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Principles-based vs. rules-based accounting standards: The effects of auditee proposed accounting treatment and regulatory enforcement on auditor judgments and confidence

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  • Braun, Gary P.
  • Haynes, Christine M.
  • Lewis, Tom D.
  • Taylor, Mark H.

Abstract

Using an interest capitalization context, this paper examines the impact of accounting standard type (rules-based vs. principles-based) on the auditor's agreement with an auditee's proposed accounting treatment. Contrary to prior studies that have investigated lease classification contexts, results indicate that auditors are more likely to agree with the auditee's accounting treatment under a principles-based than a rules-based standard. The possibility of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation does not affect auditors' agreement with their auditee's accounting treatment. However, auditors are more confident in the rules-based scenario when they have no knowledge of a possible SEC investigation. Thus, the lack of precision inherent in a principles-based, interest capitalization standard may initially persuade auditors to agree with auditee judgments, but this perception may be moderated by a reduced level of confidence. Those interested in the standard setting process should look beyond the traditional lease structuring scenario and consider the possible effects of other principles-based standards on auditors' judgments and confidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Braun, Gary P. & Haynes, Christine M. & Lewis, Tom D. & Taylor, Mark H., 2015. "Principles-based vs. rules-based accounting standards: The effects of auditee proposed accounting treatment and regulatory enforcement on auditor judgments and confidence," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 45-50.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reacre:v:27:y:2015:i:1:p:45-50
    DOI: 10.1016/j.racreg.2015.03.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maines, Laureen A., 2007. "Spotlight on principles-based financial reporting," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 50(5), pages 359-364.
    2. Bruce Bennett & Michael Bradbury & Helen Prangnell, 2006. "Rules, principles and judgments in accounting standards," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 42(2), pages 189-204, June.
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    4. Krische, Susan D. & Sanders, Paula R. & Smith, Steven D., 2012. "Lease transaction structuring, earnings management, and management credibility," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 24(1), pages 33-39.
    5. Sniezek, Janet A. & Henry, Rebecca A., 1989. "Accuracy and confidence in group judgment," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 1-28, February.
    6. McEnroe, John E. & Sullivan, Mark, 2013. "An examination of the perceptions of auditors and chief financial officers regarding principles versus rules based accounting standards," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 196-207.
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    Cited by:

    1. Rajat Deb & Joydeep Das, 2018. "IFRSs Convergence and Expectation Gap: Vindication from Practitioners," Metamorphosis: A Journal of Management Research, , vol. 17(2), pages 86-99, December.
    2. Xu, Yin & Doupnik, Timothy, 2016. "The impact of different types and amounts of guidance on the implementation of an accounting principle," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 66-76.
    3. Lawson, Bradley P. & Muriel, Leah & Sanders, Paula R., 2017. "A survey on firms' implementation of COSO's 2013 Internal Control–Integrated Framework," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 30-43.

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