Accounting Information System

C HAPTER 5
The Revenue Cycle:

Sales and Cash Collections
2006 Prentice Hall Business Publishing
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INTRODUCTION
Questions to be addressed in this chapter include:
What are the basic business activities and data processing operations that are performed in the revenue cycle? What decisions need to be made in the revenue cycle, and what information is needed to make these decisions? What are the major threats in the revenue cycle and the controls related to those threats?
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INTRODUCTION
The revenue cycle is a recurring set of business activities and related information processing operations associated with:
Providing goods and services to customers Collecting their cash payments
The primary external exchange of information is with customers.
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INTRODUCTION
Information about revenue cycle activities flows to other accounting cycles, e.g.:
The expenditure and production cycles
Receive information about sales transactions so theyll know when to initiate the purchase or production of more inventory.
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INTRODUCTION
The expenditure and production cycles The human resources/payroll cycle
Uses information about sales to calculate commissions and bonuses.
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INTRODUCTION
The expenditure and production cycles The human resources/payroll cycle The general ledger and reporting function
Uses information produced by the revenue cycle in preparing financial statements and performance reports.
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INTRODUCTION
The primary objective of the revenue cycle:
Provide the right product in the right place at the right time for the right price.
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INTRODUCTION
Decisions that must be made:
Should we customize products? How much inventory should we carry and where? How should we deliver our product? How should we price our product? Should we give customers credit? If so, how much and on what terms? How can we process payments to maximize cash flow?
INTRODUCTION
Management also has to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of revenue cycle processes:
Requires data about:
Events that occur Resources used Agents who participate
The data needs to be accurate, reliable, and timely.

INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, well look at:
How the three basic AIS functions are carried out in the revenue cycle, i.e.:
Capturing and processing data Storing and organizing the data for decisions Providing controls to safeguard resources (including data)
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REVENUE CYCLE BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

Four basic business activities are performed in the revenue cycle:
Sales order entry Shipping Billing Cash collection
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

Sales order entry is performed by the sales order department. The sales order department typically reports to the VP of Marketing. Steps in the sales order entry process include:
Take the customers order Check the customers credit Check inventory availability Respond to customer inquiries (may be done by customer service or sales order entry)
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries
1.2 Approve Credit Customer 1.3

Approved Orders
DFD for Sales Order Entry
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Sales Order Picking List
Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

Sales order entry is performed by the sales order department. The sales order department typically reports to the VP of Marketing. Steps in the process include:
SALES ORDER ENTRY

Take customer orders
Order data are received on a sales order document which may be completed and received:
In the store By mail By phone On a website By a salesperson in the field
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

The sales order (paper or electronic) indicates:
Item numbers ordered Quantities Prices Salesperson
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

To reduce human error, customers should enter data themselves as much as possible:
On websites On OCR forms Via phone menus
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

How IT can improve efficiency and effectiveness:
Orders entered online can be routed directly to the warehouse for picking and shipping. Sales history can be used to customize solicitations. Choiceboards can be used to customize orders. Initially popular with Dell and Gateway.
Now used for purchases of shoes and jeans!
SALES ORDER ENTRY

Electronic data interchange (EDI) can be used to link a company directly with its customers to receive orders or even manage the customers inventory. Email and instant messaging are used to notify sales staff of price changes and promotions. Laptops and handheld devices can equip sales staff with presentations, prices, marketing and technical data, etc.
SALES ORDER ENTRY

Recall that one objective of the AIS is to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. With respect to sales order data, the following edit checks should be performed:
Validity checks on the customer account and inventory item numbers. Completeness test to make sure all needed information was collected. Reasonableness tests comparing the quantity ordered to past history.
Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

SALES ORDER ENTRY

Credit sales should be approved before the order is processed any further. There are two types of credit authorization:
General authorization
For existing customers below their credit limit who dont have past-due balances. Credit limits vary by customer based on past history and ability to pay. General authorization involves checking the customer master file to verify the account and status.
SALES ORDER ENTRY

Credit sales should be approved before For who are: the order iscustomers processed any further. New two Have past-due There are typesbalances of credit authorization:
General authorization Specific authorization is done by the credit manager, who reports to the treasurer. Specific authorization
Are placing orders that would exceed their credit limit
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

