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Chapter 6: Reporting & Analyzing Operating Assets Part 1: Accounts Receivable

Chapter 6: Reporting & Analyzing Operating Assets Part 1: Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable arise from selling goods or services to customers on account. Recorded at face amount to be collected. However, we must also reflect the fact that a portion of A/R may not be collected.

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Chapter 6: Reporting & Analyzing Operating Assets Part 1: Accounts Receivable

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  1. Chapter 6:Reporting & Analyzing Operating AssetsPart 1:Accounts Receivable

  2. Accounts receivable arise from selling goods or services to customers on account. Recorded at face amount to be collected. However, we must also reflect the fact that a portion of A/R may not be collected. Reasons for lack of collection: (1) sales discounts (2) sales returns (3) uncollectible A/R (bad debts) Accounts Receivable

  3. (1)Sales Discountsoccur when a customer takes advantage of a cash discount for early payment. (2)Sales Returns occur when a customer returns a purchase. Both items reduce sales revenue to a net amount. Calculation of net sales on the I/S: Sales revenue - sales discounts (SD) - sales returns (SR) = Net sales Formula: S - SD - SR = S(net) (3)Uncollectible A/R (bad debts) occur when a customer defaults on the receivable, and the company cannot collect the amount owed. This item requires a separate expense account (rather than a reduction of revenue). Uncollected A/R

  4. For matching, we estimate the A/R that will not be collected, and match that expense to current revenues. The AJE (adjusting journal entry) to record an estimate for future uncollectibles in year of sale: Bad Debt Expense xx Allowance for Uncoll. xx The General JEin later periods, when a specific A/R is deemed uncollectible (this is called the write-off of a specific A/R): Allowance for Uncoll. xx A/R xx When are the income statement and balance sheet affected? Uncollectible A/R (Bad Debts)

  5. Note that we do not know in 2004 which A/Rs will not be collected in 2005. Therefore, we must estimate uncollectibles. There are two methods to estimate uncollectibles (for the AJE): 1. Percentage of sales 2. Percentage of accounts receivable Both methods are acceptable under GAAP, but we will examine the percentage of A/R method (used by larger companies). Estimation of Uncollectibles

  6. Based on ending A/R and ending Allowance account. Calculation: Ending A/R x % = Ending Allowance (focus on the credit side of the AJE) Called Balance Sheet approach, because: ending asset x % = ending contra asset. Requires the analysis of the Allowance account before preparing the AJE. An aging schedule of A/R is the most accurate way to estimate uncollectibles (see Exhibit 6-1). Percentage of A/R Method (using Aging Schedule)

  7. Based on the analysis of the Allowance account. Calculate the “desired ending balance” based on an aging of A/R. Now, given the Beginning, Ending and Write-off amounts, calculate the amount of the current estimate that must be added to the Allowance account to achieve the “desired ending balance.” T-Account Approach for Percentage of A/R Method

  8. Allowance for Uncollectibles (T-account) Allowance for Uncollectibles 1. Beginning Balance 1. The allowance established in the prior period carries forward for current period write-offs.

  9. Allowance for Uncollectibles (T-account) Allowance for Uncollectibles Beginning Balance 2. Write-off of specific accounts receivable 2. As specific accounts are determined uncollectible during the year, they are written-off to the allowance account as shown. These write-offs may cause the allowance account to have a debit balance before the AJE if the prior year’s expense was underestimated. Accounts Receivable 2. Write-off of specific accounts receivable

  10. Allowance for Uncollectibles(T-account) Allowance for Uncollectibles Beginning Balance Write-off of accounts receivable 3. Ending Balance 3. The “desired ending balance” in the allowance account is estimated using the percentage calculation or the aging schedule. Accounts Receivable Write-off of accounts receivable

  11. Allowance for Uncollectibles (T-account) Allowance for Uncollectibles Bad Debts Expense Beginning Balance 4. Recognition of bad debt expense Write-off of accounts receivable 4. Recognition of bad debt expense Ending Balance 4. The AJE to record the estimate of uncollectibles is calculated based on the amount necessary to achieve the “desired ending balance” in the allowance account. The focus is on the Allowance account. Accounts Receivable Write-off of accounts receivable

  12. Given the following information: At December 31, 2008, Company Z prepared an aging schedule to determine that the uncollectible accounts receivable at that date were $18,000. The balance in the Allowance for Uncollectibles at 1/1/08 was a $3,000 credit. During 2008, the company wrote off $5,000 of specific accounts receivable that were deemed to be uncollectible. Required: prepare the AJE to record the estimated uncollectibles at 12/31/08. Class Problem

  13. Solution to Class Problems (1) Post the beginning balance and write-off. (2) Post the desired ending balance. (3) Post the adjusting journal entry. Allowance for Uncollectibles

  14. Financial statement users should be aware of the fact that policies may vary from company to company in recognition of sales and in estimation of bad debt expense. Early recognition of sales (before revenue is realizable) is not GAAP, and is a violation of SEC Regulations. Estimation of bad debt expense may vary because of legitimate reasons and the judgment of the accountants, but may also vary because of manipulation. Users should watch for inconsistencies in the recognition of these amounts from period to period. Manipulation of Sales and Bad Debt Expense

  15. Historically, managers have used estimates and AJEs to create “cookie jar reserves”, or to take a “big bath” to manipulate income statement items. Cookie jar reserves: overestimate expense in current period, and “draw” against estimate in future periods. Big bath: accrue a number of expenses and losses into one year, so that future years look better. See Business Insight, page 6-10. Other Manipulations of Revenues and Expenses

  16. Basic analysis of the allowance account may reveal inconsistencies in bad debt estimation. Compare change in allowance to change in A/R; growth in one with reduction in the other may indicate manipulation. Review note in the financials relating to the allowance account; the amounts for expense and write-offs are disclosed in this section. See Exhibit 6.4, page 6-8. Analysis of A/R and Allowance

  17. A/R Turnover: Sales Average A/R Indicates how often we “turn over” or collect our A/R. High factor is a positive indicator. Average Collection Period (Days sales outstanding): Average A/R Sales/365 Indicates how many days A/R are outstanding. Shorter periods are desirable. Ratios Relating to A/R Activity

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