...Accounting Irregularity Analysis for Groupon Steven Simpson ACCT 310-V2WW Professor Margaret Callender February 15, 2014 Issues Groupon (GRPN) is an internet based company that was founded in 2008. Groupon acquires new customers via advertising and word of mouth through sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and then Groupon has the new customers sign up to receive daily coupon offers from local merchants through their email. Groupon then sells coupons for steeply discounted local merchant offerings directly to customers interested in the daily deals and receives a percentage of the coupon’s value from the merchant (Roos, 2014, pp. 1-2). Groupon seemed to take the internet world by storm and by Q1 of 2011 it had an impressive $644.7 million in revenues, which almost equaled the entire revenue for 2010 (Edwards, 2011). On June 2, 2011, Groupon, Inc. took its first step toward becoming a public company by filing a Form S-1 Registration Statement Under The Securities Act of 1933 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Groupon, Inc., 2011). When reviewing the Form S-1, the SEC found several accounting irregularities that it questioned. One of the accounting irregularities was Groupon’s reporting an internally used measure of profitability that it calls the Adjusted Consolidated Segment Operating Income, a term abbreviated to adjusted CSOI (Weil, 2011). The adjusted CSOI took the operating income and added online marketing expenses, stock-based compensation, and...
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...Forensic Accounting In Practice Herbert Lee | Bus 508 Professor Badger Fardanesh 1. May 16, 2013 Forensic Accounting Defined According to Crumbley (2009)“ Forensic Accounting” is reducing the complexity of accounting practices by distilling information and slicing away at deceptions to help a judge or jury to see the essence of financial disputes. It is a practice that goes beyond auditing and analyzing accounting information. With accounting practice and standards at its core Forensic accounting goes above and beyond what the auditor does. Crumbley (2009) contends that a forensic accountant may take on fraud auditing engagements but will use other accounting, consulting and legal skills to broaden their engagements. The discipline of forensic accounting is being utilized not only in a courtroom setting but also in public discussions, debates, civil matters like divorces, insurance companies, banks and the business community at large. From a general perspective forensic accounting focuses on digging into the final accounts but will follow a lead into records of original entries. These accountants cover the areas of litigation support and investigative accounting. They are seeking out the cause and effect and according to the article FTB Tax Services (2011) it states that the primary orientation of forensic accounting is the explanatory analysis of phenomena- including possibly the discovery of deception, and its effect- introduced into an accounting system domain...
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...Computerized Accounting Computerized Accounting Over the past two decades the way accounting data is entered, stored and processed has changed considerably. This is due to the introduction of computerized accounting packages. It is no longer necessary for large companies to have huge store rooms full of ledgers and records. Instead all information can be stored in computer hard disks. Accounting packages give many advantages over manual systems, for example entries do not have to be recorded in multiple ledgers. A single entry is made and the package will update all the appropriate accounts automatically. Computerized accounting packages also make it possible for people in other departments, not just accounting to enter data. It does not require a vast amount of accounting knowledge for a pay role clerk to enter wages details into the accounts. Just a basic understanding of how to use the package is needed. Furthermore these packages simplify the use of the double entry system greatly. In a manual accounting system, as well as creating an audit trail to record all transactions, a trail balance, profit and loss account and a balance sheet would have to be manually drawn up. Computerized accounting packages have the ability to do all this from just having the companies transactions entered into the relevant spreadsheets. [1]A great benefit of these packages is that, as the business grows the cost of using the software...
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...leading suppliers of electricity, natural gas, and communications bust since it’s scandal Enron will be known for corruption and accounting fraud. Enron intentionally reported falsely inflated estimates of income and did not report all debts the company owed. Enron Corporation filled for bankruptcy in 2001 which led to criminal investigation that include insider trading, money laundering, as well as fraud involving many of the top executives. In November 2001 Enron announced publically the company was worth far less than previously reported, in fact $1.2 Billion less (Securities fraud FYI.com 2006). Originally in an attempt to attract new investor’s managers acted unethically in the way of providing false income statement figures. The accounting firm Arthur Andersen was proven to be a major contributor in the scandal that led to the collapse of Enron and a loss of billions to investors. While the investigation proved some insiders tried to alert attention or raise warnings about the accounting irregularities the warning went unheard. In order to asses the value of a company including it’s financial condition analysts look at the total value of the company’s assets, return on equity, cash flow statements, and earning or net profits. The presence and enforcement of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act has enhanced standards and established new standards for accounting and reporting practices. This would have made a difference if it had been set during the Enron scandal perhaps preventing the...
