ACCOUNTING CONVENTIONS - Convention of Conservatism

This is the policy of ‘playing safe’. It takes into consideration all prospective losses but
leaves all prospective profits. This accounting principle is given recognition in A.S. – 1 which

recommends the observance of prudence in the framing of accounting policies. “Uncertainties
inevitably surround many transactions. This should be recognised by exercising prudence in
financial statements. Prudence does not, however, justify the creation of secret or hidden
reserves”. Following are the examples of the application of the convention of conservatism :
(a) Making the provision for doubtful debts and discount on debtors in anticipation of
actual bad debts and discount,
(b) Valuing the stock in trade at market price or cost price whichever is less,
(c) Creating provision against fluctuation in the price of investments,
(d) Charging of small capital items, like crockery, to revenue,
(e) Adopting written-down-value method of depreciation as against straight-line
method. The written-down-value method of depreciaiton is more conservative in a
approach.
(f) Amortization of intangible assets like goodwill which has indefinite life,
(g) Showing joint life policy at surrender value as against the amount paid,
(h) Not providing for discount on creditors,
(i) Taking into consideration claims intimated but not accepted as a loss for calculating
profit for a general insurance company,
(j) Considering the loss relating to premium on the redemption of debentures when
they are issued at par or at discount but redeemable at premium, at the time of their
issue.
The principle of conservatism is applied :
(a) When there is an uncertainty inherent in the activity, e.g., uncertainty as to the useful
life of an asset, occurrence of loss, realization of income, remaining utility of an
asset, estimated liability.
(b) When there are two equally acceptable methods then the one which is more
conservative will be accepted.
(c) When there is judgement based on estimates and doubt exists as to which of the
several estimates is correct, the most conservative would be selected.
(d) When there is possibility of the occurrence of a loss or profit, losses will be considered
and profits will be overlooked.
This principle has effect on :
(a) Income statement. Here the principle results in lower net income than would
otherwise be the case.
(b) Balance sheet. When applied to the balance sheet, the conservative approach results
in understatement of assets and capital and overstatement of liabilities and provisions.
The principle of conservatism, however should be applied cautiously. If the principle is
stretched without reservations it results in the creation of secret reserves which is in direct
conflict with the doctrine of full disclosure. Since the main aim of published accounts is to
convey and not to conceal the information, the policy of secrecy is being abandoned in favour
of the modern and more logical policy of disclosure.