The Grant Thornton International IFRS team has published COVID-19: Accounting implications for CFOs – Considerations when preparing financial statements and using alternative performance measures.

Preparers of financial statements are now having to think about how, where and in what form they should report COVID-19 in their financial statements. It is important to not only comply with the guidance set out in IFRS, but also ensure that the financial statements are an effective part of the wider communication with stakeholders.

The publication sets out various ways to enhance communication on how the pandemic has impacted the financial position and performance of any reporting entity. These include sensitivity analysis, the use of alternative performance measures and changing line items that have previously been disclosed within the financial statements.

The publication COVID-19: Accounting implications for CFOs – Considerations when preparing financial statements and using alternative performance measures is attached to this IFRS Adviser Alert.

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The Grant Thornton International IFRS team has published COVID-19 – Going concern considerations.

The consequences of COVID-19 are expected to have a significant impact on the going concern assumption for a large number of entities. Some which were previously a going concern may no longer be. Many will need to apply significant judgment and be required to consider the impact of material uncertainties in assessing the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Therefore, it is likely that the impact of COVID-19 will put added pressure on entities to disclose information for users that is relevant and useful in their financial statements. In respect of the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, such disclosures relate to the following:

  • Significant judgements and estimates made in management’s assessment;
  • Any material uncertainties in existence;
  • Management’s plans to address the material uncertainties that exist.

In addition, in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) 570 Going concern, an auditor is required to consider the adequacy of disclosures in relation to management’s assessment of going concern.

The publication COVID-19 – Going concern considerations discusses ways to improve entities’ going concern disclosures.

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Jean-François Boudreault
Vice President and General Manager - AURAY Leadership | Human resources consulting

Businesses are going through difficult times but you can still make sure your employer knows your worth.

The situation in the last months hasn’t been easy on organizations and business in many sectors is very slow. Some businesses have shut down while others are gradually picking up. However, generally speaking, most organizations have taken a hard hit. They’ve been forced to cut their expenses, review their operating budget, put a hold on investment projects, and freeze salaries, recruitment and promotions. It may not look like it’s the best time to negotiate a raise.

But it might actually be the perfect time. You can consolidate your position and work on your strategy. Here a few starting points:

1. Know your value on the market

Before asking for a salary increase, do a little soul searching and ask yourself if:

  • Your responsibilities meet your needs;
  • You’re still as driven to do your job;
  • The business and your manager meet your expectations.

A better salary won’t necessarily improve your work life quality and it won’t reignite your sense of belonging or make you happier. Make sure you do it for the right reasons.

Do you know your theoretical value on the market? It represents how much is normally paid for a similar experience on a comparative market.

There are a few ways to get this information. If you’re a member of a professional order, you probably have access to salary surveys that can give you an idea. You can also easily find public surveys or reference databases on the internet, or refer to recruitment agencies.

We know that the best way to get a raise is when you start a new job or get promoted. So, how can you make the most of the situation when you’ve been stuck in your seat?

2. Showcase what you bring to the table

Put yourself in the manager’s shoes. Build your arguments and deliver them smartly at the right time. You must be able to clearly explain how you contribute to the organization and show your added value as an employee.

  • What do you bring to the table?
  • How can you contribute to company growth and wealth?
  • Did you come up with projects that helped the organization save money?
  • What are your success stories?

Think of all the projects you worked on, the internal controls you’ve put in place that helped avoid the worst, how you promote and help put the organization on the map, and the excellent client experience you never fail to deliver.

Highlight the value of your contributions and projects. And remember that managers look at costs and benefits. So, avoid using arguments like “I’m underpaid” or “I deserve it; I’ve been doing this job for a long time.” Look further and have a strategic approach.

3. Put your skills and knowledge forward

You can emphasize a wide array of skills but you must choose wisely. Remember that you will have to justify—and perhaps even debate—each and every one of them during your interview.

First, know the difference between skills and qualities. Professional skills are associated with a specific know-how that you have acquired and had validated through an experience or a diploma.

Qualities are personality or character traits. Ask yourself what special aptitudes helped you deliver your projects and mandates successfully; those are your personal qualities and talent.

IT professionals can show their managers that their skills and expertise are needed and are crucial in ensuring business continuity and security before and after the current pandemic. Without them, most companies would have struggled with the wave of people working from home.

For example, a number of studies have shown that businesses were not equipped in the event of a cyber-attack. If you work in IT and have expertise in cybersecurity, highlight how you can bring value to the organization in times of teleworking, especially seeing how it is increasingly difficult to hire and retain individuals with those skills.

4. Have a strategy and be open to other options

Be strategic and pick the right time. Your annual performance review meeting is the worst time to negotiate raise because that’s what your co-workers will be doing too.

Be ahead of the game! Back yourself up using the information you’ve researched and your achievements that make you one of a kind.

Negotiating is an art. Prepare for your interview and be ready for the worst-case scenario. Make sure you have the arguments to counter-attack if needed.

Be open to other options if a raise is out of the question. For example, you can bring up employee benefits such as company shares, extra days off, a discretionary expense account, a flexible schedule, a company car, paid parking, enhanced group insurance, or a bonus.

5. Stay positive

Despite the potential hurdles and what you may think, it is always in the best interest of organizations to recognize employees with key skills and how they contribute to their business. They know the importance of fair compensation, even more so knowing that many employees would not hesitate to walk out the door if they feel exploited or undervalued. So, feel free to let your manager know that you truly appreciate the organization and want to help it succeed.

Asking for a raise is a key aspect of the professional development process but timing is everything. If your request is denied, the reasons are surely justifiable, and for you, it is not the end.

Getting up with a smile on your face every day, enjoying what you do at work, and feeling like you’re contributing to the organization is often more rewarding than a raise.

Keep up your excellent work and pursue your professional development journey. Understand what drives you, know what your goals are and why you deserve a raise. Your efforts will be recognized if you carry on with the right attitude—and you can try again with a new strategy in a few months.

24 Aug 2020  |  Written by :

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Montreal’s strategic location and tech skills base combined with Canada’s outward-looking approach to international trading make the city the perfect access point not just to North America, but also to the rest of the world.

“International trade is at the heart of Montreal’s growth strategy,” says Valérie Verdoni, senior director at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton in Canada and director of the firm’s International Business Centre. “The free-trade agreements that Canada has with its neighbours in North America, with the European Union, as well as with other blocs all over the world means we have access to more than 50 economies representing around 1.5 billion consumers.”

She adds: “And within Canada, Montreal has a wide range of advantages and incentives for international businesses.” These range from its excellent strategic location in terms of road and rail as well as air freight and travel, to world-class business infrastructure and, perhaps most compellingly, the city’s high level of human capital.

To learn more, click here. 

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