Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Thomas H. Beechy
Schulich School of Business
York University
Elizabeth J. Farrell
Schulich School of Business
York University
Ingrid McLeod-Dick
Schulich School of Business
York University
viii CONTENTS
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN-1
Preface
Welcome to the complex Canadian GAAP reporting environment! The vast majority of
Canadian public companies prepare financial statements that comply with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as set by the International Accounting Standards
Board (IASB) and contained in the CPA Canada Handbook, Part I. In contrast, Canadian pri-
vate companies may choose to comply with either IFRS or Canadian Accounting Standards
for Private Enterprise (ASPE), as contained in the CPA Canada Handbook, Part II. These
two sets of GAAP are similar in many respects but quite different in other respects. This
duality presents a huge challenge to accountants, managers, and financial statement users.
Clearly, accounting standards are ever expanding, and change is the norm; you might find
the expanding universe of accounting knowledge to be intimidating. Intermediate account-
ing is the essential course for developing both the technical skills and the professional judge-
ment that you need to succeed. We believe that neither technical knowledge nor professional
judgement is sufficient on its own; it is the blend of the two that represents the value added
by a professional accountant.
So that is what Intermediate Accounting will do for you: provide complete, appropriate
technical knowledge while also developing your professional judgement. Both these ele-
ments are described in the broad range of topics in this text. We will clearly explain the
standards, identify patterns, explore the impact of alternatives on users and uses of financial
statements, and look forward to further changes that are on the horizon. Throughout this
text, we stress the importance of ethical standards—an accountant must learn to recognize
and respond appropriately in potentially challenging situations.
In selecting material to include in this book, we have assessed the realities of Canadian
business practice and the choices that are currently available. We have a distinctly Canadian
agenda, looking at the issues that matter in Canadian business. We are clear in our treat-
ment of the body of knowledge. Our coverage does not get bogged down in the (sometimes
twisted) past history of a given issue, nor does it speculate needlessly on what might or
might not happen in the future. Our emphasis is on preparing you to apply the standards
now in place, providing an overview of some expected changes, and moving to develop the
necessary judgemental skills to apply those standards wisely and effectively. These same
judgemental skills will serve you equally well even when standards change in the future, as
they undoubtedly will.
After you master the contents of Intermediate Accounting, you will be able to account for
the wide range of events and transactions found in this unique and challenging economic
environment. We are proud that this text is now in its sixth edition. Many thousands of
students have started their substantive study of the corporate reporting environment with
this text. In addition, many people have supported the evolution of this book over the last
20 years, and we are very grateful for their encouragement and continued goodwill. In par-
ticular, Tom, Joan, and Liz are very pleased to welcome Ingrid McLeod-Dick to the author
team for this edition; Ingrid is a great colleague who brings solid classroom experience and a
history of expertise in professional accounting education.
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
Accountants have to be able to account for things! There is a base level of expertise that must
become part of every accountant’s body of knowledge: how to record a receivable, capitalize
a lease, account for a pension, or prepare a statement of cash flows. Some of the transactions
that we must account for are very complex, and the specific rules must be mastered. An
affinity for numbers is important.
PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT
Professional judgement, it is often said, is the hallmark of a profession. There are often
different ways to account for the same transaction. Professional accountants must become
expert at sizing up the circumstances and exercising judgement to determine the appropri-
ate accounting policy for those circumstances.
Once an accounting policy has been established, management almost always must make
accounting measurement estimates before the numbers can be recorded. Accounting esti-
mates require the exercise of professional judgement.
Professional judgement is not acquired overnight. It is nurtured and slowly grows over
a lifetime. In this book, we begin the development process by explicitly examining the
variables that companies consider when evaluating their options, and the criteria that
accountants use to make choices. Many opportunities to develop and improve judgement
are provided in the case material.
ACCURACY
The text has been extensively reviewed and proofread prior to publication. Chapter material
has been reviewed by professional accountants. All assignment materials have been solved
independently by multiple individual “assignment checkers” in addition to the authors. Nev-
ertheless, errors may remain, for which we accept full responsibility. If you find errors, please
email the authors at j.conrod@dal.ca, tbeechy@schulich.yorku.ca, efarrell@schulich.
yorku.ca, or ing.mcleod@sympatico.ca. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 has been completely rewritten in this edition. The primary focus is on the account-
ing choice process, emphasizing underlying assumptions, qualitative characteristics, and
PREFACE xiii
measurement methods. Having set the basic reporting framework in Chapter 1, Chapter 2
further develops the theme of professional judgement. This chapter explains the basic assump-
tions underlying financial reporting and then moves on to develop the qualitative character-
istics that must be considered when developing professional approaches to accounting issues.
Ethical issues are strongly emphasized in this chapter, as they are throughout the book.
