Companies can convert receivables to cash before they are due. Reasons for this include the need for cash or a desire to not be involved in collection activities. |
A. Selling Receivables 1. Buyer, called a factor, charges the seller a factoring fee and then collects the receivables as they come due. 2. Entry: debit Cash (amount received), and Factoring Fee Expense (amount charged) and credit Accounts Receivable (amount sold). |
B. Pledging Receivables 1. Company borrows money by pledging its receivables as security. 2. Borrower retains ownership of the receivables. 3. If borrower defaults, the lender has right to be paid from receipts on accounts receivable when collected. 4. The pledge should be disclosed in financial statement footnotes. 5. The loan is recorded as a debit to Cash and a credit to Notes Payable. |

