Beyond the GAAP

Unsurprisingly, the financial statements at 30 June 2020 that have been published to date reflect the significant impact of the COVID-19 crisis on companies’ financial positions. Given that the outlook for the second half of 2020 is still uncertain in many cases, issuers in particular will (unfortunately) need to draw once again on the guidance from standard-setters, regulators and the accounting profession issued to deal with the consequences of the crisis on the financial information.

In contrast to the three previous issues, Beyond the GAAP is back to its traditional format this month, with no COVID-19 supplement. Things are getting back to normal as regards accountancy news, although it is expected that further statements will be published locally for instance on the consequences of the crisis on accounting for State-guaranteed loans in France.

There is no doubt that the preparation of the 2020 interim accounts will be particularly difficult this year. Properly reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in the financial statements is certain to be the main subject of concern. Once again, this month’s COVID-19 supplement summarises the current issues to be taken into account, in particular the ESMA press release for listed entities.

As the COVID-19 epidemic continues to disrupt business, with significant impacts expected on 2020 financial statements, various stakeholders (most especially standard-setters) are working hard to respond to this unprecedented crisis (cf. issue no. 2 of our COVID-19 supplement).

Our last editorial touched, without wanting to believe it, on the wide repercussions we could expect from the coronavirus outbreak.

Following the announcement of the first results for 2019 in February, companies that have not yet closed their accounts need to consider the potential implications of the current coronavirus epidemic for the disclosures required in the notes on events after the reporting period in accordance with IAS 10, as some market regulators have just recalled.

The year 2019 drew to a close with the publication of an exposure draft proposing significant changes to the presentation of IFRS financial statements, particularly the statement of comprehensive income. Consultations will continue in the new year, with many projects listed in the IASB’s work plan.

As the 2019 financial statements are finalised, the first-time application of IFRS 16 will have kept stakeholders on their toes right up to the last minute. This is because the IFRS Interpretations Committee did not officially clarify until 16 December how the term of certain leases should be determined.

As 2019 draws to a close, we present our usual overview of applicable standards and interpretations, with IFRS 16 – Leases obviously being the key new standard for this year.