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How do You Consolidate Financial Statements

Updated: Jul 1

How do You Consolidate Financial Statements


Consolidate financial statements in Singapore by combining the financial information of a parent company and its subsidiaries into a single set of statements. This presents the group as one economic entity. Here's a general overview:


Why Consolidate?


  • Provides a clearer picture of the entire group's financial health.

  • Improves transparency for investors and creditors.


Who Needs to Consolidate?


Companies with one or more subsidiaries, unless exemptions apply (impracticality or outweighing benefits not considered valid reasons).  Refer to FRS 27 'Separate Financial Statements' for details on exemptions https://www.acra.gov.sg/training-and-resources/publications/reports/acra-annual-reports.


Who Needs to Consolidate?


  • Any entity (parent company) that controls one or more subsidiaries must consolidate their financial statements. "Control" refers to having the power to influence the financial and operating policies of the subsidiary.

  • FRS 110 "Consolidated Financial Statements" provides a detailed explanation https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/preparing-financial-statements.


Basic Consolidation Process:


1. Prepare individual financial statements for the parent and each subsidiary.


2. Eliminate intra-group transactions (transactions between group companies) to avoid double-counting.


3. Account for differences in accounting policies between companies, ensuring uniformity across the consolidated statements.


4. Recognize and measure goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiaries.


5. Consolidate:


  • Balance sheet

  • Income statement

  • Cash flow statement

  • Equity statement


6. Present non-controlling interests (NCI): This represents the ownership stake of minority shareholders in subsidiaries.


Additional Considerations:


  • Uniform accounting policies: Use consistent accounting policies for like transactions and events across the group.

  • Consolidation date: Begin consolidation when control is obtained and cease when control is lost.

  • Non-current assets:  Adjust for differences in valuation bases between parent and subsidiaries.


Is it Mandatory to Prepare Consolidated Financial Statements in Singapore


In Singapore it is mandatory to prepare consolidated financial statements under most circumstances. Here's a breakdown:


Mandatory Consolidation



Exceptions to Consolidation


There are limited exceptions, but the reasons for not consolidating cannot simply be impracticality or outweighing the benefits.  Exemption criteria are detailed in FRS 27 "Separate Financial Statements" https://www.acra.gov.sg/training-and-resources/publications/reports/acra-annual-reports.


Investment Entities


A specific exemption applies to investment entities under certain conditions.  Refer to the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International) (FRS) for details https://www.assb.gov.sg/.


Conclusion


Unless you qualify for a narrow exemption, Singaporean companies with subsidiaries must prepare consolidated financial statements.  


What are the Requirements for Consolidation of Financial Statements


The requirements for consolidation of financial statements in Singapore are outlined in the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) or Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International) (FRS), issued by the Accounting Standards Council (ASC) https://www.assb.gov.sg/. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:




Key Standards



Additional Resources



How Bestar can Help


Bestar can significantly aid in the consolidation process of financial statements, especially in Singapore. Here's how:


  • Expertise in Accounting Standards: We possess in-depth knowledge of Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) or Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (International) (FRS), ensuring the consolidation adheres to regulations set by the Accounting Standards Council (ASC) https://www.assb.gov.sg/.

  • Complexities of Consolidation: Consolidation can be intricate, especially with multiple subsidiaries or varying accounting policies used by the parent company and its subsidiaries. Bestar can navigate these complexities with ease, ensuring an accurate consolidation process.

  • Data Analysis and Accuracy:  We can analyze vast amounts of financial data from the parent company and subsidiaries, identifying and eliminating errors during consolidation. This improves the accuracy and reliability of the consolidated financial statements.

  • Identification and Treatment of Issues: Bestar can identify and appropriately address issues that may arise during consolidation, such as:

  • Intra-group transactions between group companies that need elimination to avoid double-counting.

  • Non-controlling interests (NCI) representing the ownership stake of minority shareholders in subsidiaries.

  • Preparation of Financial Statements: Bestar can prepare consolidated financial statements that are clear, concise, and compliant with Singaporean requirements. These statements will be useful for various stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and regulators.

  • Improved Transparency and Credibility: By ensuring accurate consolidation, Bestar enhance the transparency and credibility of your financial statements for stakeholders. This can lead to increased investor confidence and improved access to financing.


Overall, Bestar can save you time and resources while ensuring your consolidated financial statements are accurate and compliant with Singaporean regulations.


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