Book excerpt: UK companies are governed by legal and other regulatory requirements impacting elements of financial statements that are common to users of both International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and UK GAAP. These are often referred to as the 'front half' of the financial statements. This publication contains the guidance applicable to all UK companies regardless of the GAAP under which their financial statements are prepared. Key updates from the previous edition (Manual of Accounting: Management Reports and Governance 2011) include updated chapters on business review and corporate governance, with many more illustrations and examples. Written by PwC's UK Assurance Risk and Quality team, the manual includes practical advice based on PwC's work advising clients, partners, and staff. The book will be of particular interest to finance directors, accountants, legal practitioners, company administrators, financial advisors, and auditors.