How can IT improve the process?
Automatic checking of credit limits and balances Emails or IMs to the credit manager for accounts needing specific authorization
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

SALES ORDER ENTRY

When the order has been received and the customers credit approved, the next step is to ensure there is sufficient inventory to fill the order and advise the customer of the delivery date. The sales order clerk can usually reference a screen displaying:
Quantity on hand Quantity already committed to others Quantity on order
SALES ORDER ENTRY

If there are enough units to fill the order:
Complete the sales order Update the quantity available field in the inventory file Notify the following departments of the sale:
Shipping Inventory Billing
Send an acknowledgment to the customer

SALES ORDER ENTRY

If theres not enough to fill the order, initiate a back order.
For manufacturing companies, notify the production department that more should be manufactured. For retail companies, notify purchasing that more should be purchased.
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

Accurate inventory records are needed so customers can be accurately advised of their order status.
Requires careful data entry in the sales and shipping processes. Can be problematic in retail establishments:
Clerks running a similar item over the scanner several times instead of running each item Mishandling of sales returns such that returned merchandise isnt re-entered in inventory records
Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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Orders
Customer
1.1 Take Order

Orders
Customer
Response
Inquiries

Approved Orders
1.4
Resp. to Cust. Inq.
Sales Order
Check Inv. Avail.

Inventory
Sales Order
Shipping
Billing
Warehouse
Purchasing
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

SALES ORDER ENTRY

Another step in the sales order entry process is responding to customer inquiries:
May occur before or after the order is placed The quality of this customer service can be critical to company success
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

Many companies use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to support this process:
Organizes customer data to facilitate efficient and personalized service Provides data about customer needs and business practices so they can be contacted proactively about the need to reorder
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

The goal of CRM is to retain customers:
Rule of thumb: It takes 5 times as much effort to attract a new customer as it does to retain an existing one. CRMs should be seen as tools to improve the level of customer service and encourage loyaltynot as a way to keep them off your back.
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

Transaction processing technology can be used to improve customer relationships:
POS systems can link to the customer master file to:
Automatically update accounts receivable. Print customized coupons (e.g., if the customer just bought yogurt, print a yogurt coupon to encourage repeat sales).
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SALES ORDER ENTRY

IT should be used to automate responses to routine customer requests. Examples:
Providing telephone menus or websites that lead customers to answers about EXAMPLE: Timex includes their watch manuals
Account balances online, so a customer whos missing his manual can Order status find out how to reset his watch when Daylight Savings Timeasked rolls around. human intervention required. Frequently questionsNo (FAQs)
Online chat or instant messaging
These methods free up customer service reps to deal with less routine issues.
SALES ORDER ENTRY

The effectiveness of a website depends on its design:
Review records of customer interactions to identify potential problems. A poorly-designed, difficult-to-use website can create customer ill will. A well-designed site can provide insights that lead to increased sales, e.g., by analyzing website traffic to determine products of greatest interest.
SALES ORDER ENTRY

Sales order entry involved the steps of:
Taking the customers order Checking the customers credit Checking inventory availability Responding to customer inquiries
We have now completed sales order entry and are ready to move to the next step.
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SHIPPING
The second basic activity in the revenue cycle is filling customer orders and shipping the desired merchandise. The process consists of two steps
Picking and packing the order Shipping the order
The warehouse department typically picks the order The shipping departments packs and ships the order Both functions include custody of inventory and ultimately report to the VP of Manufacturing.
Shipping
Sales Order Entry
Picking List
2.1 Pick & Pack

Goods & Packing List
Sales Order
Sales Order
Bill of Lading & Packing Slip
2.2 Ship Goods

Goods, Packing Slip, & Bill of Lading
Inventory
Billing & Accts. Rec.
Shipments
Carrier
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Shipping
Sales Order Entry
Picking List
2.1 Pick & Pack

Sales Order
Sales Order
2.2 Ship Goods

Inventory
Shipments
Carrier
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SHIPPING
SHIPPING
A picking ticket is printed by sales order entry and triggers the pick-and-pack process The picking ticket identifies:
Which products to pick What quantity
Warehouse workers record the quantities picked on the picking ticket, which may be a paper or electronic document. The picked inventory is then transferred to the shipping department.
SHIPPING
Technology can speed the movement of inventory and improve the accuracy of perpetual inventory records:
Bar code scanners Conveyer belts Wireless technology so workers can receive instructions without returning to dispatch Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags:
Eliminate the need to align goods with scanner Allow inventory to be tracked as it moves through warehouse Can store up to 128 bytes of data
Sales Order Entry
Picking List
2.1 Pick & Pack

