Liability
A liability is a present obligation to transfer an economic resource arising from past events. Identify the event that created the obligation and whether the entity has a practical ability to avoid transferring resources. The amount and timing can be certain, as for an invoice, or uncertain, as for a provision. Both are different from a possible obligation. An obligation can be enforceable by law or arise in other circumstances addressed by the framework.
Worked example
Goods received on credit create a payable to the supplier.
Common mistake
A future intended purchase alone is not a present obligation; recognition and measurement require further assessment.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | F1 | Direct | July 2027–August 2028 |
| ACCA | FA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | FR | Direct | Official assessment-window verification pending |
| ACCA | K1 | Direct | July 2027–August 2028 |
| ACCA | SBR | Direct | Official assessment-window verification pending |
| CIMA | BA3 | Direct | Official assessment-window verification pending |
| FIA | FFA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
