1.4 Qualitative Characteristics of Financial Information
Information that is prepared using the same measurement techniques and reported in a similar fashion is considered comparable information because this information is similar and can be judged side by side other similar financial information. It enables users to identify and understand similarities in, and differences among.
In other words, companies shouldn’t bounce between accounting rules and treatments to manipulate profits or other financial statement elements. Accounting methods should be used consistently.
Understandability | the quality of information that enables users to perceive its significance. |
Relevance | deals with the usefulness of financial information to users during the decision making process. Relevant information has predictive value or confirmatory value, or both. |
Reliability | refers to whether financial information can be verified and used consistently by investors and creditors with the same results. Basically, reliability refers to the trustworthiness of the financial statements. |
Comparability | is a quality of accounting information that addresses the usability of financial information. |
Consistency | refers to the principle that companies should use the same accounting methods to record similar transactions over time. |
Neutrality | is known as the quality of ‘freedom from bias’ or objectivity. |
Materiality | permeates the entire field of accounting and auditing. Financial information need or should be communicated in accounting reports-only material information should be reported. |
Timeliness | means having information available to decision-makers before it loses its capacity to influence decisions. |

