
Introduction to IAS 11
IAS 11, also known as the International Accounting Standard 11, is a standard that provides guidance on accounting for construction contracts. This standard is applicable to all types of construction contracts, including fixed-price contracts, cost-plus contracts, and other contracts that involve the construction of assets such as buildings, roads, and bridges. The objective of IAS 11 is to ensure that construction contracts are recognized as revenue, expenses, and assets in the financial statements in a manner that reflects the progress of construction and the related risks and rewards.
Key Principles of IAS 11
Revenue Recognition
Under IAS 11, revenue from construction contracts should be recognized using the percentage of completion method. This means that revenue is recognized based on the stage of completion of the construction project. The percentage of completion is determined by comparing the actual construction costs incurred to date with the estimated total construction costs of the project. If the total construction costs are not reliably estimable, the completed contract method may be used.
Measurement of Revenue and Expenses
IAS 11 requires that revenue and expenses should be measured based on the stage of completion of the construction project. This means that the revenue recognized should be based on the percentage of completion, and the expenses recognized should be based on the actual costs incurred to date. Any expected losses on the contract should also be recognized in the financial statements.
Contract Costs
IAS 11 requires that contract costs should include all direct costs of the construction contract, such as labor, materials, and overhead costs. Indirect costs that cannot be directly attributed to the construction contract should not be included as contract costs. Any costs that are not related to the construction contract should be recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.
Changes in Estimates
If there are changes in estimates of total contract costs, revenue, or expected losses, these changes should be accounted for in the financial statements in the period in which they are identified. Any cumulative impact of these changes on the financial statements should be recognized as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the contract asset or liability.
Disclosure Requirements
IAS 11 requires that the financial statements should disclose the following information:
- The amount of contract revenue recognized in the period.
- The methods used to determine the stage of completion of the construction project.
- The amount of costs incurred and recognized profits or losses to date.
- The amount of any advances received and the amount of any retentions.
- The amount of any expected losses on the contract.

Conclusion
In conclusion, IAS 11 provides guidance on the accounting treatment of construction contracts. It requires revenue and expenses to be recognized based on the stage of completion of the construction project, and any expected losses to be recognized in the financial statements. The standard also sets out disclosure requirements that must be included in the financial statements. Companies that engage in construction contracts must ensure that they comply with the requirements of IAS 11 to ensure that their financial statements are accurate and reliable.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about IAS 11
IAS 11 is an International Accounting Standard that provides guidance on accounting for construction contracts.
IAS 11 applies to all types of construction contracts, including fixed-price contracts, cost-plus contracts, and other contracts that involve the construction of assets such as buildings, roads, and bridges.
The objective of IAS 11 is to ensure that construction contracts are recognized as revenue, expenses, and assets in the financial statements in a manner that reflects the progress of construction and the related risks and rewards.
The percentage of completion method is a method of recognizing revenue from construction contracts based on the stage of completion of the construction project.
Contract costs should include all direct costs of the construction contract, such as labor, materials, and overhead costs.
Changes in estimates of total contract costs, revenue, or expected losses should be accounted for in the financial statements in the period in which they are identified.
IAS 11 requires that the financial statements disclose information such as the amount of contract revenue recognized in the period, the methods used to determine the stage of completion of the construction project, and the amount of any expected losses on the contract.
How Future Connect Training's Final Accounts Training can help in understaing IAS 11?
- Future Connect Training's final accounts training can be useful in understanding IAS 11 as it provides a comprehensive understanding of financial statements and accounting principles. The training can help individuals to gain knowledge of various accounting concepts, including the principles and requirements of IAS 11.
- The training will cover the basics of financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, which are important components of the financial statements required under IAS 11. The training will also help individuals to understand how to prepare financial statements and how to interpret financial statements to identify any issues that may arise in accounting for construction contracts.
- Furthermore, the training will provide an overview of accounting principles, including the percentage of completion method, which is used to recognize revenue under IAS 11. The training will also cover the measurement of revenue and expenses based on the stage of completion of the construction project, the accounting treatment of contract costs, and the disclosure requirements under IAS 11.
- Overall, Future Connect Training's final accounts training can help individuals to understand the requirements of IAS 11 and how to apply them in practice. The training will provide a solid foundation of knowledge that can be built upon through further study and practical experience, enabling individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required to apply IAS 11 effectively in their work.