Accounting Treatment of Property, Plant and Equipment: A Comparative Analysis Between IAS 16 and NAS

Abstract

This paper examines the accounting treatment of property, plant and equipment based on IAS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and the National Accounting Standards (NAS) applied in the Republic of Moldova. The relevance of the topic is determined by the need to ensure transparency and comparability of financial information in a globalized economic environment. The objective of the research is to identify the main similarities and differences between the two approaches, focusing on recognition, measurement, depreciation and impairment. The study is based on methods such as analysis, synthesis and comparison. The results show that IAS 16 offers a more flexible and principle-based approach, allowing the use of professional judgment, while NAS is more rule-based and ensures a more uniform application, but with reduced flexibility. CZU: 006.32:657.421.1(478); JEL: M41