The Influence of International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS on Financial Reporting Quality in Nigeria

The Influence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on Financial Reporting Quality in Nigeria

Project / Seminar Material
Reference ID: PS-13129-TM

DEDICATION

This research material titled “The Influence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on Financial Reporting Quality in Nigeria” is dedicated to God for his enabling grace, and to all computer enthusiasts who contributed to make life a pleasant experience during my research documentation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks to my Supervisor (Name of your Supervisor), the Head of Department (Name of your HOD), the Lecturers in the department of Accountancy / Accounting, Book Authors and Profound Scholars of existing or related project material on “The Influence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on Financial Reporting Quality in Nigeria” for their invaluable guidance, support, and expertise throughout the journey.

I am also grateful to your study area (mention any funding organizations, if applicable) for their financial assistance. This research would not have been possible without the encouragement and assistance of some stakeholders (mention any mentors, teachers, or colleagues). Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the understanding and patience of my family and friends during this endeavor. Your unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation. Thank you all for being part of this meaningful endeavor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY PAGES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

    CHAPTER TWO

    LITERATURE REVIEW

    • 2.1 Introduction
    • 2.2 Conceptual Review
    • 2.3 Theoretical Framework
    • ⋮
    • 2.4 Empirical Studies

    CHAPTER THREE

    RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

    • 3.1 Introduction
    • 3.2 Research Design
    • 3.3 Population of Study
    • 3.4 Sampling and Sampling Technique
    • 3.5 Validation of Research Instrument
    • 3.6 Method of Data Collection
    • 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
    • 3.8 Questionnaire Administration
    • 3.9 Ethical Consideration
    • 3.10 Statistical Analysis

    CHAPTER FOUR

    DATA ANALYSIS, RESULT AND DISCUSSION

    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
    • 4.3 Re-statement of Research Questions
    • 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
    • 4.5 Discussion of Findings

    CHAPTER FIVE

    SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Summary of Findings
    • 5.3 Conclusion
    • 5.4 Recommendation
    • 5.5 Suggestion for Further Study

    REFERENCES

    APPENDIX A - “QUESTIONNAIRE”

    ABSTRACT

    The study focuses on the quality process of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) on a developing economy, with particular reference to Nigeria. The research work is based on the data obtained from literature survey and archival sources in the context of the globalization of International Financial Reporting and the quality of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The primary source of data collection which consists of personal interview and questionnaire were used in gathering data from respondents. It was found that Nigeria has embraced IFRS in order to participate in the benefits it offers, including attracting foreign direct investment, reduction of the cost of doing business, and cross border listing. It was concluded that implementing IFRS Nigeria will face challenges including the development of a legal and regulatory framework, awareness campaign, and training of personnel. It was recommended among others that Nigeria should have their own version of IFRS if they can not adopt IFRS in full just as Argentina and England.

    The Influence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on Financial Reporting Quality in Nigeria

    CHAPTER ONE

    Introduction

    1.1 Background to the Study

    There are currently two main Schools of thought in the debate on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and accounting harmonization or convergence. The proponents argue that a single global set of accounting standards helps reduce information asymmetry, lowers the cost of capital, and increases capital flow across borders. The opponents argue that the characteristics of local business environments and institutional frameworks determine the form and contents of accounting standards. Thus, accounting standards in two countries need not be the same and the use of IFRS does not necessarily improve accounting quality (Khan & Mayes, 2009). Since more and more firms and countries have adopted IFRS or considered replacing their national standards with IFRS, in pace with the rapid development of economic globalization and the worldwide integration of capital markets since the 1990s, it is the right time to evaluate the impact of IFRS on accounting quality for the early adopters (firms and Countries) of IFRS.

    With the collapse of US Energy giant (Enron), WorldCom, etc. The accounting profession came under sharp scrutiny. This led a disturbed and bewildered global public, questioning the accountant’s competence, integrity and the existence of standards in corporate governance. Countries that hitherto believed accounting standards were impermeable found out that to realize the full gains of cross border listing; no individual country can act alone in its financial reporting standards.

    Convergence gives IFRS standards an authority and credibility that cannot be equated by any other set of standards. There is growing evidence that the world economics are more interconnected andsymbiotic than anyone can really understand. Judging from the global financial crisis, ii is obvious that nations that are truly desirous ofmoving forward are now aiming to flee their countries from the limits ofthe present system of financial reporting standards.

    Adams (2006) noted that Nigeria is part of’ this globalization, inrecent times a number of Nigerian companies have raised capital form international stock markets; others have established significant presence in other jurisdictions. Also, a good number of Nigerian entities hold the securities of non-Nigerian issuers.

    Therefore, for a better understanding and appreciation of the risks and, consequently, making decisions about the flow of’ economic capital, it makes sense that financial statements prepared in Nigeria use global financial reporting benchmarks. With these facts, the Federal Executive Council accepted the recommendation of the Committee on the Roadmap to the Adoption of IFRS in Nigeria that it will be in the interest of the Nigerian economy for reporting entities in Nigeria to adopt globally accepted, high- quality accounting standards by fully converging Nigerian a National Accounting Standards with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) (Blondal, 2004).

