APPLYING PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT WHILE FORMING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF RUSSIAN OIL AND GAS SECTOR COMPANIES

Abstract

: The present study aimed at providing a deeper insight into the concept of ‘professional judgment’ since its definition is absent from the system of accounting standards, and into its principles defined by the Russian non-state accounting regulator ‘Accounting Methodological Center’. The widespread use of this concept is of practical interest for the business community. The goal was achieved by comparing and summarizing the opinions of experts – representatives of the largest Russian companies in the oil and gas sector, members of the sectoral committee of the Russian non-state accounting regulator (‘Accounting Methodological Center’ fund). As a result of the procedures performed, professional judgments were formulated on three issues: recognition and reflection of costs associated with further exploration of mineral resources after the commercial feasibility of mining in a particular subsoil plot was confirmed; qualification of an exploratory well in which an industrial flow of hydrocarbon raw material is obtained but the commercial viability of production is not yet confirmed; reflections of additional income tax in the financial statements from hydrocarbon production. The concept of ‘professional judgment’ formulated by the Russian non-state regulator will allow all companies in the oil and gas industry to present the above-mentioned expenses and assets in the financial statements, which will increase the accuracy and comparability of the statements.