If figures appear a thousand times larger or smaller in an XBRL review, check the units and presentation basis before adjusting the accounts. A reporting-scale error and an accounting error require different responses.
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Use a few material balances as an early sense check, then review the complete file.
Read the source presentation carefully
Identify the currency and whether the financial statements present amounts in units, thousands or another stated scale. Review the relevant field requirements in the current preparation tool and ACRA’s filing resources.
Do not multiply or divide every field blindly. Counts, percentages and monetary amounts may require different treatment.
Example: revenue of 2,400 means S$2.4 million
The statements use thousands, but a preparer reads the display as individual dollars. Trace the entry to the source heading and the destination requirement. Make the conversion only on an understood basis.
Prepare the scale review
- Source currency and stated unit.
- Destination field type and required presentation.
- Imported or manually entered amount.
- Conversion or rounding performed.
- Comparison with underlying accounting totals.
Review assets, revenue and share-related information separately. A correction to monetary units should not accidentally alter the number of shares or employees.
Keep currency translation separate
A foreign-currency financial statement presents a different question from a units mismatch. Ask the accountant which currency applies and which translations are required for the relevant purpose.
Do not change the presentation currency merely to make the file easier to compare. Retain the basis and rates used where a conversion is appropriate.
Perform a final reasonableness review
Compare the completed figures with the financial statements and the business’s scale. Investigate large unexplained movements, then rerun relevant validation checks.
Retain the corrected preparation file and review notes with the official outcome. If an earlier submission is affected, obtain advice on the proper correction process.
Can all fields be divided by 1,000 together?
No. Identify the field type and relevant requirements.
Does a currency symbol explain the reporting scale?
Not necessarily. Read both currency and unit disclosures.
Related accounting and filing resources
Use our filing calendar reconciliation, filing evidence checklist and late financial statements guide.
Get help with financial reporting
For accounting, XBRL preparation and corporate filing support, email [email protected] or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133. Our accounting and tax advisers can assist with reporting questions. Legal advisers from associated law firms can assist where a filing issue involves legal concerns.