...organization’s corporate governance. In this assignment, I will discuss two principles that surround corporate governance and how they tie into the recent legislation that was introduced to resolve ethical difficulties and changes. The three main parts of an audit will also be described, as well as the role of the audit committee. The oversight and primary responsibilities of the audit committee will be compared and contrasted. I will also attempt to explain the impact on the auditing profession by Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Two Principles Proprietors want disclosures from organization that are correct and empirically provable. Management has the responsibility to provide financial reports in certain incidences on internal control effectiveness. Management always have the key obligation for the correctness and comprehensiveness of an business’s financial statements. They must select which accounting principles best represent the economic material of the business transactions. Management also have the obligation to apply a system of internal control that reassures completeness and correctness in their financial reporting, as well as make sure the financial statements have true and thorough disclosure. The two principles and ethics in corporate governance that I am writing about is 1) transparency and disclosure, and 2) independence and objectivity. Disclosure and transparency are the companions of good governance and vital to risk assessment. They...
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...Practice Exam Preparation Resources Module 1: Conceptual issues in assurance Overview This module builds on the fundamental concepts of auditing and other assurance services introduced in your prerequisite auditing course. It begins with an overview of the key drivers in the demand for audits, and then surveys current challenges and issues such as the audit and regulatory environment and the expectation gap. You will also study issues related to the economics of auditing and their impact on auditor motivation and standard-setting; in the process, you will consider different perspectives on protecting the public interest and the public accountant’s role in helping to advance the profession. The various topics integrate information sources related to research in the field and readings from the Ethics Readings Handbook (ERH) , drawing on concepts from your prerequisite accounting theory course. In AU2 , you will study a wide variety of technical, practical, and theoretical material. This module lays the foundation for exploring some of the more difficult areas of professional judgment you will encounter as you progress through the course. When faced with issues that challenge your professional judgment, you are encouraged to think back to the concepts studied in this module to help frame your decision making. Please be sure that you have purchased the CPA Canada Handbook, CGA Student Edition mentioned in the course introduction, as it is required for AU2 . You are responsible...
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...Modules Review and Practice Exam Preparation Module 1: Conceptual issues in assurance Overview This module builds on the fundamental concepts of auditing and other assurance services introduced in your prerequisite auditing course. It begins with an overview of the key drivers in the demand for audits, and then surveys current challenges and issues such as the audit and regulatory environment and the expectation gap. You will also study issues related to the economics of auditing and their impact on auditor motivation and standard-setting; in the process, you will consider different perspectives on protecting the public interest and the public accountant’s role in helping to advance the profession. The various topics integrate information sources related to research in the field and readings from the Ethics Readings Handbook (ERH) , drawing on concepts from your prerequisite accounting theory course. In AU2 , you will study a wide variety of technical, practical, and theoretical material. This module lays the foundation for exploring some of the more difficult areas of professional judgment you will encounter as you progress through the course. When faced with issues that challenge your professional judgment, you are encouraged to think back to the concepts studied in this module to help frame your decision making. Please be sure that you have purchased the CPA Canada Handbook, CGA Student Edition mentioned in the course introduction, as it is required for AU2 . You are responsible...
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...Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct The AICPA adopted a Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct made up of various rules to provide guidance to members on the performance of their professional responsibilities (Strayer, 2011). All of the rules set forth by the CPA are enforceable under the AICPA bylaws. These bylaws enforced by the Joint Ethics Enforcement Program which is sponsored by the AICPA and individual state societies for CPA’s. For the sake of this paper we will be looking at four individual case studies pertaining to rule 102 – integrity and objectivity, rule 201 – general standards, rule 202 – compliance with standards, and rule 501 – acts discreditable. Each case covers a violation of one or more of the rules and the enforcement actions taken against the individuals in violation. In 2005, David C Volpe of Stoughton, MA, acting chief financial officer and consultant of Chancellor Corp was found in violation of this rule as well as rule 501, acts discreditable. His actions pertaining to rule 102 were “directly or indirectly made or caused to be made materially false or misleading statements, or omitted to state or caused another to omit or to state material facts necessary in order to make Chancellor Corp’s financial statements not misleading to the outside auditors” (AICPA, 2005). These actions pertain to Chancellor’s financial statements...
