Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts issued by the FASB

New concept statements released Wednesday address financial statement elements and factors FASB should consider in developing accounting guidance.

The statements are presented as new chapters of FASB's Conceptual Framework, which is a collection of interrelated objectives and fundamentals that provides FASB with a foundation for setting GAAP standards and concepts the board can use as tools for resolving accounting and reporting questions. Each Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts is nonauthoritative.

"The new chapters of the FASB's Conceptual Framework address two important areas of financial reporting: financial statement elements and presentation," FASB Chair Richard R. Jones said in a news release. "They enhance our Conceptual Framework, which is a tool for the Board to use in setting standards that improve the understandability of information entities provide to existing and potential investors, lenders, donors, and other resource providers."

The statements issued Wednesday are:

  • FASB Concepts Statement No. 8, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting — Chapter 4, Elements of Financial Statements, which defines financial statements elements that should be applied in developing standards for both businesses and not-for-profit entities. These elements provide a foundation for providing financial information about the reporting entity that is useful to existing and potential investors, lenders, and other creditors. Chapter 4 supersedes Concepts Statement No. 6, Elements of Financial Statements.
  • FASB Concepts Statement No. 8, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting — Chapter 7, Presentation, which identifies factors for FASB to consider when deciding how items should be displayed on financial statements. The statement calls for the board to assign priority to the factors based on the item being evaluated for presentation purposes. The priority of the factors would be determined in the context of best meeting the objective of financial reporting. Chapter 7 supersedes portions of Concepts Statement No. 5, Recognition and Measurement in Financial Statements of Business Enterprises.

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article contact Jeff Drew ([email protected].

Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts?

Osmand VitezLast Modified Date: November 16, 2022

Osmand VitezLast Modified Date: November 16, 2022

Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (SFAC) is the document issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) relating to broad overviews of financial reporting concepts. These statements do not create new accounting principles; they simply provide accounting firms and certified public accountants (CPA) with information on common business or financial topics. FASB typically issues these statements as a precursor to developing and implementing actual financial accounting standards. These accounting concept statements can allow accounting educators and theorists an opportunity to comment or suggest changes to the concept statement prior to an accounting standard being written by FASB.

Because the accounting industry is governed by FASB, a private accounting organization, the industry has the important task of using self-governance when developing and implementing accounting standards. FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts are intended to serve the public interest by setting objectives and goals for companies when recording and reporting financial information. The concept statements allow FASB to see how information is presented on financial statements and the public reaction relating to the new accounting concepts. Outside opinions from leaders in the accounting industry are an important influence for creating new accounting standards.

Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts issued by the FASB
Man climbing a rope

FASB has issued seven Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts since 1978. These SFACs cover topics including objectives of financial reporting, qualitative characteristics of accounting information, elements of financial statements (superseded), objectives of financial reporting by non-business organizations, recognition and measurement in financial statements, elements of financial statements (amendment statement) and using cash flow information and present value in accounting information. Each concept is stored on FASB’s website and can be viewed or referenced by accounting firms or CPAs for reference. These concepts also provide FASB with a starting point for the development process of new accounting standards.

Is Amazon actually giving you the best price? This little known plugin reveals the answer.

FASB uses an extensive “due process” when developing new accounting principles. The Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts may be issued by FASB with the intent for public debate and comment. Outside opinions are reviewed by FASB and its governing partners to determine if a new accounting principle is needed based on the comments from outside individuals. If new accounting principles are needed, FASB then issues an Exposure Draft (ED), which may be based on recent Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts. This ED is then published for public comment; comments are reviewed and FASB may make changes to the ED. Once the ED is accepted by the accounting profession, FASB writes the new accounting principle.

How many Statements of financial accounting concepts have been issued?

FASB has issued seven Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts since 1978.

What are the elements of financial statements according to FASB?

This chapter defines 10 elements of financial statements: assets, liabilities, equity (net assets), revenues, expenses, gains, losses, investments by owners, distributions to owners, and comprehensive income.

What are the concepts of financial accounting?

The financial statements used in financial accounting present the five main classifications of financial data: revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity. Revenues and expenses are accounted for and reported on the income statement. They can include everything from R&D to payroll.

How many financial statement are supported by FASB?

In the proposal, the 10 elements of financial statements to be applied in developing standards for public and private companies and not-for-profits are: Assets; Liabilities; Equity (net assets);