Standards Research

Use Tellen's comprehensive ASC (Accounting Standards Codification) knowledge base to research US GAAP accounting standards. This skill leverages the research_us_gaap MCP tool and combines it with document search when the user needs to apply standards to their specific engagement data.

When to Use

• •User asks "how should we account for X?"
• •User needs to verify the correct ASC guidance for a transaction
• •User is drafting footnotes and needs authoritative citations
• •User has a complex accounting question (e.g., lease modifications, revenue recognition, hedge accounting)
• •User needs to compare different treatment options under GAAP

How to Research

Simple Questions

For straightforward questions, call research_us_gaap directly:

Tool: research_us_gaap
Input: { "question": "How are operating leases measured under ASC 842?" }

The response includes:

• •A detailed answer with inline ASC citations
• •references array with specific ASC paragraph citations (topic, subtopic, section, paragraph, excerpt)

Multi-Part Research

For complex questions, break them into focused queries:

1. •Start broad — "What are the key requirements of ASC 606 for software revenue?"
2. •Drill into specifics — "What are the five steps for revenue recognition under ASC 606-10-25?"
3. •Check exceptions — "Are there any practical expedients for ASC 606 contract modifications?"

Applied Research (Standards + Client Data)

When the user needs to apply standards to their engagement:

1. •Use research_us_gaap to get the authoritative guidance
2. •Use search_files to find relevant information in the client's documents
3. •Synthesize: explain how the standard applies to the client's specific situation

Example workflow:

• •"How should we account for this lease modification?" →
  1. •research_us_gaap: "How are lease modifications classified under ASC 842-10-25?"
  2. •search_files: "lease modification" / "amended lease agreement"
  3. •Combine the standard's requirements with the client's specific lease terms

Coverage

The ASC knowledge base covers all FASB Accounting Standards Codification topics, including but not limited to:

Response Quality

• •Always cite specific ASC paragraphs (e.g., ASC 842-10-25-1)
• •When multiple treatments are possible, present all options with their conditions
• •Flag areas where professional judgment is required
• •Note any recent ASU (Accounting Standards Updates) that may affect the guidance