#67 Identification of Doubtful Debt

How do we identify potential doubtful client while performing audit ?

We have to identify the doubtul receivable before assessing the potential provision for doubtful debt for respective client. Be noted that, provision for doubtful debt should be assessed on a specified basis. General provision is no longer allowed in IAS 39. IAS 39 requires existence of objective evidence of impairment on doubtful receivable. General provision does not take into consideration of any evidence.

Let's come back to the topic on how do we identify slow moving debtors step-by-step:

1. Obtained trade debtor aging listing ( by customer) as at the balance sheet date
2. Pay attention to debtors who have outstanding debts overdue more than 60-90 days
( the number of days could be changed according to the industry norm)
3. Selected the debtors ( with significant outstanding long outstanding debts according to the audit materiality of the engagement

In short, we analyze the debtors who has: 1) long outstanding balance ( generally overdue more than 60- 90 days) and 2) the long outstanding balance is considered material for the purpose of audit.