Like its previous editions, the Seventh Edition of Accounting Theory presents complex materials in a clear and understandable manner. Incorporating the latest accounting standards and presenting the most up-to-date accounting theory from the top academic journals in accounting and finance throughout the world, this book comprehensibly presents both the theoretical structure of accounting theory as well as the politics of the standard-setting process, which often opposes the theoretical structure. Key Features: - A reorganized table of contents with a thoroughly revised chapter on International Accounting (Chapter 10) - Discussion of the conceptual framework of the IASB (Chapter 7) - An emphasis on principles-based standards as opposed to rules-based standards - More theoretical issues are related to real world examples coming from the popular news media. - New questions, cases, problems, and writing assignments--many from corporate annual reports. - An Instructor's Resource CD includes answers to end-of-chapter materials, chapter summaries, test banks, and PowerPoint slides.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. AN INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING THEORY Accounting Theory and Policy Making The Role of Measurement in Accounting Plan of This Book Appendix 1-A: Valuation Systems 2. ACCOUNTING THEORY AND ACCOUNTING RESEARCH Accounting Research and Scientific Method Is Accounting an Art or a Science? Directions in Accounting Research A Scientific Revolution in Accounting? 3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING Accounting in the United States Prior to 1939 Formative Years, 1930-1946 Postwar Period, 1946-1959 Modern Period, 1959 to the Present 4. THE ECONOMICS OF FINANCIAL REPORTING REGULATION The Case for Unregulated Markets for Accounting Information Regulated Markets Imperfections of Accounting Regulation The Regulatory Process Economic Consequences of Accounting Policy 5. POSTULATES, PRINCIPLES, AND CONCEPTS Postulates and Principles Basic Concepts Underlying Historical Costing Equity Theories Appendix 5-A: The Basic Postulates of Accounting Appendix 5-B: A Tentative Set of Broad Accounting Principles for Enterprises 6. THE SEARCH FOR OBJECTIVES ASOBAT APB Statement 4 The Trueblood Committee Report SATTA User Objectives and User Diversity 7. THE FASB'S CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK The FASB Conceptual Framework The Conceptual Framework as a Codificational Document Empirical Research on the Conceptual Framework Assessing the Conceptual Framework 8. USEFULNESS OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION TO INVESTORS AND CREDITORS Earnings, Dividends and Stock Prices Residual Income Models Background on Risk and Return Introduction to Capital Markets Research in Accounting The Value of Accounting Information: Evidence From Return Data The Value of Accounting Information: Evidence From Direct Valuation Accounting Data and Creditors Importance of Earnings Forecasting Empirical Research and Standard Setting 9. UNIFORMITY AND DISCLOSURE: SOME POLICY-MAKING DIRECTIONS What Underlies the Choice Among Accounting Methods? Uniformity The Usefulness of Accounting Allocations Disclosure 10. INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING National Accounting Differences International Harmonization of Accounting Standards 11. THE BALANCE SHEET The Relationship Between the Balance Sheet and the Income Statement Assets Liabilities Owners' Equity Financial Instruments Classification in the Balance Sheet Appendix 11-A: A Simple Example of a Weather Derivative 12. THE INCOME STATEMENT Income Definitions Revenues and Gains Expenses and Losses Future Events and Accounting Recognition Current Operating Versus All-Inclusive Income Nonoperating Sections Earnings per Share Special Subjects Concerning Income Measurement Earnings Management Income Statement Developments 13. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS The Statement of Changes in Financial Position The Motivation for a Cash Flow Statement Requirements of the Cash Flow Statement Classification Problems of SFAS No. 95 Analytical Usefulness of the Cash Flow Statement Cash and Funds Flow Research Improving the SCF 14. ACCOUNTING FOR CHANGING PRICES AND INFLATION Institutional Aspects of Inflation Accounting Prior to SFAS No. 33 An Overview of Inflation Accounting Provisions of SFAS No. 33 and Rejection in SFAS Nos. 82 and 89 SFAS No. 157 15. INCOME TAXES AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING Income Tax Allocation The Asset-Liability Orientation of SFAS No. 109 Empirical Research on Income Tax Allocation International Accounting Standards 16. PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS Overview of Pension Plans Development of Pension Accounting Standards Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions International Accounting Standards Appendix 16-A: Illustration of Pension Expense Determination and Actuarial Funding Methods 17. LEASES The Lease Contract The Evaluation of Lease Accounting Standards Lease Accounting Under the IASB 18. INTERCORPORATE EQUITY INVESTMENTS Relevant Circumstances Consolidation The Equity Method The Fair Value Method Defining the Reporting Entity Translation of Foreign Operations Appendix 18-A: Special Purpose Entities, Variable Interest Entities and the Downfall of Enron

Author Biography

Harry I. Wolk (1930-2009) held a BS in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and MBA and PhD degrees from Michigan State University. He was the lead author on Accounting Theory for seven editions and the inspiration for the eighth edition. James L. Dodd (BS: California State University, Fresno; MBA: University of South Alabama; PhD: The University of Georgia) is Aliber Distinguished Professor of Accounting at Drake University. He is a Fulbright Scholar Alumnus participating in academic exchanges with Norway (1999-2000) and Iceland (2007). His professional interests include international accounting, accounting theory, and fraud examination. John J. Rozycki (BS: King's College; MBA: University of Scranton; PhD: The Penn State University) is Associate Professor of Finance at Drake University where he teaches corporate finance and equity valuation. His professional interests include equity and business valuation, corporate capital allocation decisions, financial planning, financing decisions, and financial statement analysis.