Factors affecting the application of IFRS through the perceptions of business managers and auditors in Vietnam

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence the application of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Vietnam through the perceptions of business managers and auditors. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods based on a comprehensive analysis and aggregation of information available from various sources, the results of the questionnaire interviews of 500 managers and auditors currently working in Vietnam are offered. The results of the study show that factors affecting the applicability of IFRS in Vietnam are: legal basis for accounting activities; characteristics of enterprises; qualification and competency of the accounting teams; and corporate governance. The study also finds that governance factors and socio-economic and cultural conditions have an uncertain influence on the IFRS applicability. At the same time, there is no significant difference in awareness of the ability to apply IFRS between the group of enterprise managers and auditors and groups of people with different work experience. Among them, the qualifications and competencies of the accountant teams and the characteristics of enterprises are the two factors that have the strongest impact on the applicability of IFRS in Vietnam.