2. Forgivable Loans

In order to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, CRA may issue forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts, certain of which loans may be denominated in local currencies. A portion of these loans is collateralized. The forgivable loans have terms that are generally between three and eight years with interest ranging up to 3.25%. The principal amount of forgivable loans and accrued interest is forgiven by CRA over the term of the loans, so long as the employee or non-employee expert continues employment or affiliation with CRA and complies with certain contractual requirements. During fiscal years 2016 and 2015, there were no balances due under these loans for which the full principal and interest were not collected. The expense associated with the forgiveness of the principal amount of the loans is recorded as compensation expense over the service period, which is consistent with the term of the loans. CRA has not typically recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts for these loans due to its collection experience and its assessment of collectability. For fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, no allowances or write offs of these loans were recorded.

Forgivable loan activity for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

	December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Beginning balance	$	44,685		$	45,356
Advances		6,949			14,531
Accruals		316			—
Repayments		(709	)		—
Amortization		(16,575	)		(15,202	)
Effects of foreign currency translation		(704	)		—

Ending balance	$	33,962		$	44,685


Current portion of forgivable loans	$	5,897		$	4,402


Non-current portion of forgivable loans	$	28,065		$	40,283