06 November 2018

FRC highlights where reporting by smaller companies needs to improve

Smaller companies should provide more specific disclosures of significant accounting judgements and more quantitative information on key sources of estimation uncertainty according to a new report by the FRC, Reporting By Smaller Listed and AIM Quoted Companies.

The FRC reviewed the reports and accounts of 40 smaller listed and AIM quoted companies to consider:

• Alternative performance measures (APMs) and Strategic Reports;
• Pension disclosures;
• Accounting policies, including critical judgements and estimates;
• Tax disclosures; and
• Cash flow statements.

The topics were selected from previous FRC thematic reviews, which focused on larger companies, and other aspects identified through the FRC’s regular monitoring activity.
 
While the review identified some better examples of smaller companies’ disclosures, it also identified several areas requiring improvement. Companies should provide more specific disclosures of significant accounting judgements and more quantitative information on key sources of estimation uncertainty. The FRC also found that companies could do more to ensure that the classification of cash flows complies with IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’ and that all sections of the report present APMs in a balanced and transparent manner.

The report is relevant to all preparers of accounts and auditors as these findings are similar to the FRC’s conclusions from its review of the UK’s larger companies. Companies may find the ‘reminders’ section of the report particularly helpful when preparing their future reports and accounts. 

Thematic reviews for 2019/20
The FRC will continue to supplement its routine monitoring programme with thematic reviews of aspects of corporate reporting where there is both stakeholder interest and scope for improvement and learning from better practices. In addition to the follow-up thematic reviews of the new IFRSs on revenue and financial instruments, announced on 5 November, the FRC will also undertake thematic reviews of:

• Impairment of non-financial assets
• The effect of the new IFRS on leases in companies’ 2019 interim accounts; and
• The effects of the decision to leave the EU on companies’ disclosures.

Full press release

Full report

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