Is this a weird question or am i just dumb?

I got asked this in a lateral interview. It was the only accounting question I got and didn't know how to answer lol. Seems like a pretty simple question. 

You’re paying me $20 to build you a bird house that will be made in 3 days. Walk me through the 3 financial statements.

Anyone help?

16 Comments
 

I suck at accounting and am a prospective summer analyst. I thought I would give this a try though. 

Cash: -20

PP&E: +20

Assets: +20

Revenue: -20

Accounts Payable: -20

Go easy on me... liberal arts major but wanted to give it a shot.

 
Most Helpful

Depends on whose financial statements you're looking at. I'll assume you're looking at the person who is building the bird house. 

First entry on day cash is handed over - debit cash 20, credit deferred revenue 20. 

Second entry on day birdhouse is transferred to recipient - debit deferred revenue 20, credit revenue 20. 

Third entry also on day birdhouse is transferred to recipient - debit COGS for amount spent to make birdhouse, credit inventory for same amount.

Source: accounting major 

 

I see that you’re using completed contract method but why would that be preferred over percentage of completion method? I would have answered recognizing the revenue 1/3 over each day (3 days total)  the birdhouse is being made.

Array
 

If it’s me paying you to build me a bird house. I would just pay you the money now or as soon as I could. I don’t really need financial statements for my personal finances

 

So the 3 financial statements would continue to be empty or I would just say I’m good with money as my one financial statement

 

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