After discussing the broad recognition issues for revenue and expense, the chapter then sets
out the elements of financial reporting. The increased incidence of fair value measurement
within IFRS requires that the traditional distinction between “revenue” and “gains” be mod-
ified, which is clarified both by discussion and by a revised exhibit.
By the end of Chapter 2, all of the factors and elements underlying the exercise of profes-
sional judgement have been laid out and clarified. These factors and elements underlie the
professional judgements that students must make as they move through the text, particu-
larly in the case material at the end of each chapter.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 discusses the nature of income and the difference between the economic and
accounting concepts of income. The statement of comprehensive income is explained, and
a new section emphasizes the distinction between operating income and comprehensive
income. The general presentation approach is explained, along with format variations that
are accepted in practice.
In the previous edition, it was necessary to use non-Canadian examples in this chapter
and the next. This was due to a lack of Canadian examples that illustrate the application of
IFRS because Canadian companies had not yet switched to IFRS. In this edition, all financial
statement examples in Chapters 3 and 4 (as well as the following chapters) are of Canadian
companies.
Chapter 3 contains the book’s primary discussion of asset disposals, discontinued opera-
tions, and restructuring. Discontinued operations is just one part of a broader issue of asset
disposals. We have introduced asset disposals in this chapter to provide a clearer context for
understanding discontinued operations. We discuss and provide examples of all forms of asset
disposals, including abandonment, sales of individual assets, sale of asset groups, and discon-
tinued operations. Because asset disposals are often connected with restructurings, we also
present the criteria and reporting requirements for restructuring plans as well as the require-
ments for reporting constructive obligations that frequently accompany restructurings.
The chapter ends with a discussion of ASPE and the ways in which the reporting require-
ments for private enterprises using ASPE differ from enterprises reporting under IFRS.
Chapter 4
This chapter begins with a general discussion of the purpose and limitations of the statement
of financial position. This discussion includes an explanation of the different ways in which
the assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity can be presented, depending on the individual
regional practice.
Specific individual items on the statement are then discussed. IFRS requires certain items
to be reported on the face of the statement but does not prescribe a specific format. In this
edition, we have introduced rates-of-return analysis at this early stage in the book.
The next section discusses and illustrates the statement of changes in equity. We illustrate
that the statement of changes in equity (SCE) includes not only the “normal” shareholder
accounts (e.g., share equity and retained earnings) but also each of the various components
of other comprehensive income.
In the fourth section, we have expanded the overview of accounting changes, including
changes in estimate, changes in accounting policy, and error correction. Accounting changes
are pervasive, and this section prepares students to understand accounting changes as they
move through the specific topics that comprise the rest of the book. A full discussion of
accounting changes is reserved for the end of the book, Chapter 21 (in Volume Two).
The final section is a discussion of disclosure notes. This section reflects the current
disclosure requirements of IFRS, including related party transactions, segment reporting,
xiv PREFACE
contingencies, and guarantees. In this edition, we have expanded our discussion of segment
reporting and provided a numerical illustration.
Chapter 5
The statement of cash flows (SCF) is dealt with in sequence, as a primary financial state-
ment. The chapter deals with the mechanics of statement preparation, using both a format-
free approach and the T-account method. The journal-entry-based worksheet approach is
included in an appendix. Coverage is linked to the reporting example of International Forest
Products, to emphasize IFRS presentation issues and judgemental presentation choices.
Presentation of investment revenue cash flow, interest, and dividends paid is discussed and
illustrated in a separate section later in the chapter. Statement of cash flows (SCF) issues are
reviewed in every subsequent chapter of the text. And, new in this edition, there is a com-
prehensive SCF review at the end of Volume Two.
Chapter 6
Revenue is one of the most judgemental areas of accounting policy choice in the GAAP
world. For the sixth edition of the book, we have more specifically outlined the five criteria
required for revenue recognition. A consistent approach is used to apply these criteria to
determine the appropriate revenue recognition for various types of transactions. Specifi-
cally, the chapter provides examples of revenue transactions, including sales with rights of
return or warranty agreements, bill and hold arrangements, consignments, and licensing
fees. Transactions involving multiple deliverables are explained, with examples of loyalty
point programs and franchisee fees provided. Biological assets and agricultural produce are
also discussed in the chapter.
In accounting for long-term contacts, we illustrate only the percentage-of-completion
method, as this is the only method normally acceptable under IFRS. The completed-contract
method is illustrated in the ASPE section at the end of the chapter. This separation helps
students to better understand the difference between IFRS and ASPE as applied to long-term
contracts. Barter transactions and exchanges of similar and dissimilar goods or services
are important but challenging aspects of accounting. The chapter puts these transactions
into a broader context and illustrates, based on IFRS, just how each of the various types of
non-monetary exchanges should be measured and reported. Also new to this edition is the
discussion of non-monetary transactions under ASPE.
