An Executive's Guide for Moving from US GAAP to IFRS

Chapter 2

Moving From U.S. GAAP to IFRS

This chapter looks at issues surrounding the move from U.S. GAAP to IFRS. We will look at the pros and cons of moving to IFRS, the convergence of standards between U.S. GAAP and IFRS, the role of the SEC, and the role of the FASB. From the perspective of a U.S. corporation, we will look at the costs, the benefits, and the challenges to be overcome. We will discuss a blueprint for action. Recognition and measurement differences are examined in chapter 4.

Why Should the United States Change?

As early as 1988,¹ the SEC has supported the establishment of mutually acceptable international accounting standards. It subsequently has pointed out that “preparing more than one set of financial statements to comply ...