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...various circumstances and situations. Understanding auditing can improve the decision making ability of consultants, business managers, and accountants by providing a framework for evaluating the usefulness and reliability of information. 1-2 There is a demand for auditing in a free-market economy because the agency relationship between an absentee owner and a manager produces a natural conflict of interest due to the information asymmetry that exists between the owner and manager. As a result, the agent agrees to be monitored as part of his/her employment contract. Auditing appears to be a cost-effective form of monitoring. The empirical evidence suggests auditing was demanded prior to government regulation such as statutory audit requirements. Additionally, many private companies and other entities not subject to government auditing regulations also demand auditing. 1-3 The agency relationship between an owner and manager produces a natural conflict of interest because of differences in the two parties’ goals and because of information asymmetry that exists between them. That is, the manager generally has more information about the ‘true’ financial position and results of operations of the...
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...emeraldinsight.com/0268-6902.htm The changing role of the auditors R. Jayalakshmy, A. Seetharaman and Tan Wei Khong Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyber Jaya, Malaysia Abstract Purpose – To highlight the pressures that the auditors would face in the era of globalisation and the challenges they should be willing to accept in order to maintain trust and integrity. Design/methodology/approach – A wide range of articles and journals published in international journals as well as local journals has been reviewed. The areas covered include audit fraud, true and fair view interpretation, auditor independence and role of internal auditors. Further, ideas have also been obtained from critical write-ups in the business magazines on the fall of multinationals. Findings – A wide range of interpretation has been given by various groups of people on their understanding of the phrase “true and fair”. This has created great confusion as to the interpretation of the audit reports. This has been proven by the fall of many multinationals and the audit pioneers, Andersens. This is one of the causes of audit fraud and it is also seen that as the auditors face an enormous challenge as they enter the twenty-first century, they should be willing to change their attitudes towards their clients. Professionalism should be in the forefront, and an overhaul in the concept of “true and fair” could probably be the solution to harmonisation of the economy. Research limitations/implications...
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...Comprehensive Case A.1 – Enron I. Technical Audit Guidance To maximize the knowledge acquired by students, this book has been designed to be read in conjunction with the post-Sarbanes-Oxley technical audit guidance. All of the post-Sarbanes-Oxley technical guidance is available for free at http://www.pcaobus.org/Standards/index.aspx. In addition, a summary of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is also available for free at http://thecaq.aicpa.org/Resources/Sarbanes+Oxley/Sarbanes-Oxley+–+The+Basics.htm. II. Recommended Technical Knowledge The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Section 103 Section 201 Section 203 Section 204 Section 206 Section 301 Section 302 Section 305 Section 401 Title IX PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 5 Paragraph #2 Paragraph #9 Paragraph #11 Paragraph #21-22 Paragraph #25 Paragraph #28-30 Paragraph #69 Paragraph #A5 (in Appendix A) Paragraph #A8 (in Appendix A) III. Case Questions – Answer Key 1. Refer to the second general standard of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). What is auditor independence and what is its significance to the audit profession? What is the difference between independence in appearance and independence in fact? The second general standard of generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) is, “In all matters relating to the assignment, an independence in mental attitude is to be maintained by the auditor or auditors.” If the auditor is not independent, the financial statements are considered unaudited...
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...Staffing and Skills Human Capital Because of the competition for scarce human resources individual units within a company have to contend with attracting and retaining skilled employees. Internal audit is no different. The numerous career options available to new entrants and the seasoned audit practitioner make it imperative for audit managers to continually re-evaluate their approaches to ensure that the internal audit department is adequately staffed both in terms of numbers as well as skill sets to discharge its functions effectively. The IIA Attribute Standards / and Performance Standards are very clear and definitive on this: i) Attribute Standard 1210 - Proficiency Internal auditors should possess the knowledge, skills and other competencies needed to perform their individual responsibilities. The internal audit activity collectively should possess or obtain the knowledge, skills and other competencies needed to perform its responsibilities. ii) Performance Standard 2030 - Resource Management The Chief Audit Executive should ensure that internal audit resources are appropriate, sufficient and effectively deployed to achieve the approved plan. Professionalism Internal auditing is grounded in professionalism and efficiency. Today's internal auditors are a far cry from the 'fault finders' or 'policeman' role that the profession has long been associated with. Modern day internal auditors are routinely consulted on all aspects of the organisation's activities from strategic...