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...Order Code RS21253 Updated August 29, 2002 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web WorldCom: The Accounting Scandal Bob Lyke Specialist in Social Legislation Domestic Social Policy Division Mark Jickling Specialist in Public Finance Government and Finance Division Summary On June 25, 2002, WorldCom, the Nation’s second largest long distance telecommunications company, announced that it had overstated earnings in 2001 and the first quarter of 2002 by more than $3.8 billion. The announcement stunned financial analysts and, coming on top of accounting problems at other corporations, had a noticeable effect on the financial markets. The accounting maneuver responsible for the overstatement – classifying payments for using other companies’ communications networks as capital expenditures – was characterized by the press as scandalous, and it was immediately asked why Arthur Andersen, the company’s outside auditor at the time, had not detected it. WorldCom filed for bankruptcy protection on July 21st. On August 8th, the company announced that it had also manipulated its reserve accounts in recent years, affecting an additional $3.8 billion. Response in Washington was swift. On June 26th, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged the company with massive accounting fraud and quickly obtained court order barring the company from destroying financial records, limiting its payments to past and current executives, and requiring an independent monitor...
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...Kudler Fine Foods relies on Accounting Information System (AIS) for its daily business operations. Due to the complexity of the business today, Kudler needs to understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them by applying internal controls to the AIS. This paper will discuss the risks and internal controls of Kudler’s AIS. The Risks to Kudler’s AIS Risk represents the possibility of a loss or harm to an organization (Raval & Fichadia, 2007, p.29). In developing effective AIS, risks should be analyzed and identified to protect the company’s assets and to promote operational efficiency. Kudler’s AIS uses four systems. They are Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), Inventory, and Payroll systems. These four systems have potential risks that may arise due to separation of duties conflict, unauthorized access, and human errors. At Kudler, the AP system is designed as an automated system. The potential risks to the system are the accuracy of the invoices’ approval and the segregation of duties conflict in adding or changing and approving vendors’ details. The sales process at Kudler involves payment by cash and credit. Even though the AR system is designed as an automated system, potential risk occurs when separation of duty conflicts exist in receiving and depositing the cash. The Inventory system at Kudler is also designed as an automated system. The potential risks are unauthorized modification of inventory level, separation...
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...WorldCom history The history of WorldCom Company dates back in 1983 which started as a partnership between a former basketball coach Bernard Ebbers. This company was established at Mississippi as a coffee shop, which later developed to long distance Telephone Company. The company’s name initially was Long Distance Discount Service whose operations began on 1984. After several years in operation, the company became public in August 1989 with Bernard Ebbers as the company’s CEO (Moberg 4). Over the years, the company developed through mergers and acquisitions and becomes public in the year 1989. The notable merge which enabled the company to go public was the merger with the advantage companies Inc. This led to changing of the name from just LDDS to LDDS WorldCom in 1995 and to just WorldCom a year later (Moberg 4). In 1993, the company acquires long distance providers in the name of Resurgence Communications Group and Metromedia communications. This made history as the fourth largest long distance communication firm in United States. There were also several other mergers and acquisitions such as with IDB in 1994, WilTel in 1995, MFS communications in 1996, and the greatest merger which involved MCI communications. In 1998, WorldCom completed the merger with MCI at a cost estimated to be $40 billion. This was viewed as the greatest merger after brooks fiber properties and CompuServe which were valued at $ 1.2 and $ 1.3 billion respectively (Moberg 6). Another notable aspect...
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...The Accounting Information System http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/courses/crs6348/kieso978... Print this page CHAPTER 3 The Accounting Information System LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this chapter, you should be able to: 1. Understand basic accounting terminology. 2. Explain double-entry rules. 3. Identify steps in the accounting cycle. 4. Record transactions in journals, post to ledger accounts, and prepare a trial balance. 5. Explain the reasons for preparing adjusting entries. 6. Prepare financial statements from the adjusted trial balance. 7. Prepare closing entries. 8. Differentiate the cash basis of accounting from the accrual basis of accounting. 9. Identify adjusting entries that may be reversed. 10. Prepare a 10-column worksheet. 11. Apply IFRS to the accounting information system. Needed: a Reliable Information System Maintaining a set of accounting records is not optional. Regulators require that businesses prepare and retain a set of records and documents that can be audited. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, for example, requires public companies to “… make and keep books, records, and accounts, which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets. …” But beyond these two reasons, a company that fails to keep an accurate record of its business transactions may lose revenue and is more likely to operate inefficiently. One reason accurate records are not provided is because of economic...
