Discussion No. 1 Comparing Financial Reporting Objectives

Background

GASB Concepts Statement No. 1, Objectives of Financial Reporting, states that Accountability is the cornerstone of all financial reporting in government. FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts Statement No. 8, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, states that The objective of general purpose financial reporting is to provide financial information about the reporting entity that is useful to existing and potential investors, lenders, and other creditors in making decisions about providing resources to the entity. However, the FASB has acknowledged through Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 4, Objectives of Financial Reporting by Nonbusiness Organization, that users of business and not-for-profit entities differ.

1. Compare the financial reporting needs of the resource providers of government versus not-for-profit organizations versus the financial reporting needs of the resource providers of for-profit organizations.
2. Include a statement from your personal point of view, whether or not the financial reporting needs meet what you would like to see as a resource provider and why. Write a minimum of four paragraphs in your own words. Do not overuse direct quotes or paraphrases.