ACPEN: Accounting for Software

Overview

Software-related transactions continue to evolve, requiring careful analysis under U.S. GAAP. This two-credit course examines the accounting treatment of software costs, with a primary focus on internal-use software and emerging guidance.

Participants will walk through the lifecycle of software development, including capitalization and expense recognition, amortization, and impairment considerations. The course includes a focused review of ASU 2025-06 and its impact on accounting for internal-use software.

Additional topics include accounting for website development costs, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) arrangements, and other cloud computing arrangements (CCAs), including implementation and hosting considerations. The course also addresses accounting for external-use software, including technological feasibility, capitalization thresholds, and related revenue considerations.

Through practical examples and case-based scenarios, participants will strengthen their ability to interpret authoritative guidance and analyze the financial reporting implications of software-related transactions.

Highlights

• Master the accounting for software costs under U.S. GAAP
• Navigate capitalization, amortization, and impairment with confidence
• Understand the full lifecycle of internal-use software accounting
• Stay current on ASU 2025-06 and emerging guidance
• Apply accounting rules to SaaS, cloud computing, and website development costs
   

Prerequisites

None

Designed For

All accounting/auditing professionals

Objectives

• Recall the accounting for internal-use software under ASU 2025-06
• Identify the accounting treatment for website development costs
• Identify the accounting implications of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) arrangements
• Recall the accounting for external-use software

Preparation

 None