Implementation of IAS in SKF

Abstract

This is a case study of the implementation of International Accounting Standards (IAS) in SKF. In 2002 the EU approved the adoption of a regulation that all companies within the EU, listed on a regulated market, had to prepare consolidated accounts in accordance with IAS by 2005 at the latest. SKF has been listed on both the Swedish and US stock exchanges. The company therefore has to follow both Swedish and US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Hence, SKF’s GAAP is a mixture between US GAAP and Swedish GAAP. The purpose of this thesis is to compare IAS and SKF GAAP. Thus, these assessed differences and implementation effects for SKF are the basis of our analysis. SKF has realised that the implementation of IAS are more time consuming than first expected. The implementation of IAS 19 – Employee Benefits, IAS 29 – Financial Reporting In Hyperinflationary Economies, and IAS IAS 39 – Financial Instruments: Recognition And Measurement can be difficult due to major changes in SKF GAAP and the lack of available information at present that is required for these standards. SKF should devote resources for IAS 29. Through the use of project groups and discussions with the employees in the organisation who are affected by the new accounting standard, the instructions and understanding within the subsidiaries would be improved. Finally, SKF could save both time and money by demanding that the company’s subsidiaries use IAS in the subsidiaries’ local accounts, given that use of IAS is allowed due to local legislation.