Sales Order
Sales Order
2.2 Ship Goods

Inventory
Shipments
Carrier
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Sales Order Entry
Picking List
2.1 Pick & Pack

Sales Order
Sales Order
2.2 Ship Goods

Inventory
Shipments
Carrier
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SHIPPING
SHIPPING
The shipping department compares the following quantities:
Physical count of inventory Quantities indicated on picking ticket Quantities on sales order
Discrepancies can arise if:

Items werent stored in the location indicated Perpetual inventory records were inaccurate
If there are discrepancies, a back order is initiated.

SHIPPING
The clerk then records online:
The sales order number The item numbers ordered The quantities shipped
This process:
Updates the quantity-on-hand field in the inventory master file Produces a packing slip
The packing slip lists the quantity and description of each item in the shipment.
SHIPPING
The clerk then records online:
The sales order number numbers The bill of lading is a legal contract that defines The item ordered responsibility for goods in transit The quantities shipped It identifies:
Updates the quantity-on-hand field in the The destination inventory master Special file shipping instructions packing Who pays for the shipping Produces a slip Produces multiple copies of the bill of lading
The carrier This produces
The source
SHIPPING
The shipment is accompanied by:
The packing slip A copy of the bill of lading The freight bill
(Sometimes bill of lading doubles as freight bill)
What happens to other copies of the bill of lading?

One is kept in shipping to track and confirm delivery One is sent to billing to trigger an invoice One is retained by the freight carrier
SHIPPING
A major shipping decision is the choice of delivery methods:
Some companies maintain a fleet of trucks Companies increasingly outsource to commercial carriers
Reduces costs Allows company to focus on core business
Selecting best carrier means collecting and monitoring carrier performance data for:
On-time delivery Condition of merchandise delivered
SHIPPING
Another decision relates to the location of distribution centers
Many customers want suppliers to deliver products only when needed Logistical software tools can help identify optimal locations to:
Minimize amount of inventory carried Meet customers needs Also helps optimize the use of delivery vehicles on a day-to-day basis
SHIPPING
Globalization makes outbound logistics more complex:
Distribution methods differ around the world in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Country-specific taxes and regulations affect distribution choices. Logistical software can also help with these issues.
Advanced communications systems can provide real-time info on shipping status and thus add value:
If you know a shipment will be late and notify the customer, it helps the customer adapt.

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BILLING
The third revenue cycle activity is billing customers. This activity involves two tasks:
Invoicing Updating accounts receivable
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Sales Order Entry
Sales Order
3.1 Billing
Invoice
Shipping
Sales
General Ledger & Rept. Sys.
Customer
Sales
Customer
Billing and Accounts Receivable
3.2 Maintain Accts. Rec.
Mailroom
Remittance List
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Sales Order Entry
Sales Order
3.1 Billing
Invoice
Shipping
Sales
Customer
Sales
Customer
Billing and Accounts Receivable
Mailroom
Remittance List
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BILLING
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BILLING
Accurate and timely billing is crucial. Billing is an information processing activity that repackages and summarizes information from the sales order entry and shipping activities Requires information from:
Shipping Department on items and quantities shipped Sales on prices and other sales terms
BILLING
The basic document created is the sales invoice. The invoice notifies the customer of:
The amount to be paid Where to send payment
Invoices may be sent/received:

In paper form By EDI
Common for larger companies Faster and cheaper than snail mail
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BILLING
When buyer and seller have accurate online systems:
Invoicing process may be skipped
Seller sends an email when goods are shipped Buyer sends acknowledgment when goods are received Buyer automatically remits payments within a specified number of days after receiving the goods
Can produce substantial cost savings
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BILLING
An integrated AIS may also merge the billing process with sales and marketing by using data about a customers past purchases to send information about related products and services with his monthly statement.
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Sales Order Entry
Sales Order
3.1 Billing
Invoice
Shipping
Sales
Customer
Sales
Customer
Mailroom
Remittance List
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Sales Order Entry
Sales Order
3.1 Billing
Invoice
Shipping
Sales
Customer
Sales
Customer
Mailroom
Remittance List
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BILLING
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BILLING
The accounts receivable function reports to the controller This function performs two basic tasks
Debits customer accounts for the amount the customer is invoiced Credits customer accounts for the amount of customer payments
Two basic ways to maintain accounts receivable:

