I’m conducting a study on how IFRS 18 can improve transparency and relevance in the Iraqi business context. I would appreciate insights from those who have worked on early adoption, implementation, or comparative analysis between IAS 1 and IFRS 18.
Briefly, IAS 1 and IFRS 18 are both related to financial reporting. IAS 1 shows flexibility in such reporting while IFRS 18 provides clarity, precision, and more comparability. That’s why the world will be shifting from IAS 1 to IFRS 18, as from 2027, for better disclosure and transparency in financial reporting.
Prof-Dr-Ahmed Al-Baidhani أ. د. احمد البيضاني Thank you very much for your valuable input. I truly appreciate your time and effort in answering my question.
Transitioning from IAS 1 to IFRS 18 in financial statement presentation presents several critical challenges for companies. These challenges stem primarily from the fundamental changes introduced by IFRS 18 in the structure, categorization, and transparency of financial statements. The most critical challenges include:
Reclassification of Income and Expenses: IFRS 18 introduces new defined categories for the statement of profit or loss (operating, investing, and financing). Companies must reassess and potentially reclassify all their income and expense items according to these new categories, which may require extensive judgment and analysis of transactions.
Disclosure and Presentation Enhancements: IFRS 18 requires enhanced disaggregation and more detailed disclosures, especially in relation to management-defined performance measures (MPMs). Companies must establish robust processes to identify, document, and justify such measures in compliance with the new standards.
Changes in Terminology and Format: IFRS 18 introduces changes in terminology and format for financial statements. This can impact internal systems, reporting templates, and communication with stakeholders. Updating software systems and retraining staff is necessary to ensure consistency and accuracy in reporting.
Comparative Information and Restatements: The standard may require restatement of prior period financials to ensure comparability. This involves recalculating historical figures and can be resource-intensive, especially for entities with complex financial structures.
System and Process Overhauls: To accommodate the new requirements, companies may need to modify their ERP systems, chart of accounts, and financial reporting processes. These changes could lead to significant costs and implementation timelines.
Stakeholder Communication and Education: Investors, analysts, and other stakeholders will need clear explanations of the changes and their implications. Misunderstandings may arise if the transition is not communicated effectively.
Audit and Internal Controls Adjustments: The transition impacts audit processes and internal controls over financial reporting. Companies must work closely with their auditors to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with misstatements or non-compliance.
In conclusion, while IFRS 18 aims to enhance comparability and transparency, its adoption demands careful planning, cross-functional collaboration, and adequate resource allocation. Companies that proactively assess the impacts and develop structured implementation plans will be better positioned to achieve a smooth transition.
The key challenges when transitioning from IAS 1 to IFRS 18 include adjusting to the revised presentation and disclosure requirements, ensuring consistent classification of items, and managing the impact of new standards on financial statement layout and comparability. Companies also need to reassess their accounting policies and systems to align with the updated framework.