in respect of monetary assets (and liabilities) Fixed assets and depreciation Comparisons over time Lucas Industries plc. CPP accounts 1969-1994 Foreign currencies Conclusions PART V: ACCOUNTING PROFIT VERSUS ECONOMIC INCOME Economic income Capitalising future income Ex ante and ex post income Historical cost accounting profit versus economicl³¶