The International Standards on Auditing as a convergence parameter between US GAAP and IFRS

摘要

The present study involves the US GAAP and IFRS accounting frameworks, and how these are evaluated by accounting professionals in four (4) European countries, two of which have been severely impacted by the global economic crisis (Greece and Portugal) and two that remained relatively strong during the period of the European economic crisis (France and Germany). The main purpose of the study is to point out that the economy of a country does indeed affect the perception of listed companies towards a potential convergence. The issues that arise are of interest of the global accounting and auditing community, as well as this study. Academic literature has not shown much interest in recent years. In contrast, the professional bibliography is very rich and has greatly enhanced the bibliographic review. The results of the quantitative study reveal that there are differences between the factors affecting a potential convergence at a country level, as well as at an economy level. Stronger economies seem to pay more attention to economic and regulatory factors, and weaker economies seem more reluctant towards coordination and cooperation in order for the convergence to be achieved.