Mastering the FASB Codification and eIFRS: A Case Approach

CHAPTER 3

Other Research Databases

This chapter presents four databases used for financial accounting research: RIA Checkpoint, EDGAR, NetAdvantage, and LexisNexis Academic.

RIA CHECKPOINT (FINANCIAL LIBRARY)

RIA Checkpoint's financial library provides authoritative statements and insightful interpretations of GAAP, SEC rules, and other U.S. and international accounting and auditing standards. It is a commercial accounting database used to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of accounting standards research. Commercial accounting databases have the advantage of providing access to both authoritative and nonauthor-itative financial accounting standards and literature. Reference materials are provided throughout RIA Checkpoint and include commentary and interpretive guides from financial reporting experts. The database highlights key developments, new authorities, and proposals from the SEC, FASB, IASB, and other standard-setters.

RIA Checkpoint's opening research screen for the Accounting, Auditing, and Corporate Finance Library is shown in Figure 3.1. The database simply alphabetizes items under Standards and Regulations. Novice researchers must remember that authoritative U.S. GAAP comes only from the Codification. For instance, accounting standards that were set by the AICPA years ago are no longer current authoritative U.S. GAAP, since they have been superseded by the Codification.

In drilling down in RIA Checkpoint's access to the Codification, one finds other materials, ...