What typically happens to accounts receivable when a sales order is invoiced?

When a sales order is invoiced, accounts receivable increases by the amount of the invoice. This is because invoicing a sales order means that the company is recognizing revenue since the sale has been completed, and the customer now has an obligation to pay the company. As a result, the invoice amount is recorded in the accounts receivable account, reflecting that the company expects to receive this payment in the future.

In a double-entry accounting system, this increase in accounts receivable is matched with a corresponding increase in revenue, effectively recognizing the sale in the company’s financial records. This transaction establishes a formal record of the sale and the amount owed, which is critical for managing cash flow and financial reporting.