GASB Has Been Formed in Agreement with Governmental Entities
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is a non-profit organization that establishes and improves accounting and financial reporting standards for state and local governmental entities. GASB has been formed in agreement with these entities to provide guidance on financial reporting that meets the needs of the public.
GASB is responsible for setting accounting and financial reporting standards for thousands of state and local government entities across the United States. The board also provides guidance on issues such as financial reporting, budgeting, and debt management.
The formation of GASB was the result of a need for a standard-setting body that could address the unique accounting and financial reporting requirements of governmental entities. Prior to the establishment of GASB, some governmental entities had attempted to use private sector accounting standards, which were not always applicable to their circumstances.
The agreement between GASB and the governmental entities it serves is based on a recognition of the importance of clear and transparent financial reporting. This ensures that government financial reports are accessible and understandable to all stakeholders, including citizens, legislators, investors, and creditors.
One of the key objectives of GASB is to promote the use of plain language in financial reporting. This means using simple and clear terms and avoiding the use of technical jargon and complex terminology that may be difficult for non-experts to understand. Plain language reporting helps make financial reports more accessible and less intimidating to the general public.
Another important objective of GASB is to improve the consistency and comparability of financial reporting across different governmental entities. This involves developing consistent accounting methods and reporting formats that make it easier for users to compare financial information from different sources.
To achieve these objectives, GASB relies on a transparent and inclusive process for standard development. The board engages in extensive public outreach and stakeholder engagement to ensure that its standards are relevant to the needs of governmental entities and their stakeholders.
In conclusion, GASB has been formed in agreement with state and local governmental entities to provide clear and transparent financial reporting guidance. The board`s objectives include promoting plain language reporting and improving consistency and comparability in financial reporting across different entities. By pursuing these objectives, GASB helps ensure that government financial reports are accessible, easy to understand, and relevant to their users.
