Answer:
Most changes in accounting principles are only reported in current periods when the principle change takes place.
Explanation:
Accounting principle can be defined as a general guideline to be followed by accountants or financial institutions when they record and report their financial transactions.
A change in an accounting principle involves a change in an accounting method used.
For instance, an accountant switching between First In, First Out (FIFO) to Last In, First Out (LIFO) method of inventory valuation or by using another depreciation method.
Additionally, an accounting principle should only be changed, if it's applicable to the accounting framework being used such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Also, it is important to state in the footnotes of the financial statements a full disclosure to highlight the justification for the preferred change and financial implications of this change.
The following are true about the change in accounting principles;
1. Most changes in accounting principles are retroactively reported.
2. Changes in accounting principles are allowed when new principles are preferable to old ones.
3. Consistency is one of the biggest concerns when a change in accounting principle is undertaken.
