ACCA Advanced Taxation (ATX) Practice Exam

Can a company's accounting reference date differ from its financial year?

1. No, they must always match

2. Yes, it can be set at any time

3. Yes, but only under special circumstances

4. No, it must always be on the last day of the month

The correct answer is: Yes, it can be set at any time

A company's accounting reference date can indeed differ from its financial year, allowing for flexibility in financial reporting. The accounting reference date is essentially the date by which a company's financial statements must be prepared and filed, and it is typically chosen based on the company's circumstances to suit operational needs or specific accounting practices. This means a company could select a reference date that does not coincide with the end of its financial year. For example, a company might operate on a financial year ending on December 31 but choose a reference date of June 30. This gives the company the ability to align its reporting with whatever timeline best suits its strategic or operational requirements without being constrained to always match the two. Other options do not accurately reflect the regulatory flexibility allowed for accounting reference dates. They impose unnecessary restrictions that do not align with the principles of accounting practices. Understanding the nature of accounting reference dates as flexible can help in various scenarios, such as when companies undergo reorganizations, mergers, or shifts in fiscal strategy.