Netherlands Accounting

Dutch accounting presents several interesting paaradoxes. The Dutch have relatively permissive statutory accounting and financial reporting enquirements but very high professional practece standards. The Netherlands is a code law contry, yet accounting is oriented toward fair presentation. Financial reporting and tax accounting are two separate activities. Further, the fairness orientation developed without a strong stock market influence. The United Kingdom and The United States have influenced Dutch accounting as much (or more) than other continental Europe, the accounting profession has had a significant influence on Dutch accounting standards and regulations.

Accounting in Netherlands is considered a branch of business economic. As a result, much economic thought has been devoted to accounting topics and especially to accounting measuremnets. Highly respected professional accountants are often part-time professors. Thus, academic thought has a major influence upon ongoing practice. 

Dutch accountants are also willing to consider ideas. The Dutch were among the earliest proponets of international standards for financial accounting and reporting, and the statements of the IASB receive attention in determining acceptable practice. The Netherlands is also home to several of the world's largest multinational enterprises, including Philips, Royal Dutch Shell, and Unilever. These enterprises have been internalionally listed since the 1950s and have been influenced by foreign accounting. Through example, these karge multinationals have influenced the financial reporting of other Dutch companies. The influence of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, however, has been minimal because it does not provide much new business capital.