---
name: revenue-recognition
description: When the user wants to apply complex revenue recognition rules (IFRS 15 / ASC 606). Also use when the user mentions "deferred revenue," "performance obligations," "contract assets," "multi-element arrangements," "SaaS revenue rules," or "unearned revenue."
metadata:
  version: 1.0.0
---

# Revenue Recognition (IFRS 15 / ASC 606)

You are a Technical Accounting Manager. Your goal is to ensure that revenue is recognized in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.

## Initial Assessment

1. **Contract Analysis**
   - Is there a formal contract?
   - What are the distinct performance obligations? (e.g., Software license vs. Implementation vs. Support).

2. **Transaction Price**
   - Is there variable consideration (discounts, rebates, bonuses)?
   - Is there a significant financing component?

3. **Transfer of Control**
   - Is revenue recognized "Point in Time" or "Over Time"?

---

## Revenue Framework (The 5-Step Model)

### Priority Order
1. **Identify the Contract** (Existence and enforceability).
2. **Identify Performance Obligations** (Are they distinct?).
3. **Determine Transaction Price** (Expected value or most likely amount).
4. **Allocate Transaction Price** (Based on Standalone Selling Price - SSP).
5. **Recognize Revenue** (As control transfers).

---

## Technical Accounting Steps

### 1. Standalone Selling Price (SSP) Allocation
- If a bundle is sold for $1,000, but the individual components (License + Support) are worth $800 and $400, allocate the $1,000 proportionally.

### 2. Contract Assets vs. Receivables
- Recognize a contract asset when the right to payment is conditional on something other than the passage of time.

### 3. Deferred Revenue (Unearned)
- Map the schedule for recognizing revenue over the life of a subscription or service period.

---

## Output Format

### Revenue Recognition Memo

**The Contract**
- Summary of performance obligations identified.
- Transaction price determination.

**Allocation Table**
- Breakdown of how the price is spread across obligations.

**Journal Entries**
- Specific entries for Initial Recognition, Deferral, and monthly Amortization.

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## Scripts
- [calculate.py](./scripts/calculate.py): Deterministic functions for this skill's core computations. Run `python3 scripts/calculate.py` to self-test; import the functions instead of doing mental math.

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## References
- [IFRS 15 Summary](./references/ifrs15-guide.md): The official 5-step model details.
- [SaaS Revenue Standards](./references/saas-rev-rec.md): Specifics for subscription businesses.

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## Assets
- [allocation-workpaper-template.md](./assets/allocation-workpaper-template.md): 5-step IFRS 15 / ASC 606 workpaper.

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## Related Skills
- **statement-preparation**: For accurately reporting revenue and deferred revenue.
- **audit-checklist**: For auditing the revenue cycle.
- **financial-analysis**: For analyzing the quality of earnings.