Silent accounting harmonisation: Towards the presentation of cash flow models in the local government and business fields in Norway

In most countries around the world there are differences in the systems of accounting in the business and non-business sectors. In recent years, however, the governments in some countries have started to apply the accrual-based accounting principles that are used in the business field. In Norway, however, another development can be noted. In the later 1980s business organisations and local governments both started independently to move towards a cash flow reporting system. It is thus suggested here that a silent accounting harmonisation process is taking place in Norway between business and local government. The purpose of the article is to describe and discuss this process, and the harmonised financial statements themselves. Suggestions for further research are also made.