IFRS for SMEs Module 15 explains how small and medium-sized entities account for business activities that they control jointly with other parties.
In practical terms, a joint arrangement arises when two or more parties agree to operate or manage an activity together, and key decisions require the unanimous consent of all parties.
What Is a Joint Arrangement?
A joint arrangement exists when:
- There is a contractual arrangement, whether written or legally enforceable; and
- Joint control exists, meaning that no single party can make decisions about the relevant activities alone.
All parties must agree on key decisions.
One party may be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, but this does not necessarily mean that it has sole control over the arrangement.
Why Do Businesses Enter into Joint Arrangements?
Businesses may use joint arrangements to:
- Share costs and risks;
- Access new markets or technology; and
- Undertake large projects that they may not be able to complete independently.
Joint arrangements are common in industries such as:
- Construction;
- Oil and gas;
- Property development; and
- Research and development.
Types of Joint Arrangements
Under IFRS for SMEs, joint arrangements are classified based on their legal form.
1. Jointly Controlled Operations
No separate legal entity is created.
Each party:
- Uses its own assets;
- Incurs its own expenses; and
- Recognises its own income.
2. Jointly Controlled Assets
The parties jointly own or control specific assets, such as a pipeline, building, plant or equipment.
Each party recognises its share of the relevant:
- Assets;
- Liabilities;
- Income; and
- Expenses.
3. Jointly Controlled Entities
A separate legal entity is established, such as a jointly owned company.
Each party accounts for its investment in that entity in accordance with the applicable requirements.
How Are Joint Arrangements Reported?
Module 15 explains:
- Which assets, liabilities, income and expenses each party should recognise;
- How investments in jointly controlled entities should be measured initially and subsequently;
- How to account for transactions between a party and the joint arrangement; and
- How to present and disclose joint arrangements clearly in the financial statements.
The objective is to ensure that the financial statements reflect what the business actually owns, owes, earns and is exposed to—no more and no less.
Key Judgements
One of the most important areas of judgement is determining:
- Whether joint control truly exists;
- Whether key decisions require the unanimous consent of all parties; and
- What the legal form of the arrangement is.
These judgements should be assessed carefully and supported by clear documentation.
Practical Guidance for Accountants
Accountants should:
- Start with the contract, as the contractual terms provide the foundation for the accounting assessment;
- Confirm whether decisions about relevant activities require the agreement of all parties;
- Classify the arrangement based on its legal form, rather than the parties’ business intentions;
- Distinguish joint arrangements from subsidiaries and associates;
- Document significant judgements, as auditors may request evidence of the assessment; and
- Provide clear disclosures so that users can understand the shared risks and rewards.
If one party can make the key decisions alone, the arrangement may not be a joint arrangement.
IFRS for SMEs 第 15 模块：联合安排的会计处理
IFRS for SMEs 第 15 模块说明中小型企业在与其他方共同控制一项业务活动时，应如何进行会计处理。
在实际商业环境中，当两个或以上的参与方同意共同经营或管理一项业务，而重大决策必须获得所有相关方的一致同意时，就可能构成一项联合安排。
什么是联合安排？
联合安排通常具备以下两个条件：
- 存在合同安排，无论是书面合同还是具有法律约束力的安排；以及
- 存在联合控制，即任何一方都不能单独决定相关活动的重大事项。
重大决策必须获得所有参与方的一致同意。
即使其中一方负责日常管理，也不代表该方因此拥有单独控制权。
企业为什么采用联合安排？
企业采用联合安排，可能是为了：
- 分摊成本与风险；
- 进入新市场或取得新技术；以及
- 承接单独一家企业可能无法完成的大型项目。
联合安排在以下行业尤其常见：
- 建筑业；
- 石油与天然气行业；
- 房地产开发；以及
- 研究与开发项目。
联合安排的类型
根据 IFRS for SMEs，联合安排是按照其法律形式进行分类。
1. 共同控制经营
参与方不会成立一个新的独立法律实体。
各参与方分别：
- 使用自己的资产；
- 承担自己的费用；以及
- 确认自己的收入。
2. 共同控制资产
参与方共同拥有或控制特定资产，例如管道、建筑物、厂房或设备。
各参与方应确认其所占份额的：
- 资产；
- 负债；
- 收入；以及
- 费用。
3. 共同控制实体
参与方成立一个独立的法律实体，例如共同拥有的公司。
各参与方应根据适用的会计要求，对其在该实体中的投资进行会计处理。
联合安排如何列报？
第 15 模块说明：
- 各参与方应确认哪些资产、负债、收入及费用；
- 共同控制实体的投资应如何进行初始及后续计量；
- 参与方与联合安排之间的交易应如何处理；以及
- 如何在财务报表中清楚列报及披露联合安排。
其目标是确保财务报表如实反映企业实际拥有、承担、赚取及面临的事项，不多报，也不少报。
需要作出的重要判断
联合安排中较重要的判断包括：
- 是否真正存在联合控制；
- 关键决策是否确实需要所有参与方一致同意；以及
- 该安排的法律形式是什么。
企业必须仔细评估这些问题，并保留清晰的判断依据及相关文件记录。
给会计人员的实务建议
会计人员应当：
- 先从合同开始，因为合同条款是会计判断的基础；
- 确认有关相关活动的决策是否必须得到所有参与方同意；
- 根据安排的法律形式进行分类，而不是根据参与方的商业意图分类；
- 清楚区分联合安排、子公司及联营公司；
- 记录重大判断，因为审计师可能要求提供评估依据；以及
- 作出清晰披露，让财务报表使用者了解各方共同承担的风险及享有的回报。
如果其中一方可以独自作出关键决策，该安排可能并不属于联合安排。
