Many Companies Have Yet To Start New Revenue Recognition Efforts: Majority of Firms Plan to Adopt New Standard on Time but Haven't Started Diagnostic Work

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The deadline for companies to adopt the new revenue recognition standard is still more than a year away, and recent research suggests many firms will be using all the time allowed to make the transition. In the Robert Half Management Resources survey, 64 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) said they plan on adopting the new rules just-in-time. In addition, the majority of CFOs, 59 percent, have not started the diagnostic work to determine how much effort will be required for them to be ready to make the transition.

"While the first adoption date for the new revenue recognition standard is more than a year out, firms should be determining the work that will be involved with the transition and avoid delaying their efforts," said Paul McDonald, senior executive director for Robert Half. "Complying with the new rules is a massive change-, project- and staff-management effort affecting nearly all parts of the business, from accounting and finance to sales, human resources, information technology, legal, training and communications."

McDonald added assessing their employees' capabilities around compliance with the standard is one of the first steps companies should complete. "Firms need professionals who can help with areas ranging from systems and controls to processes and policies. Many organizations will likely find they need to rely on a mix of current full-time personnel and outside experts."

CFOs were asked, "Are you planning on adopting the new revenue recognition accounting standard just-in-time or early?" Their responses*:

CFOs also were asked, "Have you begun the diagnostic work necessary to determine the level of effort which will be required for you to be ready to adopt the new standard?" Their responses*:

* Totals do not equal 100 percent due to rounding.

View the results by industry and company size.

Robert Half Management Resources offers a seven-step staff-management checklist to help companies prepare to adopt the new revenue recognition standard:

1. Perform a diagnostic and readiness assessment to determine steps the organization must take to be ready for the transition.
2. Educate senior management on upcoming changes and the resources required to meet the demands of the updated guidelines.
3. Identify all employees who will be involved in the process.
4. Pinpoint the expertise current staff possess and the potential skills gaps to address.
5. Assess positions requiring additional full-time hires and areas where external subject-matter experts, such as consultants, are needed.
6. Implement a training program to bring all employees involved up to speed.
7. Communicate project milestones and deadlines to the executive team and staff working on revenue recognition initiatives.

About the Survey
The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 2,200 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in more than 20 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas.

About Robert Half Management Resources
Robert Half Management Resources is the premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals to supplement companies' project and interim staffing needs. The company has 150 locations worldwide and offers assistance to business leaders and consultants at roberthalfmr.com and on its blog at blog.roberthalfmr.com.

SOURCE Robert Half Management Resources

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