Frequently Asked Questions

Disclosure ID/Date: Unique identifier and date of disclosure. Reason: Explains the purpose (e.g., initialization). New/Previous Amount: Tracks financial change. New/Previous Effective & Settlement Dates: Show lifecycle changes. New Number of Years: Derived from effective and settlement dates.

In any report screen, like Reports & Analytics, select your data, choose PDF from the export options (instead of Excel), and download it for a formatted, shareable file.

The document does not specify a limit, but as a cloud-based SaaS, it is typically constrained by AWS limits (e.g., 5GB). Check with support for exact restrictions based on your subscription.

In the Fiscal Year Settings screen, view and manage ARO data across multiple fiscal year variants (e.g., A, B, C). Select a variant and click 'Edit' to drill down using filters like Calendar Month Number or Fiscal Year Shift. Note that variants become non-editable once assigned to a legal entity.

In the ARO Planner, use the search function above the calendar, enter keywords or dates for the task, and it will highlight matching past or future entries for quick access.

Cost Layer Cashflows break down the total ARO cost into phases, showing projected cash outflows over time. View monthly accretion or depreciation cashflows for a selected cost layer, including opening/closing balances and expenses, to manage financial planning effectively.

In the Screen Permission tab, view all screens by module, then assign View, Create, Edit, or other permissions to users or teams for each screen. Save changes to enforce access controls.

In the Calculate Future Value & Net Present Value screen, select an obligation, view its cost layers, and click 'View Details' in the Action Column. The third table shows historical data like past Future and Present Values.

In the Interest Rate Keys screen, select a key, view its details in the secondary table, and click the notes icon in the Action Column. Enter your comments in the pop-up text box and click 'Save' to store them permanently.

In the Compliance Master Data screen, go to the Compliance Interactions tab, where you can view or update interaction types (e.g., Email, Phone Call) via the Action Column. This logs all regulatory communications.

In the Journal Entry Posting screen, clicking 'Cancel Posting' stops the transaction before it is recorded in the general ledger. No data is saved, and you can start over or abandon the entry.

In the Journal Entry Reversal screen, click the 'Filter' icon, set parameters like Document Date or Status in the drawer, and apply. The table updates to show matching entries, which you can then select and reverse.

In Fiscal Year Settings, create variants (e.g., A, B, C) for each subsidiary's fiscal year. Assign them to legal entities for consolidated reporting across different periods.

Yes, features like 'Mass Create' in Obligation Management allow file uploads. Use provided templates, populate them with data, and upload to import obligations or other records efficiently.

You'll see Obligation ID, Obligation Name, Status, Capitalization Date, Retirement Date, Termination Date, Termination Amount, Asset Group, and Location.

Once a fiscal year variant is assigned to a legal entity in the Fiscal Year Settings screen, it becomes non-editable to maintain reporting consistency. Create a new variant if changes are needed.

In the Legal Entity Settings screen, locate the entity in the table, then use the Action Column to edit fields like Entity Name, Email, or Contact Number. Save your changes to update the entity's details in the system.

If you click 'Cancel' while creating a new entry—like an obligation or cost layer—any unsaved data is discarded, and no changes are made to the system. You can start over without affecting existing records.

Use the ARO Planner to view tasks and events on a calendar with reminders in an adjacent column. Search by date, create new entries with the '+' button, and track progress with notifications sent to team members.

It downloads the obligation list as an Excel file for offline analysis or reporting.

In the Screen Permission tab, select a user or team, assign 'View' permission to specific screens, and leave other actions (Create, Edit, etc.) unchecked. Save to limit them to viewing only.

The Liability Summary report gives a quick overview of ARO liabilities, breaking down status, costs, and dates by liability, accretion, or asset group. It helps financial analysts and management grasp the ARO landscape instantly.

VIZIO ARO offers reports like Liability Summary, Cost Analysis, Settlement, Planned Schedule, Financial Impact & Forecast, GL Account Transactions, and Compliance and Regulatory. Each provides specific insights for financial planning, compliance, and auditing.

You cannot directly undo a posted entry, but in Journal Entry Reversal, filter for the entry, select it, and click 'Reverse' to create an offsetting entry that cancels its financial impact.

Click the eye icon under the 'Actions' column for the corresponding obligation.

Cost Layer Type (e.g., Initial Estimate) defines the nature of the cost, while Cost Layer Group (e.g., Increase in Cost) organizes related costs. Both are set in ARO Master Data for detailed tracking.

New Entry creates a new cost layer. Adjust Existing Layer allows modifying an existing one. Reverse Layer nullifies an incorrect layer.

It allows bulk execution of various actions, such as: Creating cost layers, Releasing or terminating them, Reversing layers, Other lifecycle actions

🟢 Green = Approved, 🔴 Red = Terminated, 🟠 Orange = In Progress

In Accretion or Depreciation Postings, the Reason for Change field in the schedule version table explains why a schedule was created or modified, like 'Cost Update' or 'Error Correction.'

