Publication:
India : Report on Observance of Standards and Codes - Accounting and Auditing

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Files in English
English PDF (5.14 MB)
193 downloads
English Text (149.26 KB)
44 downloads
Date
2004-12-20
ISSN
Published
2004-12-20
Author(s)
Editor(s)
Abstract
This report provides an assessment of accounting and auditing practices in India, within the broader context of institutional capacity available for ensuring high-quality financial reporting. India's accounting profession was among the earliest to develop historically, when the Indian Companies Act was enacted in the mid-l800s, giving the accounting profession its start. Since then, considerable efforts have been made to align India's accounting and auditing standards and practices, with the internationally accepted standards and codes. In order to further improve the quality of corporate financial reporting in India, there is a need to improve the institutional framework, and take steps for enhancing compliance with the applicable standards and rules. Enhanced by significant inputs from stakeholders, this report provides some principles-based policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the corporate financial reporting regime in India. These recommendations specifically focus on strengthening the monitoring and enforcement arrangements. Moreover, suggestions have been made on some important elements for an independent oversight body for the auditing profession, from a public interest perspective. The objectives of the recommendations are to build on the existing system, and promote a gradual process of improvement.
Link to Data Set
Citation
World Bank. 2004. India : Report on Observance of Standards and Codes - Accounting and Auditing. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/14467 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
Associated URLs
Associated content
Report Series
Other publications in this report series
Journal
Journal Volume
Journal Issue

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Publication
    Ukraine : Country Financial Accountability Assessment
    (Washington, DC, 2001-10-15) World Bank
    Ukraine has several strengths, such as an educated workforce, strong bookkeeping skills, and commitment to reforms, and a long-term vision of joining the European Union. In order to strengthen existing public financial accountability, Ukraine will need to build on its strength by undertaking several measures. Experience in many other countries shows that several required changes entail reaching political consensus, reforming existing institutions, or creating new institutions. This suggests that a realistic timetable for improvement in public financial accountability will have to stretch over several years and will depend on strong leadership from the top. The most important areas for action are: bringing revenues under the scope of independent external auditors; introducing the concept of internal audit; strengthening the capacity of the Accounting Chamber to conduct financial statement audits; strengthening the accountability of state owned enterprises; introducing international accounting standards for selected enterprises; adopting international best practices for licensing of audit professionals; and strengthening the disciplinary committee of the Chamber of Auditors to provide effective oversight. Other measures needed are to: train deparmtnetal staff in implementing program budgeting; fully implementing the Budget Code; expediting the implementing of the Treasury modernization project; and implementing standardized automated accounting and reporting systems.
  • Publication
    Sudan Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2010-06-29) World Bank
    The assessment of accounting and auditing (A&A) practices in Sudan is part of the joint initiative of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to prepare Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC). The ROSC A&A assessment focuses on strengths and weaknesses of the corporate accounting and auditing environment that influence the quality of corporate financial reporting and involves a review of both mandatory requirements and actual practices. It uses International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Standards on Auditing (ISA) as benchmarks and draws on recent global experiences and good practice in the field of corporate financial reporting and auditing. This assessment used a diagnostic template developed by the World Bank to facilitate collection of information, which was complemented by findings of a due diligence exercise based on meetings with key stakeholders conducted by World Bank staff. The assessment was carried out ensuring participation from the in-country major stakeholders such as regulators of corporate entities, banks and similar financial institutions, professional accountants, bankers and investment analysts, preparers of financial statements, auditors, academics, and representatives from the leading trade bodies. The main purpose of this ROSC A&A assessment is to assist the Government of Sudan in strengthening the private sector's accounting and auditing practices, along with enhancing financial transparency in the corporate sector.
  • Publication
    Brazil : Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes--Accounting and Auditing
    (Washington, DC, 2013-06-11) World Bank
    This Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes: Accounting and Auditing (ROSC A&A) has been prepared under the Financial Sector Assessment Program in Brazil. The report assesses the status of implementation of 2005 ROSC A&A policy recommendations, highlights recent improvements in Brazil's corporate financial reporting framework, and sheds light on emerging issues regarding the institutional underpinnings of accounting and auditing practices that require further upgrading in line with international good practices. In addition to maintaining appropriate macroeconomic policies, there is an extensive agenda to implement wide ranging structural reforms to promote growth, increase productivity, and raise living standards. Brazil's low domestic savings and limited domestic long-term financing markets remain a major impediment to the investment in infrastructure that is required to sustain high economic growth. Given the increased role played by the financial system, especially as more families and businesses have access to banking credit and capital markets, it will also be necessary to further develop and strengthen Brazil's financial markets and institutions, to help to ensure macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth. In this context, one of the strategic objectives of the ROSC A&A is to help consolidate the institutional framework for accounting and auditing in Brazil in order to support improvements in business conditions in general, and facilitate access to more abundant and cheaper domestic and foreign financial resources.
