Fair Value Accounting: measurements of biological assets in praxis and perspectives of accounting professionals in the Brazilian sugarcane sector

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the context of fair value measurements of biological assets under the accounting professionals’ perspective from the Brazilian sugarcane sector. Secondly, verifying the existence of clusters among the participants of the study and also checking whether or not there is a relationship between the accounting professional’s profile and his perception of the impacts on the measurement of biological assets. A field study was carried out utilizing a survey with qualitative and quantitative approach, involving cluster analysis, content analysis and Fisher’s exact test, considering a population sample of 32 accounting professionals from the sector. From the cluster analysis it was possible to identify the existence of three professional groups with similar characteristics of profile and perception of impacts brought by IAS nº 41. The quantitative analysis shows that the professionals that work in plants located in states with high or low concentration of sugarcane productive chain perceive the rule distinctively. The qualitative analysis suggest that there are two views, one against and the other in favor of the rule, showing that there is not a consensus when it comes to enforcing the rule in the sector. As few studies attempt to analyze the impact, advantages and disadvantages from the accountant’s point of view, this study contributes to fill out this gap. This study offers insights to the governing entities on the necessity of a greater practical detailing and problems related to the acceptance of the rule in Brazil.