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The Global Insight

How do you account for perpetual inventory?

Author

Robert Miller

Updated on February 10, 2026

Under the perpetual inventory method each time there is a movement journals are processed to record the change. Purchases are debited to inventory and sales are credited to inventory, with the debit going to the cost of goods sold account.

How do you record sales under perpetual inventory system?

To record sales, we will debit Cash or Accounts Receivable, depending on payment, and credit Sales Revenue. But, we must also match the revenue and expenses incurred (remember the matching principle?) and we will record the expense cost of goods sold.

How do you verify the accuracy of a perpetual inventory system?

To check validity, companies should do a physical inventory count at least once a year and compare it with the book records. This helps account for breakage, errors, theft and other loss. You compare this with the day-to-day cost of goods sold transaction records ending the same day as the physical inventory.

What is difference between periodic and perpetual inventory system?

The periodic inventory system uses an occasional physical count to measure the level of inventory and the cost of goods sold (COGS). The perpetual system keeps track of inventory balances continuously, with updates made automatically whenever a product is received or sold.

What is the definition of a perpetual inventory system?

What is the Perpetual Inventory System? The perpetual inventory system involves tracking inventory after every, or almost every, major purchase. In perpetual inventory systems, the cost of goods sold (COGS) Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) measures the “direct cost” incurred in the production of any goods or services.

Where does journal entry Go in perpetual inventory?

Thus: When inventory purchased is subsequently returned to the supplier, the journal entry is to debit accounts payable or accounts receivable and credit inventory account. A transaction of sale is recorded via two journal entries in perpetual inventory system.

How does the perpetual inventory system work at Whole Foods?

In a perpetual inventory system, companies automatically record journal entries to continuously track purchases, sales, and cost of goods sold. Assume that Whole Foods, a nationally recognized grocer, uses a perpetual inventory system.

How are Purchase Returns and allowances used in perpetual inventory?

Purchase Returns and Allowances is a contra account and is used to reduce Purchases. When a purchase discount is applied under a perpetual inventory system, Merchandise Inventory decreases for the discount amount.