The political and regulatory challenges of effectively implementing an international accounting system

These are pivotal times in accounting history. Globalization, world trade and financial market integration have given international accounting standards increased relevance and priority. The possibility of worldwide use of a single set of international accounting standards could provide tremendous value in the increasingly global business world. This paper examines whether this possibility can be realized in a sustainable way by looking at two primary areas of concern in the implementation of an international accounting system: the politics of implementing uniform accounting standards and subsequent regulation of such a system. The value of an international system has become irrefutable. However, some serious underlying concerns about the international system remain. Has accounting become a house built on sand with the wide adoption of these standards: While benefit of a single-set of high quality international standards is undeniable, the sustainability and enforceability of these standards and the system that implements and maintains them is still questionable. By exploring the political challenges of adopting international standards and the regulatory challenges of maintaining an international system, this paper aims to shed more light on questions of effectiveness and sustainability of an International accounting system.