Revenue Recognition, First in a Series: Implementation Guidance

Although the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), more than two years ago, many companies have not yet initiated their implementation plan.  The prospect of replacing transaction-based or industry-specific revenue recognition guidance that has been followed ‘forever’ with the principles-based approach of ASU 2014-09 is quite daunting.  If potentially changing one’s fundamental daily accounting practices are not enough, the idea that this new standard could change the way business is executed is downright scary!  So, where do you start?

It is always a good idea to understand the many nuances of your business operations and the various processes involved in generating revenue, along with the common industry accounting practices related thereto.  However, doesn’t ASU 2014-09 remove all industry-specific revenue recognition accounting guidance?   While that is true, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) recognized the importance of developing reference materials for particular circumstances or situations that occur in specific industries.  In this connection, the AICPA has formed sixteen industry task forces to help develop a new accounting guide on revenue recognition that will provide illustrative examples for how to apply ASU 2014-09.  The industries involved with this project are as follows:

  1. Aerospace and Defense
  2. Airlines
  3. Broker-Dealers
  4. Construction Contractors and Engineering
  5. Depository Institutions
  6. Gaming
  7. Healthcare
  8. Hospitality
  9. Insurance
  10. Investment Asset Management
  11. Not-for-Profit
  12. Oil and Gas
  13. Power and Utility
  14. Software
  15. Telecommunications
  16. Timeshare

If you have questions regarding revenue recognition, please contact Schneider Downs or visit our Our Thoughts On blog.

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The Schneider Downs Our Thoughts On blog exists to create a dialogue on issues that are important to organizations and individuals. While we enjoy sharing our ideas and insights, we’re especially interested in what you may have to say. If you have a question or a comment about this article – or any article from the Our Thoughts On blog – we hope you’ll share it with us. After all, a dialogue is an exchange of ideas, and we’d like to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Material discussed is meant for informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, this information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

© 2024 Schneider Downs. All rights-reserved. All content on this site is property of Schneider Downs unless otherwise noted and should not be used without written permission.

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