Did the FASB Codification Reduce the Complexity of Applying U.S. GAAP?

Open

Oliver Binz, Robert Hills, Matthew Kubic

2023 Journal of Accounting Research Vol. 61 Issue 5 Article Cited by 2 Quartile

Abstract

We examine whether the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Codification made it easier for preparers and auditors to locate relevant accounting guidance. We find that areas of U.S. GAAP with more dispersed and voluminous guidance before the Codification experience a larger post-Codification reduction in restatements. We find a similar decline in SEC comment letter questions referencing areas of U.S. GAAP with more dispersed and voluminous pre-Codification guidance. Our results suggest that before the Codification, preparers and auditors had difficulty in locating the appropriate accounting guidance and that the Codification mitigated this difficulty. © 2023 The Chookaszian Accounting Research Center at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Affiliations

INSEAD Asia Campus, Singapore; Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State University, United States; McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin, United States

Research at a Glance

Premium content — register to unlock

Research at a Glance

Register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Premium content — register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Register to unlock

Collaboration

Premium content — register to unlock

Collaboration

Register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Premium content — register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Register to unlock

References Overview

Premium content — register to unlock

References Overview

Register to unlock

Journal & Source

Premium content — register to unlock

Journal & Source

Register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Premium content — register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Register to unlock