Use of financial securities in the Czech Republic: Some evidence from SMEs

Abstract

The international accounting harmonization process and recent developments in international financial reporting standards determined a shift in accounting paradigms from historical cost accounting towards fair value accounting. Our paper analyzes how this shift impacted upon Czech accounting by particularly focusing on reporting for securities. Extending the objective of our paper, we assess the current status in terms of securities being used by small and medium-sized entities and entities' ability to measure these financial instruments. The developed analysis relies on information being collected through the use of a questionnaire based survey. Finally we conclude through a comparative approach of Czech accounting regulations and International Financial Reporting Standards in the area of financial instruments.