Uncertainty in financial reporting – Pay close attention to management estimates

Description

Abstract: Some financial statement items are relatively cut-and-dried, but others can’t be measured precisely. As a result, the use of management estimates and judgments comes into play on borrowers’ financial statements. But this can lead to unintentional errors or, worse, intentional misstatement. While the PCAOB is currently considering ways to improve how public company auditors test and inquire about the use of estimates, this article explains how lenders can play a role in testing accounting estimates.