...PART Overview of Accounting Information Systems Chapter 1 The Information System: An Accountant’s Perspective 3 Introduction to Transaction Processing 31 Ethics, Fraud, and Internal Control 91 Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 1 CHAPTER The Information System: An Accountant’s Perspective nlike many other accounting subjects, such as intermediate accounting, accounting information systems (AIS) lacks a well-defined body of knowledge. Much controversy exists among college faculty as to what should and should not be covered in the AIS course. To some extent, however, the controversy is being resolved through legislation. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 established new corporate governance regulations and standards for public companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This wide-sweeping legislation impacts public companies, their management, and their auditors. Of particular importance to AIS students is the impact of SOX on internal control standards and related auditing procedures. Whereas SOX does not define the entire content of the AIS course, it does identify critical areas of study that need to be included for accountants. These topics and more are covered in the chapters of this text. The purpose of this chapter is to place the subject of AIS in perspective for accountants. Toward this end, the chapter is divided into three major sections, each dealing with a different aspect of information systems. The first section explores the...
Words: 13048 - Pages: 53
...Semester 1 2007 Introduction The Directors of Expand P/L are about to make the transition from a large company to a public one. They are aware of recent developments in corporate governance and directors liabilities. They have asked you to provide advice on corporate governance aspects and to act as a consultant during the period of transition. You decide to use the corporate governance toolkit as the basis for your research. a) Overview: 1. What are the basic principles of corporate governance? • Transparency: Are the board telling us what is going on? • Accountability: Is the board taking responsibility? • Corporate Control: Is the board doing the right thing? 2. What mechanisms are suggested by the ASX corporate Governance Council? Relating to the three principles stated in the last question. The ASX Corporate Governance Council translates the elements into mechanisms: • Is the board telling us what is going on? →forming an environment to take risk. • Is the board taking responsibility? →clarifying the role of the board and management. • Is the board doing the right thing? →Meeting information needs of investment communities. 3. What is an SME? SME stands for Small and Medium Enterprises. 4. What processes would you expect to find in a company relating to risk management and compliance processes? • Policy/framework • Board commitment...
Words: 1703 - Pages: 7
...Abstract The aim of this paper is to evaluate and discuss the role senior partners of a public accounting firm, in this case KPMG, LLP, play in the financial activities of auditing corporations. The critical steps in planning an audit will be outlined as well as testing and reviewing various procedures, and analyzing financial statements. KPMG LLP – Goals and Objectives As a senior partner of KMPG LLP, my goal in creating an audit strategy for a corporation is to accomplish objectives within the companies’ business environment. Outsourcing services will include; advise of implementing effective controls and compliance processes, identifying better business practices, profit improvement opportunities and reducing operation costs. Audit Principles There will be steps to determine what approach will be taken in evaluating a potential client. This reduces the risks to the firm and improves the effectiveness of the audit. Internal controls are procedures inside the company that are used to identify and deal with specific risks. To determine the proper procedures that need to be reviewed requires looking at the entire organization. This will assist me in identifying polices that are out of date and must be changed. The substantive test will be used to determine if the current strategy will be effective in addressing the risks facing the firm. This is accomplished through examining the Accounts Receivables. The final report is then processed...
Words: 593 - Pages: 3
...Internal Audit Guidebook Providing a framework for understanding and delivering Grant Thornton’s Internal Audit Services in a consistent, high-quality way 2012 Internal audit guidebook 1 Contents Page Introduction 2 Common service delivery methodology 6 Determine client needs 8 Scope and arrange work 10 Plan 13 Analyze and assess 20 Report and recommend 28 Implement 32 Evaluate 33 Determine business and technology context 36 Manage engagement performance, quality and risk 38 Communicate and enable change 40 Appendix 42 Internal audit engagement checklist 43 © Grant Thornton LLP. All rights reserved. Updated August 1, 2012 Internal audit guidebook 2 Introduction What is internal audit? The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) defines internal auditing as: Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. (1010) An internal audit objectively assesses the management of risks that a company faces. (2100 series) The aim is to • understand the current state, • assess the current state using appropriate standards and criteria, and • develop findings and recommendations...
Words: 15851 - Pages: 64
...Problems of Offshore Outsourcing Abstract: Offshore outsourcing is one of the hot topics influencing the global environment, politically, economically, and socially. While offshore outsourcing is associated with several benefits, these ventures also pose many risks. In this report, I am going to discuss various factors affecting the offshore outsourcing, including risks involved, the challenges faced by managers in these collaboration initiatives, and solutions that may aid in overcoming those challenges. Executive Summary The report outlines the prevailing trends of offshore outsourcing in a global perspective. The purpose of the report is to provide members of the Executive Board Committee, Educational Testing Service with the information essential for considering offshore outsourcing as a strategic decision. It also highlights the risks, challenges, and potential solutions of offshore outsourcing. Despite its widespread diffusion over the years, management of offshore outsourcing projects continues to challenge organizations. Competitive advantages, such as lower cost, technical knowledge, etc., are key factors to search for external solutions. While offshore outsourcing is associated with several important benefits, it also entails number of risk factors. In order to manage outsourcing decision, it is important to have a clear understanding of various risks posed in collaboration initiatives, challenges faced by managers, and solutions that may allow overcoming some...
