- Distinguish between accounting policies, accounting estimates and prior period errors.

IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors lays down criteria for selection of accounting policies and prescribes circumstances in which an entity may change an accounting policy. The standard also deals with accounting treatment of changes in accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and correction of prior errors. You are the financial controller of Zintex Ltd. The company began trading on 1 January 2017 and is currently involved in the preparation of financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. You have recently attended a one-day seminar on the application of International Financial Reporting Standards, organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA). On 1 January 2020, the company had 100 million $1 ordinary shares in issue. On 30 June 2020, Zintex Ltd issued 20 million 10% $1 irredeemable preference shares at par. There have been no other changes in share capital in the last five years. The appropriate dividend in respect of these shares was paid on 31 December 2020. A property revaluation at the yearend gave a surplus of $500,000. During the year ended 31 December 2020, Zintex Ltd changed its accounting policy for depreciation in relation to the depreciation of property, plant and equipment. The depreciation charges calculated using the previous accounting policy and shown in the company's financial statements for three years ending 31 December 2019 were as follows: $000 Year to 31 December 2017 1,380 Year to 31 December 2018 1,620 Year to 31 December 2019 1,740 $000 Year to 31 December 2017 2,340 Year to 31 December 2018 1.860 Year to 31 December 2019 1,380 An extract from Zintex Ltd's Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year to 31 December 2020 (before making any adjustments to reflect the change in accounting policy for the year 31 December 2019) shows the following: 2020 2019 $000 $000 Profit before depreciation 15,060 14.700 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 1,140 1.740 Profit before taxation 13.920 12,960 Taxation 4,176 3.888 Profit after taxation 9,744 9,072 Other Comprehensive Income: Gains on property revaluation 500 Zintex Ltd's retained earnings were reported as $17,658,000 at 31 December 2018. No dividends have been paid in any year. The company/pays tax at 30% on the profit