Revenue Recognition in NetSuite
Revenue Recognition lets you spread revenue over time instead of recording it all when you invoice.
This is required for subscriptions, support contracts, bundled services, or anything delivered over months/years.
Key NetSuite Features
Feature Purpose
Revenue Arrangements Automatically created from sales orders/invoices with deferrable items
Revenue Recognition Plans Schedule that says how much and when to recognize
Rev Rec Rules / Templates Define start date, period, % or fixed amount
Deferred Revenue Account Liability account where unrecognized revenue sits
How It Works – Step by Step
- Sell a 12-month subscription → Create Sales Order or Invoice
- Item has “Create Revenue Plans On” = Sales Order or Invoice
- NetSuite creates a Revenue Arrangement
- System generates a Revenue Recognition Schedule (e.g., $1,000/month)
- Each month, Revenue Recognition Journal Entry runs:
- Debit: Deferred Revenue
- Credit: Revenue
Expense Amortization in NetSuite
Amortization spreads prepaid expenses (like insurance, rent, software licenses) over the benefit period.
Key NetSuite Features
Feature Purpose
Amortization Templates Define deferral period, accounts, start/end
Amortization Schedules Auto-generated from vendor bills
Deferred Expense Account Asset account (e.g., Prepaid Insurance)
Target Expense Account Where monthly expense hits
How It Works – Step by Step
- Receive a vendor bill for prepaid item (e.g., annual insurance)
- Apply an Amortization Template on the bill line
- NetSuite creates an Amortization Schedule
- Each month, Amortization Journal Entry runs:
- Debit: Expense
- Credit: Deferred Expense (Prepaid)