Changes in IFRS - Swedish Listed Entities

Sammanfattning: We aim to clarify how Swedish listed entities experience and manage changes in IFRS and how they are adapting to new and revised standards as issued by the IASB. This thesis has an abductive approach. A qualitative method was selected as a research strategy, and semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to gather relevant information from the respondents; listed entities and auditors. The theoretical frame of reference considers the IFRS regulation and existing experiences of the legal framework. Further, theory of change has been a central tool for us when addressing our research questions and purpose. The institutional theory has also been applied, but to a miner extent. The empirical foundation is built upon ten interviews with respondents from listed entities. The respondents have key positions and possess competence within the area of consolidated financial statements. Empirical information is also gathered from four auditors from three international audit firms. In summary, the complex nature of IFRS makes it difficult to interpret, and thereby manage and adapt to the ongoing changes in IFRS. Small cap entities have a noticeable degree of resistance towards the changes. These entities are adapting to the changes by observing other listed entities and working closely with their auditors. Small cap entities are dependent on this support in order to keep up with the changes.