Q. Consistency in accounting principle?

Consistency necessitates that a company use the same accounting principles and reporting practices through time. Consistency makes possible comparability of financial information for a single company through time. Comparability between companies is more complicated because they may account for the same activities in different ways. For instance Company B may perhaps use one method of depreciation while Company C accounts for an identical asset in similar circumstances using another method. A high degree of inter-company comparability in accounting information doesn't exist unless accountants are required to account for the same activities in the same manner across companies and through time.

Accountants should consider one pervasive constraint and one threshold for recognition in providing useful information. First the benefits secured as of the information must be greater than the costs of providing that information. Second only material items require be disclosed and accounted for strictly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).