In 2021, CPS Company changed its method of valuing inventory from the FIFO method to the average cost method. At December 31, 2020, CPS’s inventories were $38 million (FIFO). CPS’s records indicated that the inventories would have totaled $28.6 million at December 31, 2020, if determined on an average cost basis. Required: 1. Prepare the journal entry to record the adjustment. (Ignore income taxes.)

The question relates to a change in accounting policy. According to IAS 8 (changes in accounting policy and estimate), a change in accounting policy is to be reflected retrospectively and prospectively, which means any changes should be implemented by bringing changes in the past records. Since CPS company has been using FIFO method, the inventory has been overstated in the financial statements. A shift to AVCO has resulted in a decrease in inventory value.

The value of inventory has to be reduced as a result of change in accounting policy (i.e $38m - $28.6m). This is the closing inventory so a reduction in the value of closing inventory results in an increase in cost of goods sold (COGS), therefore, the adjusting entry will be aimed at reducing inventory and increasing cost of goods sold, see as follows:

Entry:

COGS Dr $9.4m

Inventory Cr $9.4m