Constructiveness of Accounting Principles System

Abstract

The article reveals philosophical understanding of the «principle» notion, as well as scientific approaches to the interpretation and differentiation of accounting principles. The structural composition of the principle system has been determined, which made it possible to identify internal determination links, the determining role of the principles-assumptions that serve as the structural «foundation», and the original nature of the principles-requirements that act as «pillars» and provide limiting mechanisms for the principles-assumptions implementation in order to accomplish tasks and achieve the aim of accounting. Based on a definite approach to understanding and differentiating the accounting principles, the «foundation» principles or principles-assumptions are continuity and autonomy that are characterized by long-term permanence with regard to composition and inertia in changing the requests of users of accounting information. Principles-requirements are characterized by volatility in quantity and composition, and those principles are discussed a lot. Since these principles are a limiting framework that ensures the formation of useful accounting information and reporting, scientists are trying to «design» an optimally effective system of principles that are subsequently legitimized at the state and world level. Proceeding from the principles system structure, it is possible to predict the change in the usefulness of accounting information. It has been established that such changes would be manifested in the shift of the usefulness targeting, that is, an increase in the degree of satisfaction of information needs of some users would be effected on account of reducing the satisfaction of others. So, in the long run, it is possible to predict other changes in the principles-requirements, including the return to the cancelled ones, depending on the priority of the users’ interests. As to the principles-assumptions, there are no preconditions for their change or doubts about the relevance of existence for today. Changing these fundamental principles is possible only in the context of changing the accounting paradigm and will cause the unconditional need to build new principles-requirements.