The accounting is relatively straightforward when cash is received from a customer or paid to a vendor. But what if you receive cash from the vendor or pay the customer? When everything is reversed, the accounting is not as easy and it may be more common than you expect. In this episode, Angela Fergason and Jay Seliber, partners in PwC’s National Office, join host Heather Horn to help you think through the accounting implications.

Topics include:

• 0:44 - Overview. Before we begin navigating the accounting guidance, we set the stage by talking about why this topic generates so many questions and share common examples of transactions when this might occur. 
• 4:50 - Consideration paid to a customer (ASC 606). Angela explains the vendor’s accounting when payments are made to a customer, touching on related judgments and the timing of recognition.
• 15:59 - Consideration received from a vendor (ASC 705-20). Switching gears, Jay walks us through the guidance for situations when a customer receives money from a vendor, touching on the different models and sharing illustrative examples. 
• 29:52 - Final reminders. We close by sharing helpful reminders, highlighting the importance of assessing all of the relationships involved and not merely jumping to a default model.  

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 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.

Jay Seliber is a partner in PwC’s National Accounting Services group with over 30 years of experience. He helps clients with their most complex accounting matters, particularly in the areas of revenue recognition, M&A, stock compensation, employee benefits, restructurings, impairments, and financing transactions. 

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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With over 25 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].