Where do accounts receivable appear in financial statements?

Accounts receivable appear on the balance sheet as they represent amounts due from customers for goods or services that have been delivered or used but not yet paid for. This asset category reflects the company's potential cash inflows and indicates how much money is expected to be collected in the near future. Since accounts receivable are a part of a company's assets, they are listed under current assets if they are expected to be converted into cash within one year.

The other financial statements do not showcase accounts receivable in the same manner: the income statement reflects revenues and expenses, providing a summary of income over a period; the cash flow statement focuses on cash inflows and outflows; and the statement of shareholder equity outlines changes in equity but does not include details about assets or liabilities. Therefore, the correct placement of accounts receivable is on the balance sheet, where they are categorized accurately to give a full view of the financial position of the company.