Open-invoice method Balance forward method
BILLING
OPEN-INVOICE METHOD:
Customers pay according to each invoice Two copies of the invoice are typically sent to the customer
Customer is asked to return one copy with payment This copy is a turnaround document called a remittance advice
Advantages of open-invoice method

Conducive to offering early-payment discounts Results in more uniform flow of cash collections
Disadvantages of open-invoice method

More complex to maintain
BILLING
BALANCE FORWARD METHOD:
Customers pay according to amount on their monthly statement, rather than by invoice Monthly statement lists transactions since the last statement and lists the current balance
The tear-off portion includes pre-printed information with customer name, account number, and balance Customers are asked to return the stub, which serves as the remittance advice Remittances are applied against the total balance rather than against a specific invoice
BILLING
Advantages of balance-forward method:
Its more efficient and reduces costs because you dont bill for each individual sale Its more convenient for the customer to make one monthly remittance
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BILLING
Cycle billing is commonly used with the balance-forward method
Monthly statements are prepared for subsets of customers at different times.
EXAMPLE: Bill customers according to the following schedule:
1st week of monthLast names beginning with A-F 2nd week of monthLast names beginning with G-M 3rd week of monthLast names beginning with N-S 4th week of monthLast names beginning with T-Z
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BILLING
Advantages of cycle billing:
Produces more even cash flow Produces more even workload Doesnt tie up computer for several days to print statements
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BILLING
Image processing can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of managing customer accounts.
Digital images of customer remittances and accounts are stored electronically
Advantages:
Fast, easy retrieval Copy of document can be instantly transmitted to customer or others Multiple people can view document at once Drastically reduces document storage space
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BILLING
EXCEPTION PROCEDURES: ACCOUNT ADJUSTMENTS AND WRITE-OFFS:
Adjustments to customer accounts may need to be made for:
Returns Allowances for damaged goods Write-offs as uncollectible
These adjustments are handled by the credit manager
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BILLING
If theres a return, the credit manager:
Receives confirmation from the receiving dock that the goods were actually returned to inventory Then issues a credit memo which authorizes the crediting of the customers account
If goods are slightly damaged, the customer may agree to keep them for a price reduction
Credit manager issues a credit memo to reflect that reduction
BILLING
Distribution of credit memos:
One copy to accounts receivable to adjust the customer account One copy to the customer
If repeated attempts to collect payment fail, the credit manager may issue a credit memo to write off an account:
A copy will not be sent to the customer
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BILLING
NOTE: Since accounts receivable handles the customer accounts, why does someone else have to issue the credit memos?
EXAMPLE; An accounts receivable employee could allow a relative or friend (or even himself) to run up an account with the company and then simply write the account off or credit it for returns and allowances.
Having the credit memos issued by the credit manager is good segregation of duties between:
Authorizing a transaction (write-off) Recording the transaction

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CASH COLLECTIONS
The final activity in the revenue cycle is collecting cash from customers The cashier, who reports to the treasurer, handles customer remittances and deposits them in the bank Because cash and checks are highly vulnerable, controls should be in place to discourage theft
Accounts receivable personnel should not have access to cash (including checks)
CASH COLLECTIONS
Possible approaches to collecting cash:
Turnaround documents forwarded to accounts receivable
The mailroom opens customer envelopes and forwards to accounts receivable either:
Remittance advices Photocopies of remittance advices A remittance list prepared in the mailroom
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CASH COLLECTIONS
Turnaround documents receivable Lockbox arrangements
Customers remit payments to a bank P.O. box The bank sends the company:

