Is Accounts Receivable an Asset? A Guide for Construction Business Owners
Updated: Jun 21
As a construction owner, knowing if accounts receivable are an asset or a liability can make a huge difference. It is the difference between accurately reporting your finances and watching your business grow or getting it all wrong and struggling to get your hands on the cash you need. Not to mention, misclassifying AR can make it harder for your business to make informed decisions.
But fear not! In this blog post, we're going to dive into the importance of identifying accounts receivable as an asset. We'll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about A/R, so you can stay ahead of the curve. So buckle up and get ready for a financial ride!
Is Accounts Receivable Asset or Liability?
What is Accounts Receivable in Construction?
Accounts receivable refers to money that is owed to your business for services that you have provided to clients. It is basically the amount of money your business should receive from your clients.
This can include invoices for completed projects or payments for work in progress in the construction industry.
What are the Key Differences Between Assets and Liabilities?
Assets and liabilities are two important concepts in construction accounting. What are assets? Assets are resources that a business owns and that can be used to generate revenue. Liabilities, on the other hand, are debts or obligations that a business owes to others.
Asset | Liability |
|---|---|
Put money into your company | Take money out of your company. |
Convert into cash | Business expense |
Generate revenue | Decrease your company's value and equity |
To put it simply, assets give you money, and liabilities take it away.
Is Accounts Receivable an Asset or Liability?
Accounts receivable are an asset because they represent money that your business is due to get in the future. As a result, it appears on your balance sheet as a current asset.
But it's important to remember that accounts receivable can turn into a liability if customers don't pay their bills on time.
Are Accounts Receivable Current Assets or Are They Property, Plant, & Equipment?
Are accounts receivable current assets? Or is accounts receivable a long-term asset? Accounts receivable is a current asset because it is expected to be converted to cash within a year.
Property, plant, and equipment, on the other hand, are long-term assets that are used to generate revenue over a longer period of time.
>>> Get a clear picture of the A/R presented on your balance sheet as a current asset. Download now!
Assets-Construction Finance Essentials Worksheet A-4
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How Can Accounts Receivable Affect Construction Businesses?
Cash flow
AR represents the money that your customers owe you for work you have already completed. If your AR is high, it means that you have a significant amount of money tied up in outstanding invoices.
This can lead to cash flow problems, making it difficult to pay your own bills and invest in your business.
>> Learn more: What is cash flow and why is cash flow management important?
>> Learn more: 4 Strategies to Improve Construction Cash Flow
Liquidity
AR can impact the liquidity of your business, which refers to how easily you can convert assets into cash. If you have a high amount of AR, it can make it more challenging to access cash when you need it.
This can make it difficult to take advantage of new business opportunities or cover unexpected expenses.
Creditworthiness
Lenders and investors often look at AR when evaluating the creditworthiness of a business.
If your A/R is high, it can mean that you are relying heavily on credit and may be at risk of defaulting on loans or other obligations.
Business growth:
A/R can impact the ability of your business to grow and take on new projects.
If you have a significant amount of unpaid invoices, it can limit your ability to invest in new equipment, hire more employees, or take on larger projects.
How Can Construction Businesses Enjoy a Solid A/R Workflow?
A solid and automated A/R workflow can bring several benefits to construction businesses, such as:
Healthy Cash Flow Management: By having a clear picture of the money owed to the business and when it is due, construction business owners can better manage their cash flow.
Faster Payment Collection: Automated workflows can help businesses collect payments faster and reduce the time it takes to get paid for completed work.
Improved Client Relationships: By taking your AR seriously, you can build stronger, more trusting relationships with your clients. With clear and consistent invoices, your clients will always know what to expect from your services. Too, they will not be caught off guard by surprise fees. After all, nothing says 'we care' like being on top of your AR and showing your clients that you value them.
Learn How CCA Can Streamline Your Construction A/R Workflow
Managing accounts receivable can be a hassle for construction business owners. That's why at CCA, we offer expert accounts receivable services to simplify and automate the process for you.
Our team will take care of everything from invoicing to payment processing and accounts receivable management. By letting us handle these tasks, you can focus on what you do best - growing your business.
Trust us to ensure timely payments, minimize outstanding invoices, and improve your cash flow. With our help, you can build the successful construction business you've always dreamed of.
FAQs:
1. Q: Does accounts receivable count as revenue?
A: No, accounts receivable do not count as revenue. Revenue is recognized when goods or services are delivered and payment is received.
2. Q: Is accounts receivable a long-term asset?
A: No, accounts receivable is a current asset because it is expected to be converted to cash within a year.
3. Q: How does accounts receivable affect cash flow?
A: Accounts receivable can affect cash flow because it represents money that is owed to the business. By improving accounts receivable processes, businesses can collect payments more quickly and improve cash flow management.
In Conclusion,
Understanding the true value of accounts receivable is crucial to the success of your business. It can be the difference between thriving and just getting by. Is accounts receivable now an asset? You get the answer. By correctly identifying A/R as an asset, you can gain a better understanding of your finances, make informed decisions, and pave the way for growth.
At CCA, we are committed to helping construction businesses establish efficient and effective accounts receivable processes, so they can focus on what they do best - building. Contact us today to see how we can help you take your business to the next level!