  • Publication
    Slovenia Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2014-05) World Bank
    This assessment of accounting and auditing practices in Slovenia is part of a joint initiative of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to prepare Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC). The assessment focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the accounting and auditing environment that influence the quality of corporate financial reporting and includes a review of both mandatory requirements and actual practice. This is the second A&A ROSC for Slovenia and based on information collected in 2013, early 2014. The first one was published in 2004. As the requirements of the EU acquis communautaire and international standards have already been adopted in the financial sector this assessment focuses on the proper application of these requirements, with the view that improved financial information raises the capacity of regulators to maintain financial stability, and improve the level of trust in the financial system, in the context of an ongoing recapitalization exercise. In the State Owned Enterprises, or SOEs, the report focuses on the requirements applicable to them and how well these are enforced, as well as to what extent the government uses the financial reporting and audit process to monitor SOEs and hold their management teams accountable. This report also considers SMEs financial reporting, including how current requirements compare with the latest revisions to the EU Accounting Directive, which further simplified requirements for smaller companies. Finally, audit oversight and quality assurance systems are assessed, including the feasibility of incorporating the audit oversight body as part of the financial sector supervisor.
  • Publication
    Republic of Trinidad and Tobago : Report on the Observance of Standard and Codes - Accounting and Auditing
    (Washington, DC, 2013-03-28) World Bank
    The Report on the Observance of Standard and Codes (ROSC) Accounting and Auditing (A&A) focuses on the institutional framework underpinning national accounting and auditing practices, and their conformity with international standards and good practices. It evaluates the: a) adequacy of reporting requirements, b) capacity to implement applicable standards and codes, and c) the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms for ensuring compliance with applicable standards and codes. This report provides an assessment of corporate sector accounting, financial reporting, and auditing practices in Trinidad and Tobago. It aims to assist the Government of Trinidad and Tobago's efforts to strengthen accounting and auditing practices and enhance financial transparency in the corporate sector, so as to support the Government's objective of private sector-led growth and deepened integration with the international economy. Trinidad and Tobago is a relatively small, open economy with a high per capita income and abundant natural resources. Key areas for strengthening Trinidad and Tobago's corporate financial reporting practices are: 1) establishing a culture of compliance; 2) improving monitoring and enforcement capabilities of various regulators; 3) establishing institutional mechanisms for regulating the accounting profession, including independent oversight; 4) enhancing technical capacities of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago (ICATT); 5) improving professional accountancy education and training; and 6) improving the statutory framework for corporate financial reporting. The recommendations in this report are presented for the consideration of authorities in Trinidad and Tobago as suggested inputs for the development of a country action plan, geared toward strengthening the corporate financial reporting regime.

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Publication
    The Journey Ahead
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2024-10-31) Bossavie, Laurent; Garrote Sánchez, Daniel; Makovec, Mattia
    The Journey Ahead: Supporting Successful Migration in Europe and Central Asia provides an in-depth analysis of international migration in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and the implications for policy making. By identifying challenges and opportunities associated with migration in the region, it aims to inform a more nuanced, evidencebased debate on the costs and benefits of cross-border mobility. Using data-driven insights and new analysis, the report shows that migration has been an engine of prosperity and has helped address some of ECA’s demographic and socioeconomic disparities. Yet, migration’s full economic potential remains untapped. The report identifies multiple barriers keeping migration from achieving its full potential. Crucially, it argues that policies in both origin and destination countries can help maximize the development impacts of migration and effectively manage the economic, social, and political costs. Drawing from a wide range of literature, country experiences, and novel analysis, The Journey Ahead presents actionable policy options to enhance the benefits of migration for destination and origin countries and migrants themselves. Some measures can be taken unilaterally by countries, whereas others require close bilateral or regional coordination. The recommendations are tailored to different types of migration— forced displacement as well as high-skilled and low-skilled economic migration—and from the perspectives of both sending and receiving countries. This report serves as a comprehensive resource for governments, development partners, and other stakeholders throughout Europe and Central Asia, where the richness and diversity of migration experiences provide valuable insights for policy makers in other regions of the world.
