07/15/2021
What is GAAP? Why is it important?
Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP) are the body of concepts, principles and procedures developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), primarily. Security and Exchange Commissions (SEC) contributes with regulations for listed companies, and the remainder is accounting practices developed over time by respected industry professionals, both private and public. GAAP applies to all enties: Not For Profit, Publicly traded, Closely held, Corporations, Partnerships, Sole Proprietorships, etc.
FASB comprises of a team of seven full-time members who give up association with employers/employees, and serve a five-year term with one five-year renewal allowed. Not all members are CPA’s. Other members represent the business world including financial preparers, users and analyzers. GAAP is established for state and local Government Accounting Standards Boards (GASB) and for the for the federal government by FASB.
It is important to have a professional educated and maintaining up-to-date with GAAP concepts. Of the 150 standards, some are amended, or modified, and some become highly specialized for specific industries. Staying current on these standards plays a pivotal role in financial reporting material, consistency in year over year reporting information, tax reporting (conservatism for gains and losses), and discloser information. Every organization is required to maintain GAAP financial recording and reporting. Be sure that the person handling your finances remains current on these regulations on both a federal and state level!