Accounting 0452 · IGCSE · Irrecoverable debts and provision for doubtful debts

Irrecoverable debts and provision for doubtful debts — practice question

AY Limited has supplied the performance data shown below for its last two years of trading. Every sale and purchase is made on credit and each carries a 30-day credit period.
(a)[10]

Use the table below to show whether each ratio has improved or deteriorated at the end of year 2, and give two reasons that could have led to the change. Return on capital employed (ROCE) has already been filled in as the example.

(b)[3]

Prepare the provision for doubtful debts account in AY Limited’s ledger for the year ended 31 March 2025. Balance off the account and carry the balance down at 1 April 2025.

(c(i))[1]

Explain the meaning of a ‘provision for doubtful debts’.

(c(ii))[1]

Name the accounting principle being used when a provision for doubtful debts is made.

(d)[5]

Advise the directors of AY Limited whether delaying payments to their trade payables would or would not be a good way to secure the purchase of the equipment. Support your answer with arguments for and against delaying payments to trade payables.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 20-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: ROCE: Worsened

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