What is IFRS for SMEs and why it matters for companies

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) represent a globally recognized framework for preparing and presenting financial statements. Their purpose is to ensure consistency, transparency and comparability of financial reporting across countries. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the application of full IFRS can be challenging due to its technical complexity and high compliance costs.

To address this challenge, the IFRS for SMEs standard was developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). It provides a simplified, yet internationally consistent, reporting structure designed specifically for smaller entities that do not have public accountability. IFRS for SMEs keeps the main ideas of full IFRS but removes parts that are not relevant for smaller businesses, making reporting simpler and requiring fewer disclosures.

IFRS Adoption in Georgia and Uzbekistan

In Georgia, the adoption of IFRS standards became a legal requirement following the implementation of the Law of Accounting, Reporting, and Auditing. The law, enforced by the Service for Accounting, Reporting and Auditing Supervision (SARAS), established a clear classification of entities by size and introduced mandatory reporting under IFRS or IFRS for SMEs. This reform aimed to align Georgia’s accounting practices with international standards, enhance the credibility of financial reporting and improve access to foreign investment.

Similarly, Uzbekistan has also undertaken significant reforms in this area. Since January 2021, IFRS standards have become mandatory for commercial banks, insurance organisations, large taxpayers and state-owned enterprises. Other businesses may adopt IFRS voluntarily, while SMEs remain under national accounting standards. This transition reflects Uzbekistan’s broader effort to harmonise its financial reporting with international practices and strengthen transparency for investors.

Key Benefits of IFRS for SMEs

1. Simplified compliance with international standards

IFRS for SMEs provides a simplified reporting system that meets international expectations without the technical complexity of full IFRS. It simplifies recognition and measurement principles, reduces disclosure requirements and offers a logical structure that can be applied by smaller accounting teams. Despite being simplified, it ensures that financial statements remain consistent with global norms, which is vital for companies engaged in cross-border trade or seeking international financing.

2. Improved transparency and comparability

Financial statements prepared under IFRS for SMEs are more transparent and comparable, both domestically and internationally. This enhances stakeholders’ ability to assess a company’s performance and financial position objectively. For investors, lenders and regulators, transparent reporting reduces risk and builds confidence in the enterprise’s governance. For SMEs in emerging markets like Georgia, such credibility can significantly improve access to investment and partnership opportunities.

3. Efficiency and reduced administrative burden

Compared to full IFRS, the SME framework reduces compliance costs and administrative pressure. Smaller businesses often lack dedicated financial departments and the IFRS for SMEs allows them to meet reporting requirements without overextending their resources. This practical balance between simplicity and international alignment makes it an essential tool for sustainable business growth.

Challenges in Adoption for SMEs

Despite its advantages, the transition to IFRS for SMEs presents several challenges, particularly in developing and transitional economies.

1. Limited expertise in IFRS application

Many SMEs lack in-house professionals with IFRS knowledge. Accountants previously trained under national standards must acquire new competencies, often requiring substantial investment in education and training. These challenges are not unique to Georgia. Uzbekistan is facing similar barriers during its IFRS adoption process, particularly in SMEs, where accountants traditionally rely on national standards. Limited training resources and the need for large-scale capacity building remain key issues, prompting the government to introduce multi-year transition plans and targeted professional education initiatives.

2. Insufficient local-language materials

Initially, most IFRS documentation was available only in English. This language barrier created obstacles for practitioners in non-English-speaking countries. Access to translated and contextually adapted learning materials became a critical requirement for effective implementation.

3. Transition from national standards

Adopting IFRS for SMEs involves significant procedural and conceptual changes. Companies must revise their accounting policies, adapt internal systems and ensure that staff understand new reporting principles. The transition process requires not only technical training but also a change in mindset toward international best practices.

SavvY and SARAS Initiative

To address these challenges, the IFRS for SME Capacity Building Project was initiated by the Ministry of Finance of Georgia’s Service of Accounting, Reporting, and Auditing Supervision (SARAS), with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Governing for Growth (G4G) program. The implementing organization of this national reform initiative was SavvY.

The project was designed to build professional capacity, ensure access to learning materials in Georgian and prepare the business sector for full compliance with the new legal requirements on accounting and financial reporting.

Key project outcomes included:

• Creation of an IFRS trainer network: A pool of 88 qualified IFRS trainers was established - 30 English-speaking and 58 Georgian-speaking. This network became the foundation for long-term training delivery in Georgia.
• Development of interactive training modules: Comprehensive and user-friendly training materials were designed, including a syllabus and 35 modules covering all IFRS for SMEs topics.
• Translation of IFRS for SMEs materials: Over 2,500 pages of IFRS for SMEs content were translated into Georgian, ensuring accessibility for all accounting professionals.
• Training of accounting professionals: 100 accountants completed intensive training programs based on the newly developed materials, enhancing their ability to apply IFRS principles in practice.

SavvY, in collaboration with international experts such as Mike Wells, coordinated multiple stakeholders, ensuring that global expertise was effectively transferred to the local context. The project also established a Review Committee to oversee the quality and accuracy of the translated materials, maintaining alignment with international standards.

In addition, the initiative created the IFRS Training Network - an open platform connecting trainers and practitioners nationwide. This network facilitates continuous knowledge exchange, sharing of new updates from IASB and coordination of future training sessions.

Impact and Practical Lessons

The IFRS for SME Capacity Building Project has had a long-lasting influence on Georgia’s financial reporting environment and professional development ecosystem.

1. Strengthened professional capacity

The project significantly increased the number of qualified IFRS professionals in Georgia. Companies now have greater access to skilled accountants capable of producing internationally comparable financial reports. This has improved the overall quality and credibility of financial data across the SME sector.

2. Sustainable access to knowledge resources

The translation of 35 IFRS for SMEs modules into Georgian created an enduring knowledge base. These materials remain publicly available on the SARAS website, serving as official resources for trainers, accountants and students. The availability of these tools continues to facilitate professional growth and ongoing education in financial reporting.

3. Development of a sustainable training network

The 88 trained IFRS instructors form a permanent infrastructure for continuous capacity building. Many trainers have since developed new educational programs and consulting services, ensuring that IFRS knowledge continues to spread and evolve within Georgia’s accounting community.

The project also supported the private training and consulting market by creating new business opportunities for professionals offering IFRS-related services. This multiplier effect contributes to the country’s overall economic development by strengthening institutional competence and promoting transparency in financial reporting.

Building a Sustainable Future for Financial Reporting in Georgia

The implementation of IFRS for SMEs marks a significant milestone in aligning Georgia’s financial reporting system with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). By simplifying compliance while ensuring global credibility, it enables SMEs to produce reliable financial statements that meet investor and regulator expectations.

Its successful adoption relies on education, professional capacity and institutional cooperation. The partnership between SavvY, SARAS and USAID’s G4G Project proved to be an effective model for building national expertise in IFRS.

Through targeted training, translation of IFRS materials and a strong professional network, Georgian companies have gained the tools to transition efficiently to IFRS for SMEs, improving transparency and strengthening their competitiveness in the global market.