Long Term Contract Accounting

Foundational Concepts of Long Term Contract Accounting

In Long Term Contract Accounting, the objective is to recognise revenues and expenses in the periods in which they are earned or incurred. To accomplish this, two principal methods come into play. Listed below are the two primary methods:

• Completion Method: This is when revenues and profits are recognised only when the contract is wholly completed.
• Percentage of Completion Method: In this method, the revenues, and profits are recognised over the life of the contract, based on the degree of completion.

Each method has its specific use cases and application which becomes clearer when you delve into the specifics. Let's take a more in-depth look at what the long-term contract method of accounting entails.

What the Long Term Contract Method of Accounting Entails

The Long Term Contract Accounting method focuses on how revenue and associated costs are recognised over the term of the contract. Below is a concise summary of how recognition is handled in this type of accounting: However, adopting this method requires a thorough understanding of the core principles to apply it accurately.

Core Principles of Accounting for Long Term Service Contracts

Long Term Service Contract Accounting involves several core principles that you need to consider:

• Revenue Recognition: Decide on when to recognise revenue based on the progress of the contract.
• Measurement of Progress: Choose a measurement technique (\(e.g.,\) cost-to-cost, units-of-delivery) which accurately reflects the contract's progress
• Costs and Expense Recognition: Determine whether an expense should be recognised immediately or delayed until the realization of relevant revenue.
• Contract Modification: Understand how changes in contract scope or price affect revenue and cost recognition.

Whether you're managing your own business, working as an accountant, or studying business, understanding long-term contract accounting is of immense benefit. It allows you to evaluate financial performance over time and make informed decisions regarding long-term contractual obligations.

Practical Application of Long Term Contract Accounting

In the real world, the application of long-term contract accounting is significantly prevalent. You'll find its usage spans across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, service provision, and more. It is in these sectors the need arises to handle large scale, time-consuming projects that necessitate efficient financial tracking across multiple periods.

Real-World Long Term Contract Accounting Examples

The specifics of long-term contract accounting become clearer as you encounter real-world examples. Take, for instance, the construction of a residential complex or an infrastructure project. These are significant undertakings that span over an extended period, often several years. In another scenario, consider a software development company providing tailored solutions over an extended contract period. In this case, the company regularly recognises revenues related to the ongoing project's distinct stages.

Dissecting Long-Term Contract Accounting Journal Entries

A clearer understanding of long-term contract accounting is possible once you dissect the associated journal entries. Journal entries record every business transaction in a company's books, and in the case of long-term contracts, they reflect how revenue and costs are recognised over the contract's duration. Let's continue with the earlier construction company example, where a £2 million contract spread over two years was underway. The following tables present the journal entries that the company would make during the first year and upon completion under the Percentage of Completion Method: At the end of the first year, the journal entries would reflect: Upon project completion in the second year, the entries would show:

Crucial Steps When Accounting for Revenue Over Time for a Long-Term Contract

The process of accounting for revenue over time within a long-term contract typically follows a series of steps that ensure a correct and precise record:

1. Contract Establishment: This is the initial stage where the contract is agreed upon and confirmed.
2. Evaluation: Determine if the performance obligations in the contract qualify for recognition of revenue over time.
3. Measurement: Deciding the method of measuring progress, whether it's output (units produced) or input-based (costs incurred).
4. Progress Assessment: Regularly assess the status of the project or contract to determine the percentage completion.
5. Revenue Recognition: The revenue is then recognised proportionally over the contract's life by multiplying the total revenue by the percentage completion.
6. Cost Recognition: In line with the revenue recognition, the costs incurred are also accounted for over the life of the contract.

Each step contributes towards a comprehensive understanding of long-term contract accounting and bolsters one's capability to handle financial matters related to extensive, ongoing projects accurately.

Establishing Long Term Contract Accounting Policy

Before proceeding with the details of long term contract accounting, it's imperative to establish a robust accounting policy. This policy outlines the method for revenue and expense recognition, the measures that will be employed to track a project's progression and the rules for handling changes in the contract - all in adherence to the respective GAAP or IFRS principles.

Key Components of a Strong Long Term Contract Accounting Policy

The formulation of a steadfast long term contract accounting policy revolves around several strategic components. Each element contributes towards the systematic tracking and accurate representation of a contract's financial status.

• Revenue Recognition Rules: Establish clear rules on how and when to recognize revenue. The policy should decide whether to use the Percentage of Completion Method or the Completion Method based on which better indicates the earning process.
• Cost Recognition Principles: Similar to revenue, the policy should establish rules for recognizing costs and whether they coincide with the revenue recognition or have their specific timeline.
• Progress Measurement Technique: The policy should specify an approach for accurately gauging the progress of a project. This could be cost-to-cost, units-of-delivery, or any other method pertinent to the nature of the long-term contract.
• Change Handling Procedures: Set guidelines on how to manage changes in the contract's scope or price. Understanding how these changes impact revenue and cost recognition is paramount to reflecting accurate financial conditions.

Common Mistakes in Implementing Long Term Contract Accounting Policy

Implementing a long term contract accounting policy is not devoid of challenges. Common errors can be minimised with a strong understanding of associated pitfalls, some of which include:

• Inaccurate Revenue Recognition: A frequent mistake is failing to recognize revenue correctly, leaning either towards aggressive or conservative recognition. This distorts the financial presentation, leading to misleading insights.
• Improper Cost Allocation: Allocating costs incorrectly is another common error. If costs attributable to a contract are not recognised as they are incurred or are divided unevenly, it results in skewed financial figures.
• Overlooking Contract Modifications: Contract modifications, whether changes in scope or price, can significantly impact the finances. Ignoring these changes leads to inaccurate reporting of revenue and costs.
• Incorrect Progress Measurement: Companies often fail to adopt an appropriate method for measuring progress, which may not reflect the true status of the project, leading to premature or delayed recognition of revenue and costs.

Tips to Improve Your Firm's Long Term Contract Accounting Policy

While mistakes can occur, improving long term contract accounting policies is a continuous process. Here are some tips that your firm can incorporate:

• Intensive Training: Provide continuous education and training to your financial team about the nuances of long term contract accounting. Deep industry knowledge is vital.
• Periodic Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your accounting policy to ensure it adheres to the latest GAAP or IFRS principles and to analyse its effectiveness.
• Clear Documentation: Maintaining clear and consistent documentation of all contract-related information is paramount. Any changes in scope, costs or deadlines should be well documented.
• Advance Planning: Consider all possible eventualities in contract execution and plan for them in advance. A strong accounting policy accounts for all likely scenarios.
• Professional Consultation: Don't shy away from seeking professional help when needed. External auditors, accountants, and industry experts can provide valuable insights and guidance in policy development.

Note: The content herein does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional to ensure your long term contract accounting policy meets all legal and professional standards.