Question

our accounts receivable clerk, Mitra Adams, to whom you pay a salary of $2,715 per month, has just purchased a new Acura. You decide to test the accuracy of the accounts receivable balance of $148,420 as shown in the ledger.

The following information is available for your first year in business.

(1)		Collections from customers		$358,380
(2)		Merchandise purchased		579,200
(3)		Ending merchandise inventory		162,900
(4)		Goods are marked to sell at 40% above cost

Compute an estimate of the ending balance of accounts receivable from customers that should appear in the ledger and any apparent shortages. Assume that all sales are made on account.

Answer 1

Merchandise used for sale = Purchased – Ending balance

                                           = 579,200 – 162,900

                                           = 416,300

Total cost = Merchandise used for sale + Salary expense

                 = 416,300 + (2,715 × 12)

                 = 416,300 + 32,580

                 = 448,880

Credit sales = Total cost × (1 + 0.40)

                    = 448,880 × 1.40

                    = 628,432

Accounts receivable (ending) = Credit sales – Collections

                                                = 628,432 – 358,380

                                                = 270,052 (Answer)

Amount of shortage = Accounts receivable (ending) – Balance in the ledger

                                    = 270,052 – 148,420

                                    = 121,632 (Answer)