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The doubtful debt reserve holds a sum of money to allow a reduction in the accounts receivable ledger due to non-collection of debts. This can also be referred to as an allowance for bad debts. Once a doubtful debt becomes uncollectible, the amount will be written off. [4]
Conservatism plays an important role in a number of accounting rules, including the allowance for doubtful debts [3] and the lower of cost or market rule, [4] which states that one should record inventory at the lower of either its acquisition cost or its current market value.
Accounts receivable represents money owed by entities to the firm on the sale of products or services on credit. In most business entities, accounts receivable is typically executed by generating an invoice and either mailing or electronically delivering it to the customer, who, in turn, must pay it within an established timeframe, called credit terms [citation needed] or payment terms.
Examples are accumulated depreciation against equipment, and allowance for bad debts (also known as allowance for doubtful accounts) against accounts receivable. [33] United States GAAP utilizes the term contra for specific accounts only and does not recognize the second half of a transaction as a contra, thus the term is restricted to accounts ...
The convention of disclosure requires that all material facts must be disclosed in the financial statements.For example, in the case of sundry debtors, not only the total amount of sundry debtors should be disclosed, but also the amount of good and secured debtors, the amount of good but unsecured debtors and amount of doubtful debts should be stated.
Deferred tax assets generally arise where tax relief is provided after an expense is deducted for accounting purposes: a company may accrue an accounting expense in relation to a provision such as bad debts, but tax relief may not be obtained until the provision is utilized
Periodic review of process and controls using relevant management reporting tools. For example, these would include monthly review of aging of accounts receivable to determine the extent of reserves required for doubtful debts. Independent Assessment Mechanism Use of external specialists or professionals to review and assess internal controls.
Monitoring the Accounts Receivable portfolio for trends and warning signs. Hiring and firing credit analysts, accounts receivable and collections personnel. Enforcing the "stop list" of supply of goods and services to customers. Removing bad debts from the ledger (Bad Debt Write-Offs). Setting credit limits.