FEATURES OF ACCOUNTING RECEIVABLES ACCORDING TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Abstract

The article highlights the features of accounting receivables at the enterprise based on a comparison of national and international standards. The authors identified conceptual problems in accounting receivables and clearly outlined the differences between national and international accounting standards. An explanation of the differences in the standards themselves as the basic regulations governing the reflection of receivables in accounting. The experience of foreign countries, in particular the United States, on the peculiarities of accounting receivables is also reflected. The concept of bad receivables and its reflection in national and international standards is defined separately. An important role is played by the classification of receivables for accounting and reporting purposes. The authors identified possible threats in case of non-compliance with the rules of classification of receivables and risks to the financial stability of enterprises. An important place in the article belongs to the question of the relationship between the concepts of bad receivables and receivables to be written off, i.e. the statute of limitations has expired. It should be noted that International Financial Reporting Standards do not have an interpretation of the concept of "Accounts receivable", as defined in the Ukrainian accounting legislation. This becomes a contradictory point in the preparation of financial statements according to international standards. That is why the authors propose to apply a specific classification of receivables depending on the maturity in order to simplify the preparation of financial statements. Also the accrual of the provision for doubtful debts and the choice of the method of its calculation in accordance with national provisions (standards) of accounting and financial reporting is important. Proper and timely calculation of the doubtful debts provision gives companies the opportunity to reduce the base of income tax. Most Ukrainian companies choose the "absolute amount" method, which is a simpler and more realistic option if there are not many overdue debts. The authors also suggest options for improving the accounting of receivables in accordance with national and international standards.