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...The cost to the public totals millions of dollars annually. The US Government is aware of almost 100 cases in which foreign bribes undercut the ability of US firms to win contracts valued at $45 billion in the 12 months before May 1995. "Corruption occurs when someone has monopoly power over a good or a service, has the discretion to decide whether or not you receive it and how much you receive, and lacks accountability." (Robert Klitgaard, Controlling Corruption, 1988). The level of corruption in international business transactions continues to be a critical problem. Companies need both the motivation and the governance practices to discontinue these payments Role of Internal Auditors in the Anti-Corruption Battle John FlahertyThe Challenge Bribery, and other illicit payments are contrary to the public good. They thwart the competitive process and circumvent laws, regulations, and procedures put in place for the public good. They divert funds from owners, shareholders, and are usually paid as fees, commissions, or are paid without record. The cost to the public totals millions of dollars annually. The US Government is aware of almost 100 cases in which foreign bribes undercut the ability of US firms to win contracts valued at $45 billion in the 12 months before May 1995. "Corruption occurs when someone has monopoly power over a good or a service, has the discretion to decide whether or not you receive it and how much you receive, and lacks accountability." (Robert Klitgaard...
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...Litigation, and Auditor Liability instructor resource Manual — do not coPy or redistribute instructor resource Manual — do not coPy or redistribute enron corporation and andersen, llP analyzing the fall of two giants inS tr uc t ional o b je c t ive S [1] c a s e 4.1 Mark S. Beasley · Frank A. Buckless · Steven M. Glover · Douglas F. Prawitt [2] [3] To help students understand what happened at Enron Corporation and how Andersen’s involvement with Enron led to the accounting firm’s downfall. To enhance students’ appreciation of the importance of understanding an audit client’s core business strategies. To develop students’ understanding of the role of confidence, reputation, and trust both in the corporate and auditing professions. [4] [5] [6] To provide a venue for exploring professional issues relating to auditor independence and the provision of non-audit services for clients. To introduce students to the current debate on rules- versus principles-based accounting standards and related...
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...ABSTRACT 4 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 5 LITERATURE REVIEW 6 a. Introduction 6 b. The Need for an Audit 7 c. Risk of fraud 8 d. The Auditor-Investor ''Expectation Gap'' 9 e. Auditing Profession and Challenges 9 f. Public opinion 10 g. Family or Personal Relationship 10 h. Integrity 11 i. Inherent limitations of an audit. 11 j. Responsibility of Auditors to Third Parties – Case Law 12 k. International, Assurance Auditing, Standards Board (IAASB) 14 CORPORATE FRAUD CASES 16 CASE STUDY: 21 CONCLUSIONS………………………………………………………………………………24 REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………..….25 SUMMARY OF TERMS ISA: International standards of Audit KPC: Kenya Pipeline Company IAASB: International Assurance Audit Board IFAC: International Federation of Accounting USD: United States Dollar KCB: Kenya Commercial Bank BCCI: Bank of Credit International SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission ABSTRACT The way in which auditors perform their duties and the auditing profession in general raises questions and puts the auditors on the spotlight from clients who rely on their reports. Questions on whether the public trust the way auditors perform their secondary duty of detecting errors and frauds, the reliability, completeness and accuracy of their auditing reports have been raised. The research focuses on; Management and auditors’ responsibility for its prevention and detection of fraud, the auditor’s responsibility for reporting fraud to management. The primary responsibility for prevention...