New for the sixth edition is an Appendix that explains the details of the new standard on
revenue recognition (effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January
2017) and how it will be applied. There is also a supplemental chapter on Connect that goes
into further detail, applying the new revenue recognition criteria to various types of revenue
transactions. This supplement also includes some end-of-chapter questions related to this
new standard.
Chapter 7
This chapter now deals with two important financial instruments: cash and receivables. Cov-
erage of payables has been shifted to Volume Two. Classification and valuation decisions are
central to the coverage of cash and receivables. Important topics, such as foreign currency
translation (a must, in this age of globalization) and the IFRS rules governing the transfer of
receivables, are incorporated. Material on bank reconciliations is in an appendix, and cov-
erage of present- and future-value calculations is available online on Connect, as is a more
extensive set of compound interest tables.
Chapter 8
This chapter conforms to the IFRS approach applying lower of cost or market valuation
methods wherein the IFRS defines “market” as net realizable value. Also, we explain the
process for writing inventory backup if NRV recovers before the inventory is sold. The
PREFACE xv
Chapters 9 and 10
Accounting for capital assets and intangible assets is challenging in the IFRS context. There
are three possible models to consider depending on the type of asset: the fair value model,
the revaluation model, and the cost model. Also, component accounting and depreciation
add complexities to the accounting for capital assets. Impairment testing and reversals will
create more volatility on the income statement using IFRS. These chapters systematically
look at acquisition, amortization, impairment, and disposal considering both the IFRS stan-
dards and ASPE. The appendices cover the complexities related to investment property,
government assistance, capital cost allowance, and the revaluation model.
Chapter 11
This chapter reflects coverage of IFRS 9, effective in 2015 but available for early adoption
as a response from standard setters to the upheaval in financial markets. Accounting for
amortized cost, fair value through profit and loss, fair value through other comprehensive
income, cost, significant influence, and control investments is covered. Both policy and
numeric issues are thoroughly explored. The chapter includes a number of helpful diagrams
and figures to help clarify the roadmap through this complex territory. ASPE alternatives are
very different in this area, and the choices are documented and described.
Chapters 12 and 13
New in this edition, there are two chapters on liabilities to start Volume Two. Chapter 12
deals with operating payables, as well as notes payable and provisions. The chapter includes
some examples of liability measurement that require discounting. We hope that this shorter
chapter is a more appropriate way to start off a new term! This chapter fully reflects IFRS and
ASPE standards in the area, and has complete case and problem material.
Chapter 13 delves into long-term debt, using bonds as an example. The chapter relies
on discounted cash flow models for liability measurement, accompanied by the effective-
interest method of amortization. Straight-line amortization is illustrated in the ASPE sec-
tion. Various valuation and measurement complexities are covered, including the effect of
upfront fees and derecognition scenarios. This chapter includes a section on the capitaliza-
tion of borrowing costs.
Chapter 14
This chapter deals with straightforward shareholders’ equity issues. Multicolumn presen-
tation of the shareholders’ equity statement, consistent with International Accounting
Standard 1 (IAS 1), is completely incorporated. Classification and presentation of amounts
in accumulated other comprehensive income, (e.g., from fair-value-through-other-
xvi PREFACE
Chapter 15
One major topic in this chapter is classification: debt versus equity, compound financial
instruments, and the like. Classification is based on the substance of a financial instrument
rather than its legal form. A major section covers the IFRS approach to share-based pay-
ments, emphasizing the estimates needed for measurement and forfeitures. Basic patterns
for option accounting are established. Finally, the material on derivative instruments is
included in this chapter. While many of the complexities of derivatives are appropriately left
to advanced accounting courses, this introduction is vital. We think that the material is clear
and understandable, at an appropriate level for Intermediate courses.
Chapters 16 and 17
Accounting for income tax remains two separate chapters, to acknowledge that many
instructors prefer to spend two blocks of time on this most challenging area. The Chapter 16
material establishes a three-step process for typical situations. The focus of Chapter 17
remains accounting for the tax effect of losses—carrybacks and carryforwards. This is dif-
ficult material for students, but the Chapter 17 problems incorporate the prior-chapter
material and allow solid reinforcement of the steps associated with tax accounting. The
ASPE section explains the taxes payable or flow-through method that is available for private
enterprises.
Chapter 18
The major change to this chapter is the introduction of IASB’s new approach for lease
accounting. The proposal requires all leases lasting longer than 12 months to be capitalized.
At the time of writing this textbook, the proposed changes were still in Exposure Draft form
and no effective implementation date had yet been specified. Although there is no doubt that
a new standard will be issued, corporations will need at least three years to implement the
change. A new standard cannot become effective before 2017. We present this new approach
as an Appendix rather than in the main body of the text as the current standards will remain
effective in the interim.
Chapter 19
Pensions and other post-retirement benefits are highly complex arrangements, with corre-
spondingly complex accounting treatment. This chapter has been completely revamped to
reflect up-to-date standards for defined benefit pension plans, both from IFRS and ASPE.
