Financial Accounting Standards Board
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is a body of financial experts that was created to set accounting standards for businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities so that financial information is presented in a way that is consistent and meaningful across all industries. The FASB is an independent, private-sector organization based in Connecticut and is part of the Financial Accounting Foundation.
The FASB was established in 1973 to provide and interpret accounting standards, which are important for investors, creditors and other users of financial statements who need to make informed decisions. This Board determines Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and issues Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) whenever necessary. Financial statements are accompanied by footnotes containing additional information about the underlying basis for the financial data.
The FASB has a wide range of responsibilities. It establishes Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) and Accounting Standards Update (ASU). It also provides guidance on accounting topics, such as fair value measurements, financial reporting disclosures, accounting for business combinations, and many others. Every year, the FASB develops new standards and modifies existing standards, in order to ensure that financial reporting is transparent and consistent.
The FASB is responsible for the transparent and consistent interpretation of accounting standards, which helps businesses to improve the accuracy of their financial statements and make better decisions. The FASB develops guidance, tools, and solutions that are designed to assist with the preparation of financial statements and the analysis of financial information. It also ensures that the results of its activities are disseminated as quickly and widely as possible.
The FASB is led by a 14-member Board of Trustees, all of whom have extensive experience in the field. The Board is supported by a staff of approximately 200 individuals, including accountants, attorneys, economists, and information technologists. Together, they issue new standards and documents, that are designed to improve the quality of the accounting information that businesses provide to their stakeholders.
In conclusion, the FASB is an independent private-sector organization responsible for providing and interpreting accounting standards. The Board is composed of experts from various industry and/or other disciplines, and is supported by a staff of accounting professionals, economists and information technologists. Accounting standards established by the FASB are used to ensure the transparency and consistency of financial reporting.