Accounting Issues: An Essay Series Part II Accounts Receivable

Abstract

This is the second in a series of articles designed to help academics refocus the introductory accounting course on the theoretical underpinnings of accounting.  Intended as a supplement for the principles course, this article connects the asset Accounts Receivable to the essential theoretical constructs, discusses the inherent tradeoffs and measurement dilemmas involved, describes newsworthy examples of “beyond-GAAP accounting,” and offers a brief bibliography for further investigation should students or professors choose to research this element in more depth.