Swiss GAAP and US GAAP are two different sets of accounting standards that are used to guide the preparation of financial statements. While both sets of standards have similar objectives, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand.
One of the main differences between Swiss GAAP and US GAAP is the level of detail and complexity in the standards. Swiss GAAP tends to be less detailed and more flexible than US GAAP, which is known for its complexity and stringent requirements. This difference in approach is reflected in the way that financial statements are prepared and presented under each set of standards.
Another difference between Swiss GAAP and US GAAP is the level of discretion allowed in the application of the standards. Swiss GAAP allows for a greater degree of discretion in the interpretation and application of the standards, whereas US GAAP is more prescriptive in nature. This difference can have significant implications for companies operating in different countries and may require them to adopt different accounting practices.
A third difference between Swiss GAAP and US GAAP is the level of transparency required in financial reporting. US GAAP requires more detailed and transparent reporting, with a focus on providing investors and other stakeholders with a clear understanding of a company's financial position and performance. In contrast, Swiss GAAP allows for more flexibility in the presentation of financial information, which may not be as transparent.
Overall, it is important for companies to understand the differences between Swiss GAAP and US GAAP and to choose the set of standards that is most appropriate for their operations. While both sets of standards have their strengths and weaknesses, the choice of GAAP will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the company.
Swiss GAAP FER Definition
We work with your people to develop solutions that are tailored to your needs. Correction of errors Comparatives are restated and, if the error occurred before the earliest prior period presented, the opening balances of assets, liabilities and equity for the earliest prior period presented are restated. It allows financial statements from all corporations to be compared accurately and efficiently, and serves as a guideline for accountants. Whether an entity reports under IFRS or Swiss GAAP FER, its financial statements are supposed to contain useful and relevant information. Revenue recognition Revenue recognition Based on several criteria, which require the recognition of revenue when risks and rewards and control have been transferred and the revenue can be measured reliably. We know the requirements and idiosyncrasies of your industry.
Local GAAP to US GAAP adjustments and deferred taxes
No summary publication can do justice to the many differences of detail that exist between IFRS, US GAAP and Swiss GAAP FER. The main differences have to do with the presentation of financial statements, the treatment of goodwill in connection with business combinations, financial instruments and pension benefits. If control is obtained in a partial acquisition of a subsidiary, the full fair value of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, including portion attributable to the minority non-controlling interest, is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. Order custom essay Difference Entre Ifrs Us Gaap Swiss Gaap Fer with free plagiarism report It does not cover Swiss GAAP FER 14 Consolidated financial statements of insurance companies, Swiss GAAP FER 21 Accounting for charitable, social non-profit organisations and Swiss GAAP FER 26 Accounting of pension plans. Cash includes cash equivalents with maturities of three months or less from the balance sheet date and may include bank overdrafts. Reporting entities should consider their expected filing position assuming this will be accepted by the tax authorities and define an accounting policy regarding the ordering of the measures unless a particular canton has explicitly defined such ordering in its cantonal tax law. Entities may present either a classified or non-classified balance sheet.
Swiss GAAP FER Contingent liabilities need to be disclosed within the notes. Companies listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange that have opted for the SIX standard "International Reporting Standard" can report either in accordance with IFRS or US GAAP. Read more about our services:. Similar to IFRS, but with more guidance regarding contents and with examples of noncash transactions. Balance sheet Does not prescribe a particular format. Practical interpretations comparable to IFRS. Not addressed, in practice similar to IFRS.
Expenditures are presented by function. Historical cost is used; revaluations are not permitted. Management, investors, shareholders, financiers, government, and regulatory agencies rely on financial reports for decision-making. An organisation has to assess annually whether an economical benefit or economical obligations from a pension plan and from a patronage fund exists. There are also industry-specific standards governing accounting and reporting for staff pension funds, insurers and not-for-profit organizations.
Termination indemnity schemes are accounted for based on actuarial present value of benefits. However, for several balance sheet positions Swiss GAAP FER defines deviations from that convention fair value or allows choices between two options. Financial reporting is supposed among other things to provide financial information that is useful to investors in making decisions. Recognised as deferred income and amortised when there is reasonable assurance that the entity will comply with the conditions attached to them and the grants will be received. In local stat or US GAAP financials? Assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of acquired entity are fair valued. The meeting covered a broad range of topics, including the future relationships between the IASB and regional and national standard setters, topical issues in financial reporting, reports from regional groups and administrative matters.
As a result, there is no basis to record a DTA. This publication helps users understand the significant differences between IFRS Standards and US GAAP, and provides a summary of differences encountered most frequently. Generally recorded at predecessor cost; the use of predecessor cost or fair value depends on a number of criteria. Swiss GAAP FER Changes in accounting estimates are to be reported in the income statement in the current period and future, if applicable, and to be disclosed within the notes. Consolidated where substance of relationship indicates control SIC-12 model. SEC registrants should follow SEC regulations.
US GAAP Similar to IFRS, although the level of impairment testing and the impairment test itself are different. Convertible debt Convertible debt fixed number of shares for a fixed amount of cash is accounted for on split basis, with proceeds allocated between equity and debt. It makes reference to IFRS that, in a number of instances, have resulted in findings from SIX Exchange Regulation. Other accounting and reporting topics Functional currency definition Currency of primary economic environment in which entity operates. Prior year financial statements have to be restated. Direct or indirect method used. Disclosure of compensation of key management personnel is required within the financial statements.
But wait a minute, where will you record deferred tax on local stat to US GAAP differences? Termination benefits arising from redundancies are accounted for similarly to restructuring provisions. Swiss GAAP FER Does not use the term exceptional, but significant items are to be disclosed separately. It is a very good practice to track all the adjustments that bridge US GAAP to local GAAP. Only derecognition of derivatives addressed. Goodwill is recognised as the surplus of acquisition cost over the newly valued net assets and to be capitalised as an intangible asset.
Difference Entre Ifrs Us Gaap Swiss Gaap Fer Summary Example
For intangible assets with a useful life that cannot be clearly determined an amortisation period of five years is applied, in justified cases a period of twenty years at the most. Presentation currency Similar to IFRS. Potential considerations and solutions for defining accounting policies are presented in this context. At a minimum, a single amount is disclosed on face of income statement, and further analysis disclosed in notes, for current and prior periods. Purchase method — minority interests at acquisition Not addressed, but treatment would need to be disclosed as part of the consolidation principles.