We are pleased that the revised rules are easier to understand, but more importantly, the new
standards result in better reflection of the economic position of such plans. The worksheet
structure used is helpful to organize the material. This chapter also includes an example of
accounting for other post-retirement benefits and appropriate coverage of defined contribu-
tion plans, since the latter are gaining in popularity.
Chapter 20
Earnings per share material includes an explanation of basic and diluted earnings per share
(EPS). IFRS terminology is used throughout. The procedural steps associated with organiz-
ing a complex EPS question are emphasized to provide more comfort and support in this
complicated area. There are a variety of useful summary figures and tables.
Chapter 21
Accounting policy changes and error corrections require restatement of one or more prior
years’ financial statements. Restatement is surely an important topic, given the number of
fraud-based restatements reported in the public press in recent years. Also, the ongoing
PREFACE xvii
changes in accounting standards means that companies must often restate their accounts.
This chapter deals with the theory and mechanics related to such restatement, reflecting
current IFRS standards.
Chapter 22
The text concludes with a review of financial statement analysis and emphasizes the impor-
tance of accounting policy choice and disclosure in the analysis of published financial state-
ments. New in the sixth edition is an in-depth discussion related to the type of information
to gather specifically to assist with the analysis. Each of the ratios described in the chapter
are calculated for the same sample company, and the results are analyzed, taking into con-
sideration the entity’s business and industry. There is an extensive case illustration, showing
restatements, which demonstrates the importance of accounting policy choice.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our initial draft of this text was reviewed by several colleagues with expertise in IFRS. Our
manuscript benefitted significantly from the comments and suggestions from Judy Cumby,
FCA, Ingrid McLeod-Dick, FCPA, FCA, and Marisa Morriello, CPA, CA. Many other
reviewers had contributed valuable comments on the previous edition, which informed our
decisions about coverage and approach for the sixth edition.
We are grateful to the team members who exhaustively checked the assignment material
and the solutions, including Mike Lutes, CA; Andrew Bonner, CA; Borden Rhodes; James
Rockwood; Chantelle Loucks; Alex Kogan, CPA, CA; Winnie Siu; Alex Fisher, CPA, CA;
Marisa Morriello, CPA, CA; Marcella Augustina, CPA, CA; Susan Cohlmeyer, FCA; and
Cara Chesney, CA. The residual errors are our responsibility, but these expert individuals
have significantly improved our accuracy. A special thanks to Judy Cumby, FCA, Laura
Cumming, CA, and Tammy Crowell, CA.
We appreciate the permissions granted by the following organizations to use their prob-
lem and case material:
• The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
• The Certified General Accountants’ Association of Canada
• The Ontario Institute of Chartered Accountants
• The Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy
• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
We are grateful to the people at McGraw-Hill Ryerson who guided this manuscript
through the development process. We appreciate the strong support of Keara Emmett, our
Product Manager; Lindsay MacDonald and Chris Cullen, our Product Developers; and the
production team, led by Margaret Henderson and including Jessica Barnoski and Tammy
Mavroudi, who have all contributed in significant ways to this final product. And, of course,
Karen Rolfe, copy editor, and Rohini Herbert, proofreader, have become welcome and active
partners in this enterprise.
On a personal level, we would like to thank our friends and family members for their
support and encouragement throughout the lengthy process of bringing this book to fru-
ition, especially, in Toronto—Brian McBurney; in Halifax—Andrew, Yen, Meredith, and
Daniel Conrod; in Richmond Hill—Ed Farrell, Catherine, Michael, and Megan Farrell; and
in Collingwood—Michael Dick and Kenneth Dick.
Pedagogical Walkthrough
SECOND PASS
CHAPTER 6
Introduction
Each chapter has an introduction that explains the
Revenue Recognition objectives of the chapter in narrative form.
INTRODUCTION
Quebec-based CAE Inc. is the world’s dominant manufacturer of flight simulators. Sim-
ulators are built for CAE’s clients under long-term contracts that encompass design,
engineering, and manufacturing. In addition, contracts may involve the provision
SECOND PASS
of spare parts, maintenance, flight schools and other training services. Clearly, CAE’s
revenue-generating activities are numerous andCHAPTER 6 Revenue
complex. When should thisRecognition
revenue be 271
recorded in earnings?
Revenue recognition is probably the most difficult single issue in accounting, largely
because modern business activities can be very complex. Economic activity takes many
months or many years to complete. In complex and long-term earnings processes, it is
not at all obvious just when revenue should be recognized in earnings. As well, many
“sales” actually involve the delivery of more than one product and/or service. How should
the revenue for each component be measured and when should the revenue for each
component be recognized?