In the GL Account Assignments screen, select an Obligation Type, click the arrow icon to expand, and view or edit Posting Details. Modify the GL Account Name for specific posting types like Initial Liability or Depreciation, then save your changes.

In the Depreciation Postings screen, select an approved obligation, view its cost layers, and click 'Generate Schedule for This Layer.' The system calculates periodic depreciation expenses, which you can then post to the ledger.

If a posting fails in Journal Entry Posting, check that debits equal credits and all required fields are filled. Review error messages, adjust the entry, and retry 'Post Document.' Contact support if issues persist.

The Process Monitor shows real-time status of background tasks like cost layer releases, with audit logs of activities. Open the Process Monitor to track progress directly, or watch for updates in the app's notification or header bar for quick visibility.

The Team's tab does not offer a direct delete option. Edit the team, remove all members, and leave it inactive, or contact support at support@vizioconsulting.zendesk.com for removal assistance.

In the Journal Entry Reversal screen, click the 'Filter' icon to select entries, then choose a line item and click 'Reverse.' The system generates an offsetting entry to nullify the original, which you can export in Excel or PDF.

Initial Liability postings record the ARO's starting value, while Decommissioning postings track actual retirement costs. Both are managed in the Obligation Postings screen under separate tabs.

In the Inflation Rate Keys screen, view or edit existing inflation rates used for ARO cost projections. Click 'New Entry,' enter an Inflation Rate Name, and save it. Add specific percentage details in a secondary table and include notes via the sidebar for clarity.

VIZIO ARO uses AWS security, restricts sensitive areas like Document Management to Super Users, and offers password resets and permission controls via the Administrator Screen to keep your data safe.

Go to the Journal Entry Posting screen, enter Document Header Details like posting date and legal entity, add line items with the appropriate GL accounts and debit/credit amounts, ensure debits equal credits, then click 'Post Document' to record it or 'Cancel Posting' to abort.

No. Cost Layer Groups are preconfigured in the system and follow standard ARO definitions, so they cannot be customized by end users.

Use the Compliance Entry screen to document requirements and link them to obligations with due dates, required actions, and agency details. The Compliance Master Data tabs track agencies, status, actions, and interactions so you can stay compliant with legal standards.

A Disclosure records changes in cost layer values, such as effective dates, amounts, durations, and related details over time.

In the ARO Master Data screen under the Locations tab, click 'New Entry', enter the Location Code, Name, City, State/Province, and Zip/Postal Code, then save the record so the location can be linked to your obligations.

You cannot fully customize the UI, but in the Profile section of the toolbar you can adjust user settings and preferences. The interface also offers a collapsible sidebar and toolbar so navigation can adapt to your workflow.

Obligation Types categorize AROs by asset class and calculation method. In the Obligation Types screen, click 'New Entry', fill in the Obligation Type Name, Asset Class Group Name, and Calculation Method from the drop-down menus, then save. You can later edit the name via the Action column.

Yes. Each column in the obligations list supports sorting, and filtering may be available via toolbar controls or dropdowns so you can narrow the list to the records you need.

Cost Layer Management helps you assign and track cost estimates for retiring assets. It displays obligations and their cost layers so you can view details, create new layers, adjust existing ones, or terminate them, ensuring accurate financial planning for decommissioning costs.

The Retrospective Entry field in Accretion or Depreciation Postings (Yes/No) indicates whether an entry adjusts past periods. It is used for corrections or updates applied retroactively to keep historical records accurate.

In the Compliance Master Data screen under the Regulatory Agencies tab, click 'New Entry,' enter the Agency Code, Name, Country (for example, Canada or US), and contact details, then save. This adds the agency to your compliance tracking.

The VIZIO ARO Subscription Model is a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution built on Amazon Web Services. It helps organizations manage Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs) by automating processes, ensuring compliance, enabling data-driven decisions, and reducing risk through features like asset lifecycle management, financial calculations, and reporting.

The Mass Create feature in Obligation Management lets you add multiple obligations at once. Click 'Mass Create,' choose to manually enter data or upload a file with obligation details, then save to populate the system efficiently.

Canceled journal entry drafts are not saved in VIZIO ARO. If you click 'Cancel Posting' in the Journal Entry Posting screen, the data is discarded and you will need to recreate the entry from scratch.

In Cost Layer Management, select an obligation, choose a 'Released' cost layer, click the pencil icon, adjust the Interest Rate (%) in the pop-up, and save. The system recalculates that layer's financial impact based on the new rate.

Currency is set at the legal entity level in Legal Entity Settings and cannot be changed per obligation after creation. To change currency, update the entity's Local Currency and reprocess affected obligations as needed.

In Cost Layer Management, select an obligation, view its cost layers, and click the pencil icon on a 'Released' layer. Adjust fields such as Cost Layer Amount or Interest Rate in the pop-up, then save to update it. Only released layers can be adjusted.

The Inflation Rate report in Reports & Analytics displays inflation rate values by date or period and how they impact ARO cost estimates, helping you understand the effect of inflation on long-term retirement costs.

In the Accretion Postings screen, drill down to the detailed table for a specific cost layer, select the period you want to post, and click the 'Post' icon in the Action Column to record that period's accretion expense to the ledger.

