Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the extent of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) among companies in various sectors. The adoption of IFRS has become a global trend in the field of accounting, aimed at enhancing transparency, comparability, and quality of financial reporting. However, the degree of compliance with these standards varies across countries and industries, raising concerns about the reliability and consistency of financial information. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of financial statements with qualitative data from interviews with key stakeholders, such as financial managers, auditors, and regulators. By analyzing financial reports of a sample of companies, the research will assess the level of adherence to IFRS requirements and identify any discrepancies or non-compliance issues. Furthermore, the qualitative aspect of the study will provide insights into the challenges and barriers faced by companies in implementing IFRS. Factors such as differences in regulatory frameworks, cultural influences, and the complexity of certain accounting standards may affect the extent to which companies comply with IFRS. Understanding these challenges can help regulators and standard-setters to improve the implementation and enforcement of IFRS. The research findings will contribute to the existing literature on IFRS compliance and offer practical recommendations for companies, regulators, and standard-setters. By identifying areas of non-compliance and exploring the underlying reasons, this study can help improve the quality and reliability of financial reporting. Overall, this research project aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the extent of compliance with IFRS among companies in different sectors. By examining both quantitative and qualitative data, the study seeks to uncover the factors influencing compliance with IFRS and suggest ways to enhance the effectiveness of these standards. Ultimately, the research aims to promote transparency, comparability, and trust in financial reporting, benefiting investors, regulators, and other stakeholders in the global financial community.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background of the Study

The fact that users rely on financial reports when assessing economic decisions, in particular financial reports issued by public companies, required the establishment of standards to regulate the preparation of such statements to improve their reliability. Accounting standards have been developed in several countries to regulate accounting systems specific to their environment. In the overtime, the companies have grown and have expanded beyond the borders. The requirements for corporate capital have also increased, with new capital coming from international markets. Different information needs of users from national and international sources as well as difficulties in the comparability of degrees due to different standards have emerged. Due to the increasing integration of international markets, companies around the world need to work to match the activities of international companies (Beier, 2008). Tafara (2008) rightly stated that stakeholders and investors are no longer limited in their choice of companies and investment opportunities in order to find the best portfolio.

According to Choi and Meek (2005), a higher degree of comparability and quality of financial statements is required as international audiences become more widely known and unaware of the different national accounting standards in which financial statements are prepared. If investors and stakeholders can not gain a reasonable and transparent view of the selected companies, additional costs in the form of potential capital losses or investment opportunities will result in a lack of confidence in the companies.

As the forces of globalization encourage more and more countries to open their doors to foreign investment, and as companies expand beyond their borders, public and private companies are increasingly recognizing the benefits of globalization. Uniform financial reporting system supported by globally recognized strict accounting standards.

Harmonization efforts in 1973 led to the establishment of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC), which published a series of standards called International Accounting Standards (IAS). Since April 2001, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has taken over the responsibilities of its predecessor, the IASC, in the definition of accounting standards in order to make the standards set binding for all members. , The IASB has adopted all standards issued by the IASC, which continue to be referred to as IAS. However, the new standards would be published as a series called International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The globally recognized and long-awaited accounting standard has been a success with the IASB's development of IFRSs, with more than 120 countries converting their standards into IFRS (Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, 2010).

1.2 Problem statement

Nigeria adopted IFRSs instead of the previous national accounting standards (ANAN) as of January 1, 2007 as part of its efforts to promote accelerated private sector growth. ). The Board of Directors of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) officially passed its adoption on January 23, 2007, committing all listed companies, public bodies, banks and insurance companies to IFRS on December 31, 2007 and others. Entities have been given an additional transitional period of two years (United Nations, 2007). Currently, Nigeria is one of 15 countries in Africa, with countries such as Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Swaziland and Uganda. IFRS (Zori 2011, PricewaterhouseCoopers 2010).

However, empirical studies by Street and Gray (2001) and Glaum and Street (2003) have found that companies in their annual reports have often claimed to fully comply with IFRS, although in reality this is the case material differences to IFRSs. Similarly, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) found that accountants confirm that companies comply with IAS when accounting policies and ratings state otherwise (Cairns, 1997). In this context, the study attempted to determine the degree of compliance with IFRS for all companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and to identify the drivers of IFRS compliance and the differences between them. if applicable, between the types in terms of their compliance with IFRS.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is the examination on the extent of compliance to International Financial Reporting Standard in WEMA Bank PLC. Specifically the study will;

1. Examine the extent of compliance with IFRS by WEMA bank plc

2. To determine the factors influencing IFRSs compliance.

3. To examine if there exist any differences, between types of industry with regard to their compliance with IFRSs.

1.4 Significance of the study

The study aims to help the public sector take a comprehensive approach to accounting standards and IFRS. The study will also be of interest to public universities, higher education institutions, research institutes and individual researchers interested in accounting standards and will use the results for further research. This study will encourage researchers to identify the effectiveness and efficiency of the sector. The research will help individual bankin industry understand their position relative to the standard of their financial report.

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The study hypothesis is:

HO1:  There is no compliance of IFRS by WEMA bank plc.

HO2:  There is no significant difference between types of industry with regard to their compliance with IFRSs.

1.6  Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study scope is limited the examination on the extent of compliance to International Financial Reporting Standard in WEMA Bank PLC. Limitation faced by the research was limited time and financial constraint.

1.7  Definition of Basic terminologies

Corporate Size: It is the size of a firm irrespective of the way it is measured (e.g., total assets, sales turnover, and number of shares) is a variable that can explain to a reasonable extent, the quality of firms disclosures.

Profitability: This is the degree to which a business or activity yields profit or financial gain.

Leverage: This is the the ratio of a company's loan capital (debt) to the value of its ordinary shares (equity); gearing.