This chapter will examine the nature of the earnings process and the various points at
which revenue could be recognized, depending on the nature of the revenue-earning pro-
Concept Review
cess. The chapter also deals with measuring the amount of revenue attached to separate
activities within the same contract.
All of the issues in revenue recognition have a direct impact on profit or loss mea-
CONCEPT REVIEW surement—a relatively small change in revenue recognition can have a major impact on
earnings. Therefore, there are many ethical implications associated with the choice of Throughout each chapter concept review questions
1. How is a gain different from apolicies.
revenue recognition revenue?
This is an area where judgement plays a major role.
To enhance comparability and reliability across all types of revenue transactions,
are included. Students can stop and think through
2. List the five criteria thatstandard
mustsetters
be satisfi ed before revenue from revenue
the sale recog-of
accounting
goods can be recognized.
have attempted to standardize and narrow
nition choices by providing more explicit guidance. After many years of review and con-
the answers to these basic questions, covering the
sultation, the IASB has revised the standard for revenue
3. What measurement issues might arise in determining the amount of revenue recognition, effective for
reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017. Due to the long implementation
annual
previously explained material. This helps compre-
to be recognized?
date, this chapter discusses revenue recognition under the standards that are currently in
place and effective until the end of 2016. The new standard is explained in the Appendix
hension and focus! Answers to these questions can
to this chapter. There is a more detailed supplement based on the new standard, along
with examples, on Connect.
be found online on Connect.
No
Is there a detailed plan identifying the
necessary elements as set out in IAS 37(¶72)?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Has the
SECOND entity started dismantling the
PASS
plant prior to the year-end?
Ethical Issues
CHAPTER 3 Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income 95
No
Many chapters discuss accounting issues that raise
Yes
Has the entity started selling assets
ethical concerns. These concerns are highlighted in
Dr. Cash
prior to the year-end?
75
the chapter. Where ethical issues are particularly
Cr. Unearned revenue (liability account) No 75 problematic, we have included a separate “Ethical
Has there been a public announcement of the Issues” section to help students focus on the ethical
Yes
main features of the plan prior to the year-end,
in sufficient detail and in such a way as to aspects of policy choice.
ETHICAL ISSUES give rise to valid expectations in other parties
(such as customers, suppliers, and employees)
Ethics assignment material has also been incor-
that theforentity
The reason for the conditions will carryanout
reclassifying theas
asset plan?
held-for-sale is to prevent porated into the case material. Essentially, when an
managers from reclassifying assets as “current” for a short period and then reversing
that decision later. For example, a company may Nohave a lending covenant that requires accountant makes a recommendation on a conten-
a minimum current ratio. If these restrictions were not in place, an unethical manager
Yes Is there any other evidence to suggest
could temporarily reclassify a noncurrent asset to current, that that it is held-for-
claiming tious choice of accounting policy, ethics are tested.
sale, just to meet thethe entityratio
current hasrequirement,
started to implement
prior to the
the plan it back to noncur-
and then reclassify
year-end?
rent after the reporting date had passed. Clearly, there is an ethical issue involved in
Students exercise true-to-life ethical judgement when
the “held-for-sale” classification.
No
they have to make a tough judgement call and rec-
A constructive Has the entity No constructive
ommend an accounting policy that is “good” for one
obligation to
restructure has
announced the main
features of the plan to
obligation to
restructure has
group but “bad” for another. These ethical overtones
arisen. A provision
Yes
those affected by it
No
arisen. No are highlighted in the case solutions to help instruc-
is required. before the year-end so as provision can
to give rise to a valid be made. tors draw them out in discussion and evaluation.
expectation that it will
by carried out?
Required:
More than 60 cases are included in Intermediate
Prepare
DELUCA in good form:
SOLUTIONS INC. Accounting, and there is at least one new case in every
1. A single-step SCI by nature of expense.
Deluca Solutions SCI
2. A single-step Inc. is
byan Ontario-based
function within manufacturer.
the enterprise.The company is listed on the TSX,
chapter in the sixth edition. The cases portray realis-
but the family of founder David Deluca retains control through multiple-voting shares.
3. A multiple-step SCI by function within the enterprise. tic situations, usually with multiple financial report-
ing implications. Students must put themselves into
SECOND PASS the situation and grapple with the facts to arrive at
177
the most appropriate accounting policies for the cir-
CHAPTER 4 Statements of Financial Position and Changes in Equity; Disclosure Notes
TR4-2 Return ratios: Oleander Corporation had total assets of $1,200,000 on 31 Decem-
review is not the focus.)
ber 20X3. At 31 December 20X4, total assets had increased to $1,400,000. Oleander’s state-
ment of changes in equity disclosed the following amounts at the beginning and end of 20X4:
31 December 20X4 31 December 20X3
Class A shares $345,000 $285,000
Class B shares 41,000 41,000
Contributed surplus 7,500 6,000
Translation reserve (OCI) (15,000) (17,000)
PREFACE xxi
Assignment Material
There is an extensive range of assignment material at the end of each chapter. The assign-
ments provide the opportunity to “learn by doing.”