  • Publication
    Economic Recovery
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-04-06) Malpass, David; Georgieva, Kristalina; Yellen, Janet
    World Bank Group President David Malpass spoke about the world facing major challenges, including COVID, climate change, rising poverty and inequality and growing fragility and violence in many countries. He highlighted vaccines, working closely with Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, the World Bank has conducted over one hundred capacity assessments, many even more before vaccines were available. The World Bank Group worked to achieve a debt service suspension initiative and increased transparency in debt contracts at developing countries. The World Bank Group is finalizing a new climate change action plan, which includes a big step up in financing, building on their record climate financing over the past two years. He noted big challenges to bring all together to achieve GRID: green, resilient, and inclusive development. Janet Yellen, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, mentioned focusing on vulnerable people during the pandemic. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, focused on giving everyone a fair shot during a sustainable recovery. All three commented on the importance of tackling climate change.
  • Publication
    South Asia Development Update, April 2024: Jobs for Resilience
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2024-04-02) World Bank
    South Asia is expected to continue to be the fastest-growing emerging market and developing economy (EMDE) region over the next two years. This is largely thanks to robust growth in India, but growth is also expected to pick up in most other South Asian economies. However, growth in the near-term is more reliant on the public sector than elsewhere, whereas private investment, in particular, continues to be weak. Efforts to rein in elevated debt, borrowing costs, and fiscal deficits may eventually weigh on growth and limit governments' ability to respond to increasingly frequent climate shocks. Yet, the provision of public goods is among the most effective strategies for climate adaptation. This is especially the case for households and farms, which tend to rely on shifting their efforts to non-agricultural jobs. These strategies are less effective forms of climate adaptation, in part because opportunities to move out of agriculture are limited by the region’s below-average employment ratios in the non-agricultural sector and for women. Because employment growth is falling short of working-age population growth, the region fails to fully capitalize on its demographic dividend. Vibrant, competitive firms are key to unlocking the demographic dividend, robust private investment, and workers’ ability to move out of agriculture. A range of policies could spur firm growth, including improved business climates and institutions, the removal of financial sector restrictions, and greater openness to trade and capital flows.
  • Publication
    Media and Messages for Nutrition and Health
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2020-06) Calleja, Ramon V., Jr.; Mbuya, Nkosinathi V.N.; Morimoto, Tomo; Thitsy, Sophavanh
    The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has experienced rapid and significant economic growth over the past decade. However, poor nutritional outcomes remain a concern. Rates of childhood undernutrition are particularly high in remote, rural, and upland areas. Media have the potential to play an important role in shaping health and nutrition–related behaviors and practices as well as in promoting sociocultural and economic development that might contribute to improved nutritional outcomes. This report presents the results of a media audit (MA) that was conducted to inform the development and production of mass media advocacy and communication strategies and materials with a focus on maternal and child health and nutrition that would reach the most people from the poorest communities in northern Lao PDR. Making more people aware of useful information, essential services and products and influencing them to use these effectively is the ultimate goal of mass media campaigns, and the MA measures the potential effectiveness of media efforts to reach this goal. The effectiveness of communication channels to deliver health and nutrition messages to target beneficiaries to ensure maximum reach and uptake can be viewed in terms of preferences, satisfaction, and trust. Overall, the four most accessed media channels for receiving information among communities in the study areas were village announcements, mobile phones, television, and out-of-home (OOH) media. Of the accessed media channels, the top three most preferred channels were village announcements (40 percent), television (26 percent), and mobile phones (19 percent). In terms of trust, village announcements were the most trusted source of information (64 percent), followed by mobile phones (14 percent) and television (11 percent). Hence of all the media channels, village announcements are the most preferred, have the most satisfied users, and are the most trusted source of information in study communities from four provinces in Lao PDR with some of the highest burden of childhood undernutrition.
  • Publication
    Remarks at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-10-12) Malpass, David
    World Bank Group President David Malpass discussed biodiversity and climate change being closely interlinked, with terrestrial and marine ecosystems serving as critically important carbon sinks. At the same time climate change acts as a direct driver of biodiversity and ecosystem services loss. The World Bank has financed biodiversity conservation around the world, including over 116 million hectares of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas, 10 million hectares of Terrestrial Protected Areas, and over 300 protected habitats, biological buffer zones and reserves. The COVID pandemic, biodiversity loss, climate change are all reminders of how connected we are. The recovery from this pandemic is an opportunity to put in place more effective policies, institutions, and resources to address biodiversity loss.