Accounting and accounting rules in Australia

Accounting Rules

Tax Year

The tax year begins on 1 July and ends on 30 June. An alternative tax year may be adopted with approval from the ATO.

Accounting Standards

Australian accounting standards are set by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), an independent government agency. The accounting standards are broadly comparable to the requirements of IFRS, although the AASB has made modifications to certain standards and has issued additional interpretations and guidance to accommodate Australia’s specific legislative and economic environment, or to meet the specific reporting requirements of entities such as nonprofit organizations.

Accounting Regulation Bodies

AASB

Accounting Reports

Certification of accounts concerns the following accounting reports: the Statement of Financial Performance & Position or Balance sheet, i.e. the company's statement of accounts, and the Profit and Loss Statement of the financial year certified.

Publication Requirements

Reporting is carried out yearly.
“Non-reporting entities” (for example, businesses under certain size/turnover limits), however, have the option to prepare special purpose financial statements (SPFS) in compliance with accounting standards and interpretations considered necessary to enable the financial reports to meet the special purpose needs of the users.

Professional Accountancy Bodies

CPA , Certified Public Accountant professional association
IPA , Institute of Public Accountants
ASIC , Australian Securities and Investment Commission
FRC , Australian Government Financial Reporting Council

Certification and Auditing

The companies have to seek a statutory auditor to conduct an annual audit of the financial health of their organization.
You can contact the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board or an external auditor: PWC, Deloitte, KPMG.

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