The technical review questions and many of the assignments are available online on Connect;
the Connect logo identifies these questions. The Connect problems allow web-based itera-
tions of the problem for assessment, immediate feedback, and extra practice.
Stars accompany each assignment to indicate length, with one star indicating a shorter
assignment and three stars indicating a longer assignment.
To help students practise on their own, we have selected a few assignments from each chap-
ter and put their solutions online. These selected assignments are highlighted by the icon in
the margin.
Integrative Problems
From time to time, we include integrative problems that formally deal with accounting top-
ics covered in five or six chapters. These problems are a great pretest review!
SUPPLEMENTS
Connect
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dents the means to better connect with their coursework, with their instructors, and with
the important concepts that they will need to know for success now and in the future. With
Connect, instructors can deliver assignments, quizzes, and tests easily online. Students can
practise important skills at their own pace and on their own schedule. With Connect, stu-
dents also get 24/7 online access to an eBook—an online edition of the text—to aid them in
successfully completing their work, wherever and whenever they choose.
LearnSmart
No two students are alike. Why should their learning paths be? LearnSmart uses revolution-
ary adaptive technology to build a learning experience unique to each student’s individual
needs. It starts by identifying the topics a student knows and does not know. As the stu-
dent progresses, LearnSmart adapts and adjusts the content based on his or her individual
strengths, weaknesses, and confidence, ensuring that every minute spent studying with
LearnSmart is the most efficient and productive study time possible.
SmartBook
As the first and only adaptive reading experience, SmartBook is changing the way students
read and learn. SmartBook creates a personalized reading experience by highlighting the
most important concepts a student needs to learn at that moment in time. As a student
engages with SmartBook, the reading experience continuously adapts by highlighting con-
tent based on what each student knows and does not know. This ensures that he or she is
focused on the content needed to close specific knowledge gaps, while it simultaneously
promotes long-term learning.
xxii PREFACE
INSTRUCTOR RESOURCES
Instructor Resources
• Instructor’s Manual
• Instructor’s Solutions Manual
• Computerized Test Bank
• Microsoft® PowerPoint® Lecture Slides
Financial Liabilities
and Provisions
INTRODUCTION
What is a liability? The answer might seem rather obvious: an amount owed from one
entity to another. In fact, many liability situations, especially those related to financial
liabilities, are straightforward from an accounting perspective. However, when liabilities
are estimated or uncertain, they can present accounting challenges. For instance:
• Does a liability exist if there is no legal liability but the company has announced a
particular commitment or plan of action?
• How is a liability measured if the obligation is for services, not a set amount of
money?
• How can a liability be measured if the amount of cash to be paid is based on future
events?
Liability financing is an integral part of the capital structure of many companies. For
example, Canadian Tire Corporation Limited is a Canadian company that offers a range of
general merchandise and also apparel, sporting goods, petroleum, and financial services
to consumers. The company reported total assets of $13.2 billion in 2012. Of this amount,
$4.8 billion, or 36%, was financed through shareholders’ equity, with the balance, $8.4
billion, or 64%, provided by debt in various forms. A sizable portion of the debt represents
deposits from the financial services segment ($2.4 billion, or 18% of total assets) and
trade payables represent 12% of assets ($1.6 billion). There are also long-term loans of
$2.3 billion, or 17% of total assets.
This chapter reviews common liabilities, including both financial liabilities and provi-
sions. Financial statement classification and disclosure are reviewed. Long-term debt is
covered in Chapter 13. Chapter 14 deals with accounting for share equity. Then, in Chap-
ter 15, coverage returns to debt arrangements, those that have some attributes of debt
and some attributes of equity. Innovative financial markets have introduced significant
complexities into the accounting world!
716 CHAPTER 12 Financial Liabilities and Provisions
Constructive Obligations Some liabilities are legal obligations, or liabilities that arise
from contract or legislation. Most liabilities are legal obligations, including trade payables
and borrowings. Other liabilities are constructive obligations, where a liability exists
because there is a pattern of past practice or established policy. A company can create a
constructive obligation if it makes a public statement that the company will accept certain
responsibilities because the statement creates a valid expectation that the company will honour
those responsibilities. Others rely on this representation. Thus, a liability can be created when
a company reacts to moral or ethical factors.
ETHICAL ISSUES
A company has announced a voluntary product recall that will take several months
to complete. Customers have been offered a replacement product or repair on the
original unit. The recall was prompted by the company’s code of ethics to support its
product integrity and customer base. The recall is voluntary in that the defect is not
covered by warranty, and no legislation exists to force the company to act. In this case,
clear communication to another party establishes the obligation. A constructive liabil-
ity exists and the anticipated costs of the recall must be accrued.
