Revenue toolkit: Step five—Recognize revenue

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In our Toolkit podcast series, we are taking a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering each of the five steps in the revenue recognition model.

In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by Angela Fergason and Pat Durbin, partners in PwC’s National Office, to discuss step five of the model: recognizing revenue.

In this episode, you will hear:

• 3:15 - Over time recognition - the three criteria to determine whether control transfers over time
• 10:51 - Measures of progress that can be used in over time recognition
• 13:12 - The importance of selecting a method that best depicts the transfer of control, and when a time-based measure of progress may be appropriate
• 18:45 - The “right to invoice” practical expedient
• 22:04 - Point in time recognition and the five indicators that control has transferred
• 28:33 - The impact of repurchase rights in determining whether control has transferred
• 33:39 - Specific considerations for acceptance clauses
• 35:13 - Licenses of intellectual property (IP), including how functional IP and symbolic IP are treated differently

Want to learn more? Read our chapter on Recognizing revenue in our Revenue guide.

Angela Fergason is a partner in PwC's National Office with over 20 years of experience who specializes in accounting for revenue and employee compensation arrangements. She also consults on a range of financial reporting issues impacting technology companies. Angela is a frequent speaker on accounting and financial reporting topics and is a contributor to many PwC National Office publications, including our accounting guides on revenue and stock-based compensation.

Pat Durbin is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office and the leader of the revenue and liabilities division. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

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