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...milestones and we now stand ready to take the next necessary step to improve our overall financial health and position the company for continued growth and opportunity. Unfortunately, however, as you know, we have faced serious allegations about our business practice over the past few years. We inherited an unsustainable $679 million debt load from the previous management team. Furthermore, we have over $400 million of debt coming due within the next 12 months that cannot be refinanced in these financial markets. Reports has surface that Lucent’s had been engaged in creative accounting practices. According to an article, in the Wall Street Journal (2001) sales projection were imposed on sales executives increasing our growth potential and raising our stock values. These practices were taking place to meet WSJ projection goal for the company results in an internal investigation revealing accounting irregularities. The earnings management practices were initiated at the top, but eventually involved high level managers and their subordinates. However, I would like add, that every employees involved in these practices are no longer with the company. Violating the code of conduct is a very unethical practice and we have taken steps to rectify the problem. Under no circumstances, our overall financial statics should increase our numbers just to meet WSJ expectation. This unethical practice will not be tolerated and swift punishment would come against any employees that doesn’t...
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...WorldCom Case Study1 By Dennis Moberg (Santa Clara University) and Edward Romar (University of Massachusetts-Boston) (The original of this document can be found at the Santa http://www.scu.edu/ethics/dialogue/candc/cases/worldcom.html#one. Clara University website at An update for this case is available at http://www.scu.edu/ethics/dialogue/candc/cases/worldcomupdate.html . Note that this update is not part of the syllabus for the PRM or Associate PRM exam. It is included for reference and explanation only.) 2002 saw an unprecedented number of corporate scandals: Enron, Tyco, Global Crossing. In many ways, WorldCom is just another case of failed corporate governance, accounting abuses, and outright greed. But none of these other companies had senior executives as colorful and likable as Bernie Ebbers. A Canadian by birth, the 6 foot, 3 inch former basketball coach and Sunday School teacher emerged from the collapse of WorldCom not only broke but with a personal net worth as a negative nine-digit number.2 No palace in a gated community, no stable of racehorses or multi-million dollar yacht to show for the telecommunications giant he created; only debts and red ink--results some consider inevitable given his unflagging enthusiasm and entrepreneurial flair. There is no question that he did some pretty bad stuff, but he really wasn't like the corporate villains of his day: Andy Fastow of Enron, Dennis Koslowski of Tyco, or Gary Winnick of Global Crossing.3 Personally, Bernie...
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...balances. The added security and control will not only serve to increase productivity but it will also decrease loss and waste. ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT This report will start with the Accounting department as it is the easiest to see and understand the method we are using and why we are using them. The bare basics with be to form and accounting role which will be applied to all members of accounting. This role allows all member of accounting to perform the roles necessary to perform the basic shared duties of the Accounting department. This also prevents anyone who does not have the basic accounting role from performing accounting duties. Now that the basic accounting role has been addressed, the specialized roles need to be assigned. This report will do this first by defining the specialized Accounting roles that are needed. These roles are General Ledger, Payroll, Sales and Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Order Entry, Procurement, Sales and Purchasing History, Invoice and Shipping, Financial Reporting, there are also EDI, Bar Code Reading, and Executive Decision Support Systems roles exclusive to the San Jose. These roles are best handled in a three stage process of checks and balances. The first part will be one person to enter the accounting information be it payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, or any other accounting information. Which we be handle by the entry specialist role (Payroll Entry, Purchasing Entry, Accounts Payable Entry, and so...