    1.2 Statement of Problem

    This study is undertaken to examine the IFRS among accountants in Nigeria. For the purpose of this research study problem will be put in question frame. These are some of the research questions the study seeks to fine answers to:

    1. Is it difficult to access IFRS with capital flow across border?
    2. Is IFRS important to Nigeria economy?
    3. Is Nigeria accountant aware of the IFRS?

    1.3 Research Questions

    In order to achieve the aim of this study the following questions require an answer;

    1. Will the adoption of IFRS enhance efficiency of financial reporting in Public Sector?
    2. Is there any relationship between capital flow across borders andIFRS?
    3. Is there any relationship between IFRS and financial report in Nigeria Economy?
    4. Does Nigeria financial report has any knowledge of IFRS?

    1.4 Objectives of the Study

    The following are the objective of the study

    1. To find out if the adoption of IFRS will enhance efficiency of financial reporting in Public Sector.
    2. To ascertain if there is any relationship between capital flow across borders and IFRS.
    3. To ascertain if there is any relationship between IFRS and financial report in Nigeria Economy?
    4. To find out if Nigeria financial report has any knowledge of IFRS.

    1.5 Statement of Hypotheses

    Hypothesis is a tentative conjectural state of relationship between two or more variable. Dankwambo (2009) transition to IPSAS and their impact on transparency it is often state the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The following are hypotheses (null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis) of the study:

    Hypothesis One
    • HO: Adoption of IFRS does not enhance efficiency of financial reporting in the public sector.
    • HI: Adoption of IFRS enhances efficiency of financial reporting in the public sector.
    Hypothesis Two
    • HO: There is no relationship between capital flow across borders andIFRS.
    • HI: There is a relationship between capital flow across borders and IFRS
    Hypothesis Three
    • HO: There is no relationship between IFRS and financial report in Nigeria economy
    • HI: There is relationship between IFRS and financial reporting in Nigeria economy
    Hypothesis Four
    • HO: Nigeria financial report has no knowledge of IFRS
    • HI: Nigeria financial report has knowledge of IFRS

    1.6 Significance of the Study

    The study will place emphasis on the importance of IFRS in accounting quality as a basis for preparation of financial statement in Nigeria. The following will benefit from the study

    1. The study will enlighten accountants on the latest development in accounting profession.
    2. The study will attract potential investors to the company.
    3. The study will also enable Nigeria Accounting standard Board (NASB) to adjust to international standard.
    4. The students, supervisor, government, and the general public will also benefit from it.

    1.7 Scope of the Study

    The study critically examines the influence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on financial reporting quality in Nigeria, the study has a limited scope because to look at quality of IFRSs amongst accountants in Nigeria. The time is framed between 2008 and 2015 and a large sample size of 216 was used during the course of the research for effectiveness.

    1.8 Limitations of the Study

    Studies of this nature are bound to be limited by constraints in the course of the finding. The followings were encountered.

    1. Data collection: Well established data are not easily available.
    2. Sizeable quantity of information obtained from papers were in organization and sometimes complex.
    3. Reluctance of the respondent to fill the questionnaires.

    1.9 Definition of Terms

    Accrual Accounting:

    Accrual Accounting is an accounting methodology under which transactions are recognized as the underlying economic events occurs, regardless of the timing of the related cash receipts and payments (Khan and Mayes, 2009). Following this methodology, revenue is recognized when income is earned, and expenses are recognized when liabilities are incurred or resource consumed. Accrual bases accounting match’s revenues to the time period in which they are incurred, Blondal (2004). While it is more complex than cash basis accounting, this contrast with the cash accounting basis under which revenues and expenditures are recognized when cash is received and paid respectively.

    Accounting system:

    The transition to IFRS may require an entity to undertake significant changes to their core financial systems. The extent of these changes will depend on the current financial systems adopted by entities. Significant changes in systems may lead to an increased risk in the reliability of information produced from the systems.

    Quality statement:

    It is in the best interest of the nation to adopt the IFRS. The transition should be phased so that the objectives are achieved within the time-frame as outlined in the roadmap.

    IFRS:

    IFRS a set of international accounting standards stating how particular types of transactions and other events should be reported in financial statements

    Accounting Quality:

    The objective of financial reporting is to provide information about financial position, performance and changes in financial position of an entity that is useful in making economic decisions for a wide range of users, such as investors, employees, lenders, suppliers government and public in general.

    …

    CHAPTER TWO

    2.0 Literature Review

    2.1 Introduction

    This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. A literature review includes the current knowledge as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic. It documents the state of the art with respect to the topic you are writing. It surveys the literature in the topic selected. In this research work the literature review includes the …

    Summary Headlines for The Influence of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on Financial Reporting Quality in Nigeria