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The use of accruals to manage reported earnings: theory and evidence

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  • Timothy W. Koch
  • Larry D. Wall

Abstract

This paper develops a model in which firm managers maximize their own compensation by using accruals to manage reported earnings. The results of the model suggest that the form of the managerial compensation function and managerial time preferences may have an important influence on the relationship between accruals and latent earnings. Among the possible relationships suggested by the model are strategies we call Smooth Income, Occasional Big Bath, Live for Today, and Maximize Variability, each of which suggests a different reporting strategy pursued by managers. Most empirical tests of accruals are inconsistent with this and other theoretical models because they include a single earnings variable in a linear regression analysis. Instead, we document the reporting of accruals by two firms, Sunbeam and Citicorp, that is consistent with the ?Live for Today? and ?Occasional Big Bath? strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy W. Koch & Larry D. Wall, 2000. "The use of accruals to manage reported earnings: theory and evidence," FRB Atlanta Working Paper 2000-23, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedawp:2000-23
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    File URL: https://www.frbatlanta.org/-/media/documents/research/publications/wp/2000/wp0023.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Balboa, Marina & López-Espinosa, Germán & Rubia, Antonio, 2013. "Nonlinear dynamics in discretionary accruals: An analysis of bank loan-loss provisions," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 37(12), pages 5186-5207.
    2. Emrah Arbak, 2017. "Identifying the provisioning policies of Belgian banks," Working Paper Research 326, National Bank of Belgium.
    3. Lanouar Charfeddine, 2012. "Income Smoothing and CEO Job Security," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 4(3), pages 95-106.
    4. Ignacio Ferrero & Alejo José G. Sison, 2012. "A Survey on Virtue in Business and Management (1980-2011)," Faculty Working Papers 06/12, School of Economics and Business Administration, University of Navarra.
    5. Timothy W. Koch & Larry D. Wall, 2000. "Bank loan-loss accounting: a review of theoretical and empirical evidence," Economic Review, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, vol. 85(Q2), pages 1-20.
    6. Hua Cheng & Kishore Gawande & Steven Ongena & Shusen Qi, 2020. "Get beyond policy uncertainty: Evidence from political connections," Swiss Finance Institute Research Paper Series 20-77, Swiss Finance Institute.
    7. Malovaná Simona & Tesařová Žaneta, 2021. "What is the Sustainable Level of Banks’ Credit Losses and Provisions?," Review of Economic Perspectives, Sciendo, vol. 21(3), pages 235-258, September.
    8. Md. Thasinul Abedin, 2016. "The Embellishment of Bottom Line through Hyperbole of Accrued Earnings: A Case of Deliberate Earnings Management of a Non-bank Financial Institution Enlisted in Dhaka Stock Exchange and Chittagong Sto," Business and Management Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 2(4), pages 42-53, December.
    9. Malovaná Simona & Tesařová Žaneta, 2022. "Banks’ Credit Losses and Provisioning over the Business Cycle: Implications for IFRS," Review of Economic Perspectives, Sciendo, vol. 22(1), pages 53-74, March.
    10. Robert P. Gray & Frank L. Clarke, 2004. "A Methodology for Calculating the Allowance for Loan Losses in Commercial Banks," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 40(3), pages 321-341, October.
    11. Emrah Arbak, 2017. "Identifying the provisioning policies of Belgian banks," Working Paper Research 326, National Bank of Belgium.
    12. Pandey, Ashish & Guhathakurta, Kousik, 2022. "Value relevance of loan loss provision components and the choice of model specification," Advances in accounting, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    13. Sarowar Hossain & Gary S. Monroe, 2015. "Chief Financial Officers’ Short- and Long-term Incentive-based Compensation and Earnings Management," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 25(3), pages 279-291, September.

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