IFRS

Term from Accounting industry explained for recruiters

IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) is a set of global accounting rules that companies use to prepare their financial statements. Think of it as a universal language for financial reporting that helps companies from different countries understand each other's financial information. Companies use these standards to show their financial health, profits, and losses in a way that investors and other businesses worldwide can understand. Similar systems include US GAAP, but IFRS is more commonly used internationally. When you see IFRS on a resume, it means the person knows how to prepare or work with financial statements that follow these international rules.

Examples in Resumes

Led financial reporting team in converting company records from local standards to IFRS

Prepared monthly financial statements in compliance with IFRS standards

Trained junior accountants on IFRS implementation and reporting requirements

Successfully managed the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards for a multinational company

Typical job title: "IFRS Accountants"

Also try searching for:

Financial Accountant IFRS Reporting Specialist International Accountant Financial Reporting Manager Group Accountant Corporate Accountant Financial Controller

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage the transition from local accounting standards to IFRS for a large company?

Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss creating a transition plan, identifying key differences between standards, training staff, updating systems, and managing stakeholder communications throughout the process.

Q: How do you stay current with IFRS updates and ensure compliance?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for keeping up with new standards, implementing changes, training teams, and maintaining documentation of accounting policies.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main differences between IFRS and local accounting standards?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain key differences in reporting requirements, recognition criteria, and measurement approaches between IFRS and local standards.

Q: How do you ensure accurate IFRS reporting in a multinational company?

Expected Answer: Should discuss coordination with international teams, standardization of processes, and quality control procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic IFRS financial statements?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list and briefly explain the main financial statements: Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Statement of Changes in Equity.

Q: How do you prepare basic IFRS compliant notes to financial statements?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of disclosure requirements and ability to draft basic financial statement notes.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic financial statement preparation
  • Understanding of IFRS principles
  • Basic accounting software knowledge
  • Financial statement note preparation

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex financial reporting
  • Consolidated accounts preparation
  • Technical IFRS knowledge
  • Team coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • IFRS implementation management
  • Strategic financial planning
  • Team leadership
  • Stakeholder management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic financial statements
  • Lack of experience with accounting software
  • Poor understanding of international business context
  • No experience with multi-currency transactions
  • Unable to explain basic IFRS principles