AICPA Exam CPA-Financial Topic 3 Question 5 Discussion

Choice "d" is correct. Since Arpco is a for-profit provider of healthcare services, it is covered under normal GAAP. Thus, the most authoritative pronouncements are the FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS).

Choice "a" is incorrect. AICPA Statements of Position are not the most authoritative pronouncement for almost anything (other than for some issues that only they cover). They are normally "merely" the opinion of the AICPA.

Choice "b" is incorrect. AICPA Industry and Audit Guides are not the most authoritative pronouncement for almost anything (other than for some issues that only they cover).

Choice "c" is incorrect. FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts are not authoritative pronouncements except where they have been incorporated by reference into an SFAS. They are the basis on which SFAS can be constructed.