Free trade and financial reporting: An examination of reporting practices in Canada, the United States, and Mexico

The objective of this study is to: (1) describe the differences in financial reporting practices between Canada, the United States, and Mexico; and (2) offer explanations for the differences found. Data on accounting practices were obtained through a survey of international auditing firms in the three countries. The results indicate that few differences exist between the United States and Canada, but a considerable number of differences exist between both of these countries and Mexico. The pattern of differences is consistent with Mexico's social, legal, and economic history.