Regnskapsstandard

Regnskapsstandard refers to a set of formal guidelines that govern the preparation and presentation of financial statements. They specify how entities recognize and measure transactions, how items are presented in the balance sheet and income statement, and what must be disclosed in notes. The aim is to ensure that financial information is relevant, reliable, comparable, and understandable across entities and over time.

Standards can be established at national level by local accounting boards or regulators, or through international frameworks. The most widely adopted international framework is IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), issued by the IFRS Foundation and the International Accounting Standards Board. In some jurisdictions, national generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) remain in use, or are used for reporting by private companies with exemptions or adaptations. Many countries require IFRS for listed companies, while SMEs may apply simplified or local standards.

The standard-setting process typically involves research, public consultation, exposure drafts, and revisions before a standard is issued and adopted. Key topics covered by standard sets include revenue recognition, financial instruments, leases, impairment of assets, and presentation of financial statements. Adherence to regnskapsstandard is typically enforced by regulators, stock exchanges, and statutory auditors.

Future developments often focus on convergence between IFRS and national standards, improvements in disclosure requirements, and the use of principle-based accounting over rules-based approaches. Regnskapsstandard plays a central role in corporate reporting, facilitating cross-border investment and ensuring consistency in financial information used by investors, creditors, and regulators.