Rickman to Accounting Standards Review Board
27 January 2005 Media Statement
Rickman appointed to
Accounting Standards Review Board
Commerce Minister Pete Hodgson today announced the appointment of Julie Rickman as a member of the ASRB for a four year term.
“Julie Rickman has a thorough understanding of the United States and international financial reporting standards and the relationships between the New Zealand standards and those applying overseas. She also has considerable expertise in working with small to medium enterprises," said Pete Hodgson.
"Her skills and experience are highly regarded and she makes a welcome addition to the ASRB as New Zealand moves to adopt international accounting standards for public reporting entities”, Pete Hodgson said.
Julie Rickman is the partner responsible for assurance services with Beattie Rickman, Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, Hamilton.
BACKGROUND
The Role of the ASRB
The ASRB is a Crown entity established under the Financial Reporting Act 1993. The ASRB approves financial reporting standards in New Zealand. Its main function is to review and, if it thinks fit, approve any financial reporting standard or amendment submitted to it. In carrying out this function, the ARSB is also charged with:
- encouraging the
development of financial reporting standards, including
financial reporting standards for different classes of
reporting entity;
- making recommendations in relation to
the submission to it for approval of financial reporting
standards or amendments to approved financial standards;
and
- liaising with the Australian Accounting Standards
Board and the Financial Reporting Council with a view to
harmonising New Zealand and Australian financial reporting
standards.
It is a time of major change for the ASRB as New Zealand is in the process of adopting international financial reporting standards (“IFRS”) for reporting periods commencing 1 January 2007. This means that the ASRB is increasing its emphasis on influencing international standards as they are being made.
As IFRS are designed only for profit-oriented entities, the ASRB will continue to have a role in setting standards for the public sector, as well as other public benefit entities.
In addition the Government is currently reviewing the Financial Reporting Act. The review envisages that the ASRB will be replaced with a new body with broader responsibilities from as early as mid 2006.
Membership of the ASRB
The ASRB consists of not less than four and not more than seven members appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Commerce. Members are appointed for their knowledge or experience in business, accounting, finance, economics or law.
The membership is:
Name Role
Warwick Hunt Chair
John Spencer Deputy
Chair
Garry Downs Member
Professor Fawzi
Laswad Member
Julie Rickman Member
Ken
Warren Member
For further information see www.asrb.co.nz