Words: 2472 - Pages: 10
...Chapter 18 Audit of the Payroll and Personnel Cycle ← Review Questions 18-1 General ledger accounts that are likely to be affected by the payroll and personnel cycle in most audits include the following: Cash Direct labor Inventory Salary expense Construction in progress Commission expense Wages payable Payroll tax expense Payroll taxes withheld Accrued payroll taxes 18-2 In companies where payroll is a significant portion of inventory, as in manufacturing and construction companies, the improper account classification of payroll can significantly affect asset valuation for accounts such as work in process, finished goods, and construction in process. For example, if the salaries of administrative personnel are incorrectly charged to indirect manufacturing overhead, the overhead charged to inventory on the balance sheet can be overstated. Similarly, if the indirect labor cost of individual employees is charged to specific jobs or processes, the valuation of inventory is affected if labor is improperly classified. When some jobs are billed on a cost plus basis, revenue and the valuation of inventory are both affected by improperly classifying labor to jobs. 18-3 Five tests of controls that can be performed for the payroll and personnel cycle are: 1. Examine time card for indication of approval to ensure that payroll payments are properly authorized. The purpose of this test is to determine that recorded payroll payments are for work...
Words: 5671 - Pages: 23
...lOMoARcPSD Summary: Book " Purchasing and Supply Chain Management ", Arjan J. van Weele Purchasing Management (Maastricht University) Distributing prohibited | Downloaded by Paulina Gali?ska (p.s.galinska@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD No one cares if you are fair or not. Use this summary, share it with you friends and good luck studying for your exam. Summary Purchasing and Supply Chain Management – Van Weele 6th Edition Jonas Heller Distributing prohibited | Downloaded by Paulina Gali?ska (p.s.galinska@gmail.com) lOMoARcPSD Summary: Purchasing and Supply Chain Management 10/19/14 TABLE OF CONTENT Chapter 1: The Role of Purchasing in the Value Chain ............................................................................................................... 5 The role of Purchasing and in the Value Chain (P.5) .............................................................................................................. 5 Main differences between buying for primary activities and buying for support activities (P. 7): ........................................ 6 Definition of the concepts (p.7) ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Importance of Purchasing to Business (P.12): ....................................................................................................................... 7 Classification of purchasing goods (p. 15):...
Words: 13195 - Pages: 53
...THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDIT Professor PhD Atanasiu Pop, „Babeş-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: apop@econ.ubblcuj.ro PhD Student Cristina Boţa-Avram, „Babeş-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: botaavram@gmail.com PhD Student Florin Boţa-Avram, „Babeş Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: botaavramflorin@yahoo.com ABSTRACT: Analyzing the evolution process of internal audit, from its beginnings and so far, we can easily notice that internal audit function was born through detaching of some activities from external audit, the result being that there some situations when these two functions could be easily confused. The reality is that internal audit and external audit are two distinctive functions; net differenced, but which are also characterized through some complementary relationships. In this paper, we try to give our contribution at the clarification of the similarities and differences between these two functions, making a literature review that allowed us to identify some very interesting studies that permitted us to emphasize the main criterions that influenced the relationship between internal audit and external audit. Keywords: internal audit, external audit, objectivity, competence JEL Codes: M42 1. Introduction The coordination of internal audit activity with external audit activity is very important from both points of view: from external audit’s point of view is important because, in this way, external ...
Words: 3860 - Pages: 16
...potential), CIMA tuition partners, universities and our examiner and marker team – we have designed a professional finance training and development solution that is second to none. I commend this revised CIMA Professional Qualification to you. It will be examined for the first time in 2010, so there is plenty of time to absorb the exciting changes contained in the pages that follow. A qualification focused on the future – fit for purpose, relevant and unique I am honoured to introduce the new 2010 Chartered Management Accounting Qualification to all of our stakeholders. With seismic shifts occurring in the world’s economy, coupled with accelerating concerns about the sustainability of our planet, never before has there been a greater need for organisations to train and develop their people to manage the impact of these changes. With this revised qualification CIMA remains true to its long and proud history of providing finance professionals with a difference – Chartered Management Accountants – who combine management and finance skills in a unique way and who fully understand the businesses they are working in. While we respect and learn lessons from the past, through this qualification we prepare our future members to be focused on the future: driving value; managing performance; understanding how organisations are best led and inspired; and helping to sustain vibrant business and government. We provide a strong grounding in international accounting and...
Words: 22006 - Pages: 89
...THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AUDIT Professor PhD Atanasiu Pop, „Babeş-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: apop@econ.ubblcuj.ro PhD Student Cristina Boţa-Avram, „Babeş-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: botaavram@gmail.com PhD Student Florin Boţa-Avram, „Babeş Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca, e-mail: botaavramflorin@yahoo.com ABSTRACT: Analyzing the evolution process of internal audit, from its beginnings and so far, we can easily notice that internal audit function was born through detaching of some activities from external audit, the result being that there some situations when these two functions could be easily confused. The reality is that internal audit and external audit are two distinctive functions; net differenced, but which are also characterized through some complementary relationships. In this paper, we try to give our contribution at the clarification of the similarities and differences between these two functions, making a literature review that allowed us to identify some very interesting studies that permitted us to emphasize the main criterions that influenced the relationship between internal audit and external audit. Keywords: internal audit, external