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...WorldCom By Dennis Moberg (Santa Clara University) and Edward Romar (University of Massachusetts-Boston) 2002 saw an unprecedented number of corporate scandals: Enron, Tyco, Global Crossing. In many ways, WorldCom is just another case of failed corporate governance, accounting abuses, and outright greed. But none of these other companies had senior executives as colorful and likable as Bernie Ebbers. A Canadian by birth, the 6 foot, 3 inch former basketball coach and Sunday School teacher emerged from the collapse of WorldCom not only broke but with a personal net worth as a negative nine-digit number.2 No palace in a gated community, no stable of racehorses or multi-million dollar yacht to show for the telecommunications giant he created. Only debts and red ink--results some consider inevitable given his unflagging enthusiasm and entrepreneurial flair. There is no question that he did some pretty bad stuff, but he really wasn't like the corporate villains of his day: Andy Fastow of Enron, Dennis Koslowski of Tyco, or Gary Winnick of Global Crossing.3 Personally, Bernie is a hard guy not to like. In 1998 when Bernie was in the midst of acquiring the telecommunications firm MCI, Reverend Jesse Jackson, speaking at an all-black college near WorldCom's Mississippi headquarters, asked how Ebbers could afford $35 billion for MCI but hadn't donated funds to local black students. Businessman LeRoy Walker Jr., was in the audience at Jackson's speech, and afterwards set him straight...
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...[pic] SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA FIRST SEMESTER 2014/2015 (A141) COURSE CODE : BKAL3063 COURSE : INTEGRATED CASE STUDY PRE-REQUISITE : BKAF3073 FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING & REPORTING IV 1. SYNOPSIS This is a capstone course for the accountancy programs, which integrates knowledge from financial accounting & reporting, management accounting, taxation, audit, finance, management and business–related, information technology and other social sciences courses. Experiential exercises are embedded in this course to support learners’ effort in independent learning. 2. OBJECTIVES This course is designed to enable learners to integrate knowledge from the various related disciplines and to enhance their technical core competencies and their problem solving skills in the unstructured business environment. 3. LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the course, students are able to: i) interprete various accounting and business related issues in an organisational context. ii) undertake independent research. iii) develop alternative solutions to issues, devise action plans, and resolve implementation issues. iv) communicate ideas, views and recommendations effectively both verbally and in writing. v) demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations as part of the decision making process. vi) demonstrate leadership and teamwork in issues...
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...study for the Strayer University, Woodbridge, VA, Business 508 class, this paper provides for a brief review of 1) The skills that a forensic accountant requires; 2) The role of the forensic accountant in the courtroom; 3) The legal responsibilities of the forensic accountant; and lastly, 4) The role of the forensic accountant in a couple of major accounting fraud scandals. The world of Accounting has seen several major scandals since the early 1990s. These include major accounting failures such as Enron, WorldCom, Adelphia, Tyco, Phar-Mor, Cendant, Computer Associates, AOL, Freddie Mac, ImClone, Qwest Communications, Royal Ahold, Health South Corporation, AIG, Lehman Brothers, and most recently the Olympus Corporation. Some of these have resulted in the collapse and dissolution of the company – Enron, Adelphia; others have resulted in a major restructuring of the company – AOL, AIG, Freddie Mac. Whatever the result, they have all been caused by accounting fraud – either “cooking the books” to hide major losses or to hide the theft of funds. It has also resulted in the failure and absorption of the one of the Big Five Accounting firms – Arthur Anderson. Besides the whistle blower who brought most of these to public view and the lawyers who have been involved their dismantling one of the other major role players, though unsung and unknown, has been the Forensic Accountant. We will be taking a look at this last individual or groups of individuals in most cases. We will look...
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...on one component, the control activities. The reason? These activities are the backbone of the company’s efforts to address the risks it faces, such as fraud. The specific control activities used by a company will vary, depending on management’s assessment of the risks faced. This assessment is heavily influenced by the size and nature of the company. The six principles of control activities are as follows. • Establishment of responsibility • Segregation of duties • Documentation procedures • Physical controls • Independent internal verification • Human resource controls We explain these principles in the following sections. You should recognize that they apply to most companies and are relevant to both manual and computerized accounting systems. Establishment of Responsibility An essential principle of internal control is to assign responsibility to specific employees. Control is most effective when only one person is responsible for a given task. To illustrate, assume that the cash on hand at the end of the day in a Safeway supermarket is $10 short of the cash rung up on the cash register. If only one person has operated the register, the shift manager can quickly determine responsibility for the shortage. If two or more individuals have worked the register, it may be impossible to determine who is responsible for the error. In the Feature Story, the principle of establishing responsibility does not appear to be strictly applied by Stephanie’s, since three people...
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