The accountant in preparation for the financial statement for the year 2013 realised an error in the determination of recoverable amounts in last year's financial statements.This error had it been detected in 2012 would have required the recognition of impairment losses amounting to $500 000.To comply with AASB 108 Accounting Policies,Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors,the accountant should:
A) make a prospective change to the 2013 figures, on the basis that he has made an error in 2012.
B) make a prospective change to the 2013 figures, on the basis that he is making a change to an estimate in 2012.
C) make a retrospective change to the 2013 figures, on the basis that that this is a change in accounting estimates.
D) make a retrospective change to the 2013 figures, on the basis that he has made an error in 2012.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The accountant should make a retrospective change to the 2013 figures, on the basis that he has made an error in 2012. According to AASB 108, an error in a previous period should be corrected retrospectively by restating comparative figures for the prior period. This will ensure that the financial statements for both 2012 and 2013 are presented fairly and accurately. Choosing option A or B, which both suggest making a prospective change, would be incorrect since the error was made in the previous year. Option C is also incorrect since this is not a change in accounting estimate but rather a correction of an error.

The Accountant in Preparation for the Financial Statement for the Year