What You Need to Do:
This assignment has two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. You need to prepare your OWN answer in response to each question in each part.
Part 1:
Read through the 2020 general purpose consolidated financial statements including notes (to the financial statements) of Anglo American and China Shenhua Energy. Based on your reading and independent research, answer the following questions:
(a) Which accounting standards did Anglo American (AA) and China Shenhua Energy (CSE) apply in preparing the
consolidated financial statements?
(b) Who sets the accounting standards in China? In the U.K.? Discuss with references.
(c) What similarities and differences do you observe between the two sets of financial statements? Your focus should be on the application of accounting standards and nature of accounts rather than the reported amounts or financial performance.
(d) Using Hofstede’s societal dimensions, how would you describe China and the U.K. as two different societies?
(e) Do you think financial reporting of Chinese and U.K. companies will converge one day? Why or why not?
Part 2:
(a) Comment on the CSR reporting within the annual report of CSE and the integrated report of AA.
(b) Comment on the earnings persistence and the accrual component in earnings of AA-à-vis CSE in 2020.
(c) Between AA and CSE, which company has greater debt-based incentives to manage reporting earnings? Why?
(d) Identify and list the foreign currency transactions and financial instruments of AA and CSE in 2020.
(e) Do you think AA or CSE is exposed to high political costs? Why or why not?