This week’s GLS blog addresses the final standards that were issued by the AICPA, FASB and GASB in the third quarter of 2021. While it was a light quarter from a standard setting perspective, some of the issued standards address implementation issues which are always helpful. As we expect some big standards to issue in Q4, a light quarter is likely a good thing as all standard setters have big projects on their plate as well!
Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued a REVISED exposure draft regarding Notes to the Financial Statements. This is in preparation for a Concept Statement that helps determine what is “essential” for disclosure. The Board previously issued an ED back in 2020 and has made revisions based on the feedback received. Comments are due by October 15, 2021.
GASB has issued a proposed Omnibus Exposure Draft. The ED addresses implementation issues for leases, PPP and SBITA as well as targeted accounting guidance. It also addresses the delay in reference rate reform and LIBOR discontinuance. The Omnibus addresses a variety of topics that are not large enough to address in a standalone standard but that improve financial reporting. Comments are due September 17, 2021.
The GASB has issued an exposure draft, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections an amendment of GASB Statement No. 62, to update an area of accounting that hasn’t seen much change. The original guidance came from FASB standards that date back to the 1970s. The GASB reviews the guidance through the lens of a governmental entity and provides definitions as well as accounting guidance on accounting changes and error corrections. Comments are due August 31, 2021.
GAO has issued a technical update to Yellow Book. In a very rare move, GAO has made modifications to a handful of paragraphs in the 2018 Yellow Book. The updates address the concept of equity, SKE for nonaudit services and changes to evaluation of internal controls for performance audits. Updates were effective upon issuance.
The GASB has issued an exposure draft to amend the name of the comprehensive annual financial report to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The current spoken acronym is offensive in some cultures and reordering the terms will alleviate unintended insults. There are no changes to the contents or use of the report, just the title. Comments are due July 9, 2021.
