Fair value accounting – pros and cons

Fair value accounting continues to be a topic of significant interest and debate among the preparers and users of financial information. Fair value continues to be an important measurement basis in financial reporting. It provides information about what an entity might realize if it sold an asset or might pay to transfer a liability. In recent years, the use of fair value as a measurement basis for financial reporting has been expanded, even as the debate over its usefulness to stakeholders continues. Determining fair value often requires a variety of assumptions, as well as significant judgment. Thus, investors desire timely and transparent information about how fair value is measured, its impact on current financial statements, and its potential to impact future periods. There are numerous items for which fair value measurements are required or permitted. ASC 820 and IFRS 13 (“the fair value standards”) provide authoritative guidance on fair value measurement. The increased use of fair value requires companies to refresh measurement policies and procedures. Companies should analyze how fair value is determined when no active market exists, and establish procedures to develop the appropriate disclosures. Valuation professionals may need to be involved early in the process. Appropriate and robust disclosures in the financial statements are necessary to inform investors about measurement methods and uncertainty. The increasing needs for disclosures may require the establishment new processes and databases to record and report the information. Key words: fair value, accounting, measurement, policiesdisclosur