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...CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Research Background The auditor’s roles are to provide an opinion on financial statement and to ensure that the statements are based on true and fair image of company performance to the stakeholders. They are authorized in checking the accuracy of business records. Opinions given by the auditor gives an added credibility to the financial statements (Maqableh, 2014). Commonly, investors often rely on financial statements provided by auditor in making investment judgement and increase the productivity of financial markets. Financial statements provided by the auditors are often reviewed as credible, unbiased opinion that truly reflects the company financial positions. There’s no doubt that auditor independence is the core of auditing profession when establishing its objectivity and integrity. Auditor independence, in particular, indicates the ability of an auditor to disregard any influence or control when conducting an opinion (AAA, 1973). Therefore, auditor must be, and must be seen to be independent of company management. Lack of independence causes audits to be considered to have little value (Johnstone, Sutton, & Warfield, 2001). This is further supported by Elliott and Jacobson (1998) that a particular interest may trigger a risk that could weaken the outcome of the audit which in turn impairs the auditor independence. Hence, independence is fundamental to the purpose served by auditors (Moore et al., 2002). This study is limited to...
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...Email me if there is any problem or if you need help with your other classes assignments, problems or quizzes. ewood6449@gmail.com Auditing and Assurance Services, 14e (Arens) Chapter 1 The Demand for Audit and Other Assurance Services Learning Objective 1-1 1) The Sarbanes-Oxley Act applies to which of the following companies? A) All companies. B) Privately held companies. C) Public companies. D) All public companies and privately held companies with assets greater than $500 million. Answer Terms: Sarbanes-Oxley Act Diff: Easy Objective: LO 1-1 AACSB: Reflective thinking skills Topic: SOX 2) Which of the following is considered audit evidence? A) Oral statements Written Auditor made by management Communications Observation Y N N B) Oral statements made by management N C) Oral statements made by management Y Written Communications Y Auditor Observation Y Written Communications Y Auditor Observation Y D) Oral statements made by management N Answer Terms: Audit evidence Diff: Moderate Objective: LO 1-1 AACSB: Reflective thinking skills Written Communications N Auditor Observation Y 3) Evidence is paramount to audit and attestation engagements. List the four basic types of audit evidence. 4) The criteria by which an auditor evaluates the information under audit may vary with the information being audited. A) True B) False Terms: Criteria which an auditor evaluates information Diff: Easy Objective: LO 1-1 AACSB: Reflective thinking skills 5) The criteria used...
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...MINI-CASES | |Question | |Case |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 | | | | | | | | | | |1. Andersen: An Obstruction of Justice? |C.83 |C.83 |C.83 |C.83 |C.83 |B.63 |C.83 | |2. PTL Club—The Harbinger of Things to Come | | | | | | | | |3. GM |11.74 |11.74 |11.74 |11.74 |11.74 |11.74 | | | |12.65 |12.65 |12.65 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |4. Unhealthy Accounting at HealthSouth |4.64 |4.64 |5.70 |5.70 |C.82 |G.84 | | | | | | | | | | ...
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...to the issuance of a company’s financial statements. In response, the AIPCA has issued a new auditing standard, SAS 99, Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit, in an effort to help auditors better assess fraud risk, detect fraud symptoms, and sharpen professional judgment as to whether a fraud has actually been committed in a firm. The purpose of this term paper is to examine the role of experience in increasing professional skepticism, knowledge acquisition, and ability to detect fraud. We suggest that the typical audit environment does not provide auditors with the type of experience, i.e., practice and feedback with fraud, which is necessary for successful fraud detection. Results of an experiment indicate that audit novices who have received practice and feedback with fraud detection exhibit a higher level of skepticism and knowledge about fraud and are better able to detect a fraud when it exists than individuals with typical audit experience. 1 I. INTRODUCTION The apparent inability of auditors to detect financial statement fraud has prompted regulators, practitioners, and academics to examine the question, “Why do experienced auditors often fail to detect fraud?” There are several factors that contribute to this failure. The Public Oversight Board (POB) Panel on Audit Effectiveness suggests that one factor might be that auditors do not possess an appropriate level of professional skepticism (POB, 227 and 86). The underlying assumption...
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