Hatcher Limited, a Private Company, Was Started on January 1

question 146

Essay

Hatcher Limited, a private company, was started on January 1, 2020. For the first year, the chief accountant prepared the financial statements and a local accountant completed the necessary review of these statements. However, for the year ended December 31, 2021, an external auditor was appointed. For each situation below, explain the recommended treatment for each of these matters in terms of whether they are errors, changes in accounting policy, or changes in estimate. Explain your conclusion.
1)Long-term contracts: Hatcher used the completed contract method for revenue recognition in 2020. Management now believes that the percentage of completion method would be better. Income under the completed contract method for 2020 was $3,800,000 and for 2021 it was $3,600,000. If the percentage of completion method had been used, the income would have been $5,800,000 (2020)and $3,400,000 (2021).
2)Accounts receivable: The accounts receivable on December 31, 2020, included a $30,000 account which was not provided for but subsequently was written off during 2021 as the customer went bankrupt after the issuance of the financial statements. Hatcher would like to adjust 2020 for this oversight as it sees this as an error.
3)Machine depreciation: Hatcher has a machine that cost $500,000 and has been depreciated over an estimated useful life of 10 years. Upon reviewing the manufacturer's reports in 2021, management now firmly believes the machine will last a total of 15 years from date of purchase. They would like to change last year's depreciation charge based on this analysis. Depreciation expense of $50,000 has been recorded for 2021.
4)Building depreciation: The company's building (cost $5,000,000, estimated salvage value $0, useful life 20 years)was depreciated last year using the 10% declining-balance method. The company and auditor now agree that the straight-line method would be a more appropriate method to use. A depreciation provision of $450,000 has been made for 2021.
5)Inventories: The accountant last year failed to apply the lower of cost or net realizable value to ending inventory. Upon review, the inventory balance for last year should have been reduced by $250,000. The closing inventory allowance for this year-end should be $370,000. No entry has been made for this.
"6)Warranties: Hatcher does not accrue for warranties; rather it records the warranty expense when claims are paid. Hatcher provides a one-year warranty for defective goods. Payments to satisfy warranty claims in 2020 were $160,000, and $370,000 in 2021. Out of the $370,000 paid in 2021, $170,000 related to 2020 sales. A reasonable estimate of warranties payable at the end of 2021 is $270,000.
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Definitions:

Percent More

The increase in a quantity measured as a fraction of 100.

Reduced By

To decrease in amount or number by a specified factor or quantity.

First Year

The initial 12-month period in a particular context, such as employment, schooling, or living in a new place.

Increased By

A phrase indicating that a quantity has been added to, usually in the context of arithmetic operations or describing growth in a financial metric.