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Analysis of Bad Debts
Difficulty: Advanced
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (bad debts) is a contra account which reduce the balance of the company’s gross accounts receivable.The relationship between the allowance and the balance in receivables should be relatively constant unless there is a change in the economy overall or a change in customer base.
Receivables Accounting Policy
Client Receivables, Unbilled Services and Allowances
Accenture records the client receivables and unbilled services at their face amounts less allowances. On a periodic basis, Accenture evaluates the receivables and unbilled services and establishes allowances based on historical experience and other currently available information. As of August 31, 2018 and 2017, total allowances recorded for client receivables and unbilled services were $49,913 and $74,450, respectively. The allowance reflects Accenture’s best estimate of collectibility risks on outstanding receivables and unbilled services. In limited circumstances, Accenture agrees to extend financing to certain clients. The terms vary by contract, but generally payment for services is contractually linked to the achievement of specified performance milestones.
Source: 10-K (filing date: 2018-10-24).
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Based on: 10-K (filing date: 2018-10-24), 10-K (filing date: 2017-10-26), 10-K (filing date: 2016-10-28), 10-K (filing date: 2015-10-30), 10-K (filing date: 2014-10-24), 10-K (filing date: 2013-10-29).
2018 Calculations
1 Allowance as a percentage of client receivables and unbilled services, gross = 100 × Allowances recorded for client receivables and unbilled services ÷ Client receivables and unbilled services, gross
= 100 × ÷ =
| Ratio | Description | The company |
|---|---|---|
| Allowance as a percentage of client receivables and unbilled services, gross | Allowance for doubtful accounts divided by the gross accounts receivable. | Accenture PLC’s allowance as a percentage of client receivables and unbilled services, gross declined from 2016 to 2017 and from 2017 to 2018. |
