The feasibility study on local government adoption of business accounting

• Main Authors: Shih Steve, 史倚芙
• Other Authors: Wu, Chung-Fern
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2002
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/41782038578664063460

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 會計學研究所 === 90 === This study compares the difference between GAAP and Taiwan’s Accounting Law and the accounting final report of Taipei County. Moreover, the study uses structural questionnaires to search and collect comptroller generals’ opinion about local government finance information disclosure system. Based on the outcome of this study, developed countries (e.g. New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S.) have detailed regulations about government accounting information disclosure, scope of accounting information reporting, long-term assets long-term liabilities, revenue and expenditure. But Taiwan has not yet established GASB, and the practice is only based on the law of accounting and auditing. The criterion also lacks detailed and concrete interpretations. Moreover, the consensus among most respondents is that governmental financial statements prepared in accrual basis provide fairer information. This study suggests that the government ought to establish GASB so that the current disputing issues can be solved gradually. The rule of “Government accounting information disclosure” and “Scope of accounting information reporting” can be made clearly via GASB in the future. “Property, plant and equipment” should be recorded at historical cost or proper valuation in the balance sheet and other fixed assets should be taken into careful consideration to determine appropriate reporting policies in the future. Long-term liabilities should be recorded at present value and the standards for the disclosure of contingent liabilities and commitments should also be established later. As for recognition criteria of revenues and expenditures, the probability of the related events occurring and the measurability of the inflow or outflow should be treated as important prerequisites.