Financial Reporting Conversations

Revenue Recognition Judgement Risks for Long Term Construction Contracts


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Financial reporting standards have existed for decades. Yet revenue recognition errors continue to appear in financial statements, audit files, and regulatory findings under IFRS 15.

So why does revenue recognition still go wrong under IFRS 15?

In this episode, Wayne Basford and Judith Leung explore the practical judgement areas that cause recurring mistakes when applying IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. They discuss why the five-step model can appear straightforward in theory but becomes far more complex in real reporting environments.

The conversation examines several common problem areas under IFRS 15, including misidentifying performance obligations, allocating revenue incorrectly, recognising revenue based on invoices rather than the standard, and failing to apply the reversal constraint when estimating contract consideration.

Using real-world examples, including long-term projects and construction contracts, they explain how cost estimates, contract variations, bonuses, and penalties can distort revenue recognition and lead to overstated financial results.

If you prepare, audit, review, or oversee financial statements, this discussion will sharpen your understanding of the judgement risks within IFRS 15 revenue recognition and highlight where financial reporting most often goes wrong.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why revenue recognition errors still occur under IFRS 15
  •  Why recognising revenue based on invoices can be misleading
  •  How the IFRS 15 reversal constraint affects bonuses, claims, and variations
  •  Why cost-to-complete estimates can distort revenue recognition
  •  What auditors, boards, and preparers should watch for when reviewing revenue under IFRS 15

Financial Reporting Conversations is brought to you by Basford Consulting helping professionals go beyond compliance and get financial reporting right.

For technical insights, training, and resources that make the unknowns in financial reporting known, visit basfordconsulting.com

đź”— Connect with us:
LinkedIn: Wayne Basford & Judith Leung
YouTube: @BasfordConsulting
Website: basfordconsulting.com

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Financial Reporting ConversationsBy Wayne Basford