Categories of Liabilities
Accounting for liabilities depends on whether the liability fits into one of two categories:
• Financial liabilities; or
• Nonfinancial liabilities.
A financial liability is a financial instrument. A financial liability is a contract that gives
rise to a financial liability of one party and a financial asset of another party. That is, one
party has an account payable and the other party has an account receivable. Another exam-
ple is a loan payable and a loan receivable. The two elements are mirror images of each other.
A non-financial liability can be defined by what it is not—any liability that is not a finan-
cial liability is a nonfinancial liability. A non-financial liability has no offsetting financial
asset on the books of another party. Provisions, or liabilities that have uncertainty sur-
rounding timing or amount, are a major category of non-financial liabilities.
Examples of non-financial liabilities include:
• Revenue received in the current period but not yet earned (i.e., unearned revenue); or
CHAPTER 12 Financial Liabilities and Provisions 717
• Cash outflows that are expected to arise in the future but that are related to transac-
tions, decisions, or events of the current period (e.g., a decommissioning obligation).
Categories of Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities themselves fall into two categories.
Classification determines the subsequent measurement of the financial liability. Specifically,
the alternatives can be summarized as follows:
Summarized Classification
Classification Criteria Initial Valuation Subsequent Valuation
1. “Other” Most financial liabilities; Fair value, which is Cost
financial all those except those in the transaction value (Amortized cost)
liabilities category 2, below and establishes the
cost of the financial
instrument
ADD
Transaction costs,
if any
2. Fair value May be FVTPL if: Fair value, which is Fair value; gains and
through a. The liability will be sold the transaction value losses in earnings
profit or loss in the short term; or and establishes the
(FVTPL) b. Designated FVTPL by cost of the financial
management to avoid instrument
an accounting mismatch
(related/hedged
financial instruments
are FVTPL)
Most liabilities fall in the other financial liabilities category. The FVTPL liability category is
meant primarily for liabilities that will be sold/transferred in the short term. In other cir-
cumstances, management may designate liabilities as FVTPL. This might be appropriate, for
example, if various hedging strategies were in place and management wished to have both
hedged asset and liability in the same category for valuation purposes.
Measurement of Other Financial Liabilities Other financial liabilities are initially mea-
sured as the fair value of the consideration received plus transaction costs and then carried
at this value (which is cost), or amortized cost, over their lives. That is, the initial fair value
is (generally) the stated amount of the transaction, or the transaction price.1 For example, a
company receives an invoice for the fair value of goods shipped by a supplier; the goods are
the consideration, and their invoice price is the fair value of the liability.
Discounting Liabilities of all categories must be valued at the present value of cash flows—
commonly called discounting—where the time value of money is material. The discount
rate chosen must reflect the current market interest rate, specific to the risk level of the
liability. Note, however, that if the amount and timing of cash flows is highly uncertain, then
discounting is not possible and undiscounted amounts are recorded. When liabilities are
discounted, interest expense on the discounted liability is recorded as time passes. Discount-
ing will be illustrated later in the chapter.
Reporting Example Included in its significant accounting policy disclosure, Canadian Tire
reports information about the valuation of financial liabilities. These liabilities are valued at
1
The stated amount of the transaction might not be fair value if the transaction is a related party transaction.
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
The Project Gutenberg eBook of A memoir of
Language: English
J. H. Drummond Hay
A MEMOIR OF
S O M E T I M E M I N I S T E R AT T H E C O U RT O F
MOROCCO BASED ON HIS JOURNALS
AND CORRESPONDENCE
WITH A PREFACE BY
SIR FRANCIS W. DE WINTON K.C.M.G.
LONDON
JOHN MURRAY ALBEMARLE STREET
1896
P R E FA C E
To this memoir of the late Sir John Hay Drummond Hay I have
been asked by his daughters to write a few introductory lines.
My acquaintance with Sir John began in the year 1870. At that
time I was quartered at Gibraltar, being on the staff of Sir William
Fenwick Williams of Kars, who was then Governor of the fortress.
They were old comrades, Sir John and Sir Fenwick, having
served together in Constantinople, and the friendship begun in
Turkey was continued at the gates of the Mediterranean. Often and
often Sir John and Lady Drummond Hay, with their two daughters,
visited the Convent at Gibraltar; and in return the doors of the
Legation at Tangier were ever open, and always gave us a hearty
welcome.
It was between 1870 and 1875 that this intercourse took place,
and to me it is filled with happy recollections. The quaint old town of
Tangier, full of the decaying influences of Moslem rule, yet keeping
up the struggle of life after an existence of over a thousand years;
racial and religious differences, civilisation and barbarism, struggling
along together, while Jews and Arabs, unchanged for five hundred
years, jostled with Christendom of the present day. It was a strange
medley: and out of it all stands one figure prominent, nay pre-
eminent, in the history of Morocco during the past forty years.