The ARO Planner is your starting point in the app, featuring a calendar that displays upcoming tasks and events. You can create new entries with the '+' button, search past and future activities, export data to Excel, and rely on notifications sent to team members involved. Only the entry creator can edit or delete tasks.

In the ARO Master Data dashboard, select the relevant tab such as Asset Class Group or Depreciation Method. Click 'New Entry' to add items like a new Asset Class Group Name or Location, fill in the required fields, and save. Where allowed, you can edit existing entries via the Action Column.

In the Accretion Postings screen, select an obligation, then use the 'Post for All Cost Layers' option in the Action Column of the main obligations table. This posts accretion expense for all associated cost layers to the general ledger in a single action.

Interest Rate Keys in the Interest Rate Keys screen let you manage discount rates used for ARO calculations. View or edit existing keys, or click 'New Entry' to add a new one by entering an Interest Rate Name and saving it. You can maintain detailed rate values in a secondary table and attach notes via the sidebar for documentation.

Only Super Users and designated Senior Staff can access the Document Management section. They can upload, organize, and manage sensitive ARO documents in a secure, centralized repository.

The Compliance Actions tab in Compliance Master Data lists required steps such as Review or Corrective Action to address compliance gaps. It helps you plan, assign, and track actions needed to meet regulatory standards.

In the User screen, click 'New Entry,' enter the user's First Name, Last Name, Email Address, temporary Password, and assign one or more Teams. Click 'Save' to add the user, granting access based on team and screen permissions.

In the Teams tab, click 'New Entry,' enter a Team ID and Team Name, select users from the list to add as members, and save. This creates a collaboration group that can be used for permission assignments and notifications.

Super Users have full access across the application, including the Document Management section, user management, and all functional screens. They can be granted View, Create, Edit, Delete, Export, and Import permissions via the Administrator Screen.

In Cost Layer Management, use the 'Mass Adjust' feature to update multiple obligations at once. Select the obligations you want to adjust, change fields such as amounts or dates in bulk, and save to apply consistent updates across all selected records.

To get started, confirm your subscription so our team can provision your VIZIO ARO environment—typically within 6–8 weeks—configured to your needs. Provide your company logo and populate the provided templates with your ARO data for onboarding. Once setup is complete, use the provided URL and follow the prompts to launch and sign in to the software.

When a cost layer is reversed, its financial impact is neutralized in both accounting and ARO reporting. The original layer remains in the audit trail, but offsetting entries ensure that its balances no longer affect current valuations or postings.

An empty Termination Amount usually means the obligation has not yet been terminated or that no termination value has been recorded. Once the obligation is settled and the actual decommissioning costs are known, the Termination Amount should be entered to reflect the final outcome.

For help, consult the in-app resources or email our support team at support@vizioconsulting.zendesk.com. We can assist with configuration questions, troubleshooting, and best practices for managing your Asset Retirement Obligations.

Accretion Postings increase the ARO liability over time due to the unwinding of the discount (interest), while Depreciation Postings allocate the capitalized asset retirement cost over the asset's useful life. Both types of postings are managed in their respective screens, with schedules that can be generated and posted to the general ledger.

Yes. These dates must comply with Asset Retirement Obligation (ARO) rules and logical sequencing—for example, the Retirement Date must follow the Capitalization Date, and the Termination Date should reflect when the obligation is actually settled. Keeping these dates consistent ensures accurate schedules and reporting.

In the User screen, edit the user's profile and, in the Teams field, select multiple teams from the list. Save your changes to assign the user to all selected teams so they inherit the appropriate permissions and notifications from each group.

Yes. In Accretion or Depreciation Postings, first generate a schedule for the relevant cost layer (for example, using 'Generate Schedule for This Layer'). Review the schedule rows in the table and make any necessary adjustments before clicking 'Post' to finalize the entries to the general ledger.

Throughout the app, including areas like ARO Planner or Journal Entry Posting, you can use the export feature to download data in Excel or PDF format. Select or filter the data you need, choose the export option and format, and download the file for external analysis or reporting.

In Cost Layer Management, select the relevant obligation, navigate to its cost layers, and use the 'Terminate Obligation' option in the Action Column. Confirm the action in the pop-up to mark the obligation as terminated and update its status and downstream reporting.

In Cost Layer Management, Mass Reverse is used to undo previously recorded transactions across multiple obligations, creating offsetting entries so their financial impact is neutralized. Mass Terminate, on the other hand, closes multiple obligation records permanently, stopping further postings and marking them as terminated.

Financial planners can use reports such as Cost Analysis, Planned Schedule, and Financial Impact & Forecast. These reports provide future cost projections, expense schedules, and long-term financial impacts that can be filtered by date ranges, obligation status, or asset groups.

In Cost Layer Management, selecting 'Terminate Cost Layer' for a 'Released' layer opens a pop-up where you can terminate or reverse that layer. Once confirmed, its status is updated and further financial impact from that cost layer is stopped, while preserving an audit trail of the change.