Definition of Accounts Payable
Definition of Accounts Receivable
Examples of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
Let's assume that Company A sells merchandise to Company B on credit (with payment due 30 days later). Company A will record the amount of the sale with a credit to Sales and a debit to Accounts Receivable. Company B will record the purchase (perhaps as inventory) with a credit to Accounts Payable.
When the amount of the credit sale is remitted, Company B will debit its liability Accounts Payable and will credit Cash. Company A will debit Cash and will credit its current asset Accounts Receivable.
Symmetry with Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
Our examples show that there are two sides to every transaction (which some people refer to as symmetry).
At the time of the sale:
- Company A reported a sale and a current asset, and
- Company B reported a purchase and a current liability
At the time of payment:
- Company A's Cash increased and its Accounts Receivable decreased
- Company B's Cash decreased and its Accounts Payable decreased
Balance Sheet: Retail/Wholesale - Corporation