Earning schedules

Revenue Accounting starts with the booking reference, then checks the account, product and organization on the schedule. The dates explain which period the amount belongs to; the method explains how the team intends to recognize it. Compare the recorded total and earned amount at the same review date before discussing a balance.

A held schedule needs its own follow-up. The hold reason, schedule owner and supporting attachment tell the team what to resolve. Keep the hold visible while Sales Operations checks the booking source and Revenue Accounting decides whether the schedule details should change.

• Booking context. Keep the booking date and reference with the account and product that explain the schedule.
• Earning window. Record start and end dates, term and recognition method so the period basis is visible.
• Exception record. Use the schedule status and hold reason to separate active work from a held item.

Decide where booking references and amounts originate, how product defaults are reviewed, and who may correct the earning dates. Revenue Accounting should agree when to use straight line, Milestone or Usage as the recognition method. The team also needs a named owner for a hold and a method to document the decision to resume work. Keep the same organization on connected plans, runs and schedules where they belong to the same cycle. A schedule’s status and amount need periodic review when the source booking changes.

A service booking spans several months. Sales Operations identifies its account and product, while Revenue Accounting checks the start date, end date and total amount. The schedule uses straight line and is Active. Midway through the term, the amount earned to date is reviewed against the schedule total. Another booking has a missing source document, so Revenue Accounting marks the schedule Hold and records a reason. It stays in the hold list until the team investigates the supporting attachment and any review decision. The active list remains useful for normal period work, while the hold list gives the exception a clear owner. The team should compare the schedule with related statement lines before using it in a payout discussion.

• Active Commission Schedules — Bookings in the active earning window, with dates and amounts.
• Commission Schedules On Hold — Held bookings with their owners and reasons.

Start with schedule review, then compare the period in run cycle.