Fixed assets represent some of the most significant investments made by an organization. From property and plant to machinery and equipment, fixed assets are critical to day-to-day operations and long-term strategic growth. However, the way these assets are accounted for can have a substantial impact on an organization’s financial statements, tax obligations, and compliance status.
Under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), accounting for fixed assets follows a globally recognized framework that ensures transparency, consistency, and comparability. As businesses operate across borders and financial scrutiny intensifies, understanding IFRS rules around fixed assets becomes a must-have skill for finance and accounting professionals.
Whether you’re managing asset portfolios, preparing financial statements, or overseeing corporate compliance, AZTech’s Finance & Accounting Training Courses provide the foundational knowledge and practical expertise to navigate IFRS accounting with confidence.
What Are Fixed Assets Under IFRS?
Fixed assets, also referred to as property, plant, and equipment (PPE) under IFRS, are tangible items that:
- Are held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes
- Are expected to be used over more than one accounting period
Examples include land, buildings, vehicles, computers, machinery, and office equipment.
The relevant standard governing these assets is IAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment, which provides guidance on recognition, measurement, depreciation, and revaluation.
Key IFRS Principles for Fixed Assets
1. Recognition Criteria
An item is recognized as a fixed asset when:
- It is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity
- The cost of the asset can be measured reliably
Expenses like maintenance or minor upgrades are typically not capitalized unless they significantly extend the asset’s useful life or enhance its performance.
2. Initial Measurement
Fixed assets must be recorded at cost, which includes:
- Purchase price (including import duties and taxes)
- Direct costs to bring the asset to working condition (e.g., installation, transportation)
- Estimated dismantling and removal costs (if applicable)
Training such as the Certificate in Practical Finance and Accounting Training Course provides practical examples of how to capture asset costs accurately at acquisition and ensure compliance with IFRS guidelines.
3. Subsequent Measurement: Cost vs. Revaluation Model
After initial recognition, IFRS allows for two models:
- Cost Model: The asset is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
- Revaluation Model: The asset is carried at a revalued amount, being fair value at the revaluation date, less depreciation and impairment.
Companies using the revaluation model must revalue assets regularly to reflect fair value, and changes are typically recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI).
Understanding the impact of these choices on financial statements is explored in depth in the Accounting Decision-Making and Financial Communication Training Course.
4. Depreciation of Fixed Assets
Depreciation is the systematic allocation of an asset’s cost over its useful life. Under IFRS:
- The depreciation method must reflect the pattern in which the asset’s benefits are consumed
- Common methods include straight-line, reducing balance, and units of production
- Depreciation begins when the asset is ready for use, not necessarily when it’s being used
- The residual value and useful life must be reviewed at least annually
Incorrect depreciation can lead to misstated profits and non-compliance, which is why best practice implementation is covered in the Accounting, Finance Policies & Procedures Training Course.
5. Impairment of Fixed Assets
When the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss must be recognized under IAS 36 – Impairment of Assets. This often applies in cases of technological obsolescence, physical damage, or reduced demand.
Impairments impact profit and loss directly and must be calculated with care. Training helps professionals develop techniques to assess impairment indicators and calculate recoverable amounts accurately.
6. Derecognition of Assets
An asset should be derecognized when:
- It is disposed of (sold, scrapped, or retired)
- No future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal
The gain or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the asset’s carrying amount, and it is reported in profit or loss.
Why IFRS Accounting for Fixed Assets Matters
Incorrect accounting for fixed assets can result in:
- Financial misstatements
- Regulatory non-compliance
- Inaccurate taxation
- Misleading performance analysis
- Audit failures
Understanding IFRS principles enables professionals to produce reliable financial statements, ensure transparency for investors, and reduce the risk of penalties during regulatory inspections or audits.
Real-World Scenario: Asset Misclassification and Financial Impact
A global logistics firm was found to have incorrectly capitalized certain maintenance expenses as fixed assets, inflating its balance sheet and profits. Following a compliance review, the finance team enrolled in the Certificate in Practical Finance and Accounting Training Course to strengthen their IFRS knowledge.
Post-training, they revised their asset recognition process, reclassified misstatements, and introduced new controls to ensure future compliance—restoring financial integrity and confidence with external auditors.
How Training Can Improve Fixed Asset Accounting
Structured professional development builds a strong foundation in fixed asset accounting and ensures that finance professionals:
- Stay current with IFRS updates and interpretations
- Apply principles to real-life business scenarios
- Make informed policy decisions (e.g., cost vs. revaluation model)
- Improve communication with auditors, regulators, and stakeholders
- Build confidence in audit and reporting processes
AZTech’s specialized training includes:
- The Accounting, Finance Policies & Procedures Training Course for developing asset-related policies and internal controls
- The Accounting Decision-Making and Financial Communication Training Course for analyzing the impact of fixed asset decisions on financial performance
- The Certificate in Practical Finance and Accounting Training Course for applying IFRS concepts in day-to-day operations
Final Thoughts
Fixed assets represent major investments and risks for organizations. Under IFRS, accurate accounting for these assets is not just a technical requirement—it is critical for financial transparency, compliance, and strategic planning.
Professionals who understand the nuances of IFRS fixed asset standards can contribute more meaningfully to financial management, reduce the risk of non-compliance, and provide insights that drive long-term business value.
Explore AZTech’s Finance & Accounting Training Courses to develop practical, applied knowledge of IFRS and become a trusted advisor in corporate financial reporting.
FAQs:
1. What standard governs fixed assets under IFRS?
Fixed assets are governed by IAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment under IFRS.
2. How are fixed assets initially measured?
They are measured at cost, which includes purchase price, delivery, installation, and any costs necessary to bring the asset to working condition.
3. What is the difference between cost and revaluation models?
The cost model carries assets at original cost minus depreciation; the revaluation model adjusts asset values periodically to fair value, with changes recorded in equity.
4. Which training course helps with asset policy development and compliance?
The Accounting, Finance Policies & Procedures Training Course focuses on designing compliant accounting frameworks and controls.
5. How do I ensure I’m depreciating assets correctly?
You must assess useful life, residual value, and method annually. The Certificate in Practical Finance and Accounting Training Course offers hands-on learning for accurate depreciation practices.
6. How can I improve communication of fixed asset information to leadership?
The Accounting Decision-Making and Financial Communication Training Course helps bridge technical accounting with strategic communication to stakeholders.