I do not think Sir John’s reminiscences sufficiently convey the
enormous influence he wielded in the empire, so called, of Morocco.
Throughout the Sherifian dominions his name was known and
respected; and after the Emperor and the Sheríf of Wazan, his was
the most powerful influence in the state. His long residence in the
country; his intimate acquaintance with the manners and customs of
the people; his perfect knowledge of Arabic; his love of justice; his
absolute fearlessness; his keen appreciation of their sports and
amusements, in which he often joined; not only made him the trusted
friend of the late Emperor and his predecessors, but also the chosen
friend of the people.
In the many expeditions in which I had the good fortune to be one
of Sir John’s companions, I had abundant opportunities of observing
the power he possessed over the different tribes with whom we
came in contact; and especially among the hill tribes of Jebel Musa,
who occupy the country between Tangier and Tetuan. These people
held him in great esteem, and often sought his advice and counsel in
their tribal differences; thus enabling him to be of service to the
Emperor in the constant struggles between that ruler and his people.
A description of Morocco and its government has often been
essayed by various writers; but no one could give an adequate idea
of Sir John’s influence who had not personally witnessed his
intercourse with the discordant elements which constitute the
government of that country.
On one occasion I had the pleasure of being on Sir John’s staff
when he paid a visit to the Emperor, who was then residing at
Marákesh. What a pleasant journey it was! The daily ride, the
evening camp, our first view of the great Atlas range of mountains,
the entry into Marákesh, our reception by the Sultan, and the six
weeks we spent in the city but little known to Europeans; and it was,
perhaps, the events of that journey which impressed one more than
anything as to the individuality and power of the British
Representative.
By many Sir John will also be remembered as an ardent
sportsman. Whether he was organising a boar-hunt, or a day after
partridge, or enjoying a run with the Calpe hounds, there was always
the same keen interest, the thorough enjoyment of sport, which
characterised the man. Under his guidance you were always sure of
finding boar, or of getting a good bag of partridge; and it was through
Sir John that, some twelve miles South of Tangier, where the ground
was favourable, the exciting sport of pigsticking was introduced into
Africa. Well do I remember after a day’s sport the evening camp fire,
round which we gathered after dinner, when Sir John would tell us of
some of his earlier hunting recollections. He was an excellent story-
teller, keeping his audience in a state of the deepest interest to the
end; and then, with a merry twinkle in his eye, he would finish his
narrative by a description of some ludicrous incident in which he was
often the chief actor, and no one joined more heartily in the laughter
which followed than he himself.
It is not possible, within the short space of an introduction, to give
more than a mere outline of the personality of Sir John Drummond
Hay. His recollections furnish the true index to his character. In them
are reflected the sterling honesty, the integrity, and the courage and
capacity of the man who, though working in a country but little known
and full of prejudice and fanaticism, made England respected and
trusted. He belonged to that band of the men of Great Britain who
serve their country wherever they are placed, and who, while mindful
of her interests and her honour, gain the good will of the rulers and
the people to whom they are accredited.
In conclusion, I shall ever remember him as a friend whom I
respected, and for whom I always had a true affection; and when
asked to write these few lines, while wishing the duty had fallen to an
abler pen than mine, I felt that, having been honoured with his
friendship, I might, in affectionate remembrance of that friendship,
write this brief tribute to his memory.
F. DE WINTON.
CONTENTS
CHAP. PAGE
Preface v
Introduction xiii
I. Boyhood. 1816-1834 1
II. Waiting for Employment—José Maria. 1834 11
III. Alexandria. 1840 20
IV. Constantinople and Lord Ponsonby. 1840 30
V. Constantinople with Sir Stratford Canning. 1841 49
VI. Mission to Tangier 66
Political Agent at Tangier and First Mission to
VII.
Marákesh. 1845-1846 76
VIII. Visit to Salli and Departure for Marákesh. 1846 97
IX. Residence at Marákesh and Return to Tangier. 1846 108
X. Difficulties of Mr. Hay’s Position at Tangier. 1846-1854 133
XI. Life at Tangier 142
XII. Second Mission to Marákesh. 1855 167
XIII. Benabu. 1857 184
XIV. Mr. Hay’s Position at Tangier. 1858 198
XV. The War with Spain. 1859-1862 205
XVI. Sir John Hay’s Home at Tangier. 1862 221
XVII. Third Mission to Marákesh. 1863 230
XVIII. João, the Portuguese Gunsmith 241
XIX. Fourth Mission to Marákesh. 1872 264
XX. Ascent of the Atlas Mountains 288
XXI. Mission to Fas in 1875 307
XXII. 1876-1879 318
XXIII. Third Mission to Fas. 1879-1880 329
XXIV. 1881-1884 338
XXV. Last Year of Official Life. 1885 354
XXVI. Out of harness 365
INDEX 399