This text addresses the controversial issues in financial accounting that have been debated by the preparers, users, auditors and regulators of financial statements. Students are presented with real-world examples, current debates and the underlying rationale for the accounting concepts demonstrated. Throughout the text, academic studies and professional accounting research are referenced to also provide a critical understanding of historical debates in financial accounting. This new edition covers significant recent developments to the accounting standards in Australia and is based on the AASB standards and interpretations that have been issued up to the end of 2012.