Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

What SSAP24 can tell us about accounting quality

Sweeting, Paul (2011) What SSAP24 can tell us about accounting quality. British Actuarial Journal, 16 (3). pp. 723-775. ISSN 1357-3217. (doi:10.1017/S1357321711000183) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:47887)

PDF (What SSAP 24 can tell us about accounting quality - Restricted due to publisher copyright policy) Publisher pdf
Language: English

Restricted to Repository staff only
[thumbnail of What SSAP 24 can tell us about accounting quality - Restricted due to publisher copyright policy]
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1357321711000183

Abstract

Statement of Standard Accounting Practice (SSAP) 24 required, for the first time, particular levels of disclosure in relation to firms’ pension arrangements. Whilst this was a major step forward, it allowed a significant degree of discretion. This discretion meant that SSAP 24 was an observable measure of the quality and quantity of accounting disclosure for firms. This information can be used to determine the types of firms that give less information or use weaker assumptions. In my analysis, I find some evidence that large firms give more complete disclosures, but also that they are more able to exert influence on their actuaries to use weaker assumptions for the valuation of pension scheme liabilities. There is also some evidence that more profitable firms disclose less, so firms with a higher average tax rate might want to overfund their pension scheme. Finally, there is evidence that highly levered funds are less likely to give complete disclosure, and that when they do disclose their assumptions, they use a weaker basis.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1017/S1357321711000183
Uncontrolled keywords: Statement of Standard Accounting Practice; SSAP 24; Accounting Disclosure; Valuation of Pension Scheme Liabilities; Disclosure Assumptions
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HG Finance
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science
Depositing User: Paul Sweeting
Date Deposited: 08 Apr 2015 12:19 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:19 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/47887 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Sweeting, Paul.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.