Advantages:
Remittance advices An electronic list of the remittances Copies the checks forwarded toof accounts Prevents theft by company employees Improves cash flow management
Lockboxes may be regional, which reduces time in the mail Checks are deposited immediately on receipt Foreign banks can be utilized for international customers
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CASH COLLECTIONS
Turnaround documents forwarded to accounts receivable Lockbox arrangements Electronic lockboxes
Upon receiving and scanning the checks, the bank immediately sends electronic notification to the company, including:
Customer account number Amount remitted
CASH COLLECTIONS
Customers remit payment electronically to the companys bank Possible approaches collecting cash: Eliminates mailingto delays Typically done through banking systems Automated Turnaround documents forwarded to accounts Clearing House (ACH) network receivable PROBLEM: Some banks do not have both EDI and EFT Lockbox arrangements capabilities, which complicates the task of crediting the customers account on a timely basis. Electronic lockboxes
Electronic funds transfer
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CASH COLLECTIONS
Turnaround documents forwarded to accounts receivable Lockbox arrangements Electronic lockboxes Electronic funds transfer Financial electronic data interchange (FEDI)
Integrates EFT with EDI Remittance data and funds transfer instructions are sent simultaneously by the customer Requires that both buyer and seller use EDI-capable banks
CASH COLLECTIONS
Turnaround documents forwarded to accounts receivable Lockbox arrangements Electronic lockboxes Speeds collection because credit card issuer Electronicusually funds transfers transferfunds within two days electronic Typically costs 2-4% of gross sales price Financial data interchange (FEDI) Accept credit cards or procurement cards from customers
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CASH COLLECTIONS
Turnaround documents forwarded to accounts receivable Lockbox arrangements Electronic lockboxes Electronic funds transfer Financial electronic data interchange (FEDI) Accept credit cards or procurement cards from customers Electronic bill payment
REVIEW OF REVENUE CYCLE ACTIVITIES

Before we move on to discuss internal controls in the revenue cycle, lets do a brief review of the organization chart, including:
Who does what in the revenue cycle To whom they typically report
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PARTIAL ORGANIZATION CHART FOR UNITS INVOLVED IN REVENUE CYCLE

CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order

Customer Service
Warehouse
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Takes customer orders Authorizes credit for existing customers in good standing Checks inventory availability
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
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Cashier
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CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order
Customer Warehouse Service
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Responds to customer inquiries
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
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Cashier
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CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order
Customer Service
Warehouse
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Picks the order
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
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Cashier
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CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Packs the order Ships the order
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
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Cashier
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CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order
Customer Service
Warehouse
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Invoices the customer
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
Cashier
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CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Maintains the customers account:

Increases customer account when sales are made Decreases account when cash is collected
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
Cashier
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CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order
Customer Service
Warehouse
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Approves credit for new customers or existing customers with issues Authorizes credits to customer accounts for returns, allowances, and write-offs
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
Cashier
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CEO
VP of Marketing
VP of Manufacturing
CFO
Sales Order
Customer Service
Warehouse
Shipping
Controller
Treasurer
Deposits cash received from customers
Billing Dept.
Accounts Receivable
Credit Manager
Cashier
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CONTROL: OBJECTIVES, THREATS, AND PROCEDURES

In the revenue cycle (or any cycle), a well-designed AIS should provide adequate controls to ensure that the following objectives are met:
All transactions are properly authorized All recorded transactions are valid All valid and authorized transactions are recorded All transactions are recorded accurately Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair

Well soon be discussing the threats that may occur in the revenue cycle. If you understand the preceding objectives, you probably wont have to worry about memorizing threats. Almost every threat represents a violation of one of those control objectives. Lets look more closely.
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All transactions are properly authorized All recorded transactions arewould valid be that a transaction A related threat go through without proper authorization. All valid andwould authorized transactions are recorded Such a transaction might result from either a All transactions are recorded accurately mistake or a fraud. Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft EXAMPLE: An employee might process an Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively unauthorized write-off of his own account, so The company is in withto all applicable laws and that hecompliance wouldnt have pay. regulations All disclosures are full and fair

All transactions are properly authorized All recorded transactions are valid All valid and authorized are recorded The related threat is that a transactions transaction would be recorded that isnt valid, i.e., it didnt actually occur. All transactions are recorded accurately EXAMPLE 1: An employee from records aor return Assets are safeguarded loss theft of merchandise on his own account when the goods were never really returned. Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively EXAMPLE 2: Many financial statement frauds involve companies The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and recording totally fictitious revenues in order to make the regulations companys financial position appear more favorable than it All disclosures are full and fair actually is.
The related threat would be that a transaction that actually did occur didnt get recorded. EXAMPLE 1: An employee fails to record a sale that the company made cycle to him(or so he wont have pay the receivable. In the revenue any cycle), a to well-designed AIS should EXAMPLE 2: In adequate financial statement cases,that the company provide controlsfraud to ensure the often fails to record transactions following objectives are met: that reduce income or net assets, e.g., dont record returns from customers or discounts All transactions properly authorized granted to them. are This omission causes net sales to appear All recorded transactions higher than they really are. are valid All valid and authorized transactions are recorded
All transactions are recorded accurately Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair
CONTROL: OBJECTIVES, The threat would be that a transaction is THREATS, AND PROCEDURES recorded inaccurately. Inaccurate recording
typically means that a transaction is recorded In the revenue cycle (or any cycle), a well-designed AIS either:
In the wrong amount should provide adequate controls to ensure that the In the met: wrong account following objectives are
In the wrong time period All transactions are properly authorized It could also mean that the transaction was All recorded transactions are valid credited to the wrong agents or participants. All valid and authorized transactions are recorded All transactions are recorded accurately Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair
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CONTROL: OBJECTIVES, EXAMPLES: A fraud might involve a company: THREATS, AND PROCEDURES
Over-recording the amount of a sale (wrong In the revenue cycle amount) (or any cycle), a well-designed AIS Recording an unearned revenue as an earned should provide adequate controls to ensure that the revenue (wrong account) following objectives are met: Recording a sale earlier than it occurs (wrong All transactions are properly authorized time period) Crediting wrong salesperson for the sale All recorded transactions are the valid (wrong agent)
All valid and authorized transactions are recorded All transactions are recorded accurately Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair
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The(or reverse side of these activities might In the revenue cycle any cycle), a well-designed AIS include: controls to ensure that the should provide adequate Under-recording a sales return (wrong amount). following objectives are met:
Debiting an asset account instead of sales All transactions are properly authorized returns (wrong account) All recorded transactions are valid Recording the return later than it actually occurred (wrong time All valid and authorized transactions are period) recorded
All transactions are recorded accurately Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair

All transactions are properly authorized All recorded transactions are valid authorized Threats intransactions this area usually involve theft, All valid and are recorded destruction, or accurately misuse of assets, including data. All transactions are recorded Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair

All transactions are properly authorized All recorded transactions are valid All valid and authorized transactions are recorded The threat is that the activities would be All transactions are recorded accurately performed inefficiently or ineffectively. Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair

cycle The obvious is a non-compliance with laws In the revenue (or any threat cycle), well-designed AIS and regulations. should provide adequate controls to ensure that the An example in the revenue cycle could be a car following objectives are met: dealer who:
All transactions are properly authorized Sells a vehicle to which he doesnt have clear title; or All recorded transactions are valid Refuses to allow a customer to return a car in All valid and authorized transactions are recorded violation of state lemon laws. All transactions are recorded accurately Another example might be requesting a credit Assets are safeguarded loss or theft check onfrom a customer in violation of the Fair Credit (FCRA). Business activities areReporting performedAct efficiently and effectively The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations All disclosures are full and fair

All transactions are properly authorized The threat is incomplete and/or misleading All recorded transactions are valid disclosures. All valid and transactions are recorded authorized This threat is more important in other areas, All transactions are recorded accurately particularly those areas that involve liabilities and contingencies. Assets are safeguarded from loss or theft However, one threat in the revenue cycle could Business activities are performed efficiently and effectively be misleading disclosures about customers The company is in compliance with all applicable laws and rights to return product. regulations All disclosures are full and fair

While were going to step through a number of common threats in the revenue cycle, its a good idea to memorize the internal control objectives so you can think of the relevant threats on your own. If you dont like the text version, click on the button below to see a rhyming version of the same objectives.
Poets Corner

There are several actions a company can take with respect to any cycle to reduce threats of errors or irregularities. These include:
Using simple, easy-to-complete documents with clear instructions (enhances accuracy and reliability). Using appropriate application controls, such as validity checks and field checks (enhances accuracy and reliability). Providing space on forms to record who completed and who reviewed the form (encourages proper authorizations and accountability).

Pre-numbering documents (encourages recording of valid and only valid transactions). Restricting access to blank documents (reduces risk of unauthorized transaction).
In the following sections, well discuss the threats that may arise in the four major steps of the revenue cycle, as well as the controls that can prevent those threats.
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THREATS IN SALES ORDER ENTRY

The primary objectives of this process:
Accurately and efficiently process customer orders. Ensure that all sales are legitimate and that the company gets paid for all sales Minimize revenue loss arising from poor inventory management
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THREATS IN SALES ORDER ENTRY

Threats in the sales entry process The types oforder problems posed by each threat The controls that can mitigate the threats. include:
1. THREAT 1: Incomplete or inaccurate customer orders 2. THREAT 2: Sales to customers with poor credit 3. THREAT 3: Orders that are not legitimate 4. THREAT 4: Stockouts, carrying costs, and markdowns
You can click on any of the threats below to get more information on:
THREATS IN SHIPPING
The primary objectives of the shipping process are:
Fill customer orders efficiently and accurately Safeguard inventory
Threats in the shipping process include:

THREAT 5: Shipping Errors THREAT 6: Theft of Inventory
You can click on any of the threats above to get more information on:
The types of problems posed by each threat The controls that can mitigate the threats.
The types of problems posed by each threat THREATS IN BILLING
The controls that can mitigate the threats.
The primary objectives of the billing process are to ensure:

Customers are billed for all sales Invoices are accurate Customer accounts are accurately maintained
Threats that relate to this process are:

THREAT 7: Failure to bill customers THREAT 8: Billing errors THREAT 9: Errors in maintaining customer accounts
THREATS IN CASH COLLECTION

The primary objective of the cash collection process:
Safeguard customer remittances
The major threat to this process:

THREAT 10: Theft of cash
You can click on the above threat to get more information on:
The types of problems posed by the threat The controls that can mitigate the threat
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GENERAL CONTROL ISSUES

Two general objectives pertain activities in The types of problems to posed by each threat every cycle: The controls that can mitigate the threats.
Accurate data should be available when needed Activities should be performed efficiently and effectively
The related general threats are:

THREAT 11: Loss, Alteration, or Unauthorized Disclosure of Data THREAT 12: Poor performance
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REVENUE CYCLE INFORMATION NEEDS

Weve examined the various threats in the revenue cycle and the controls that can mitigate those threats. Lets move on to summarize the information needs in the revenue cycle.
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Information is needed for the following operational tasks in the revenue cycle:
Responding to customer inquiries Deciding on extending credit to a customer Determining inventory availability Selecting merchandise delivery methods
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Information is needed for the following strategic decisions:
Setting prices for products/services Establishing policies on returns and warranties Deciding on credit terms Determining short-term borrowing needs Planning new marketing campaigns
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The AIS needs to provide information to evaluate performance of the following:
Response time to customer inquiries Time to fill and deliver orders Percentage of sales orders back ordered Customer satisfaction rates and trends Analyses of market share and sales trends Profitability by product, customer, and region Sales volume in dollars and market share Effectiveness of advertising and promotions Sales staff performance Bad debt expense and credit policies

Both financial and non-financial information are needed to manage and evaluate revenue cycle activities. Likewise, both external and internal information is needed.
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When the AIS integrates information from the various cycles, sources, and types, the reports that can be generated are unlimited. They include reports on:
Sales order entry efficiency Sales breakdowns by salesperson, region, product, etc. Profitability by territory, customer, etc. Frequency and size of backorders Slow-moving products Projected cash inflows and outflows (called a cash budget) Accounts receivable aging Revenue margin (gross margin minus selling costs)

Accountants should continually refine and improve an organizations performance reports.
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SUMMARY
Youve learned about the basic business activities and data processing operations in the revenue cycle, including:
Sales order entry Shipping Billing Cash Collection
Youve learned how IT can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of those processes.
SUMMARY
Youve learned about decisions that need to be made in the revenue cycle and what information is required to make these decisions. Youve also learned about the major threats that present themselves in the revenue cycle and the controls that can be instigated to mitigate those threats.
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Accounting Information System

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C HAPTER 5

The Revenue Cycle:

2006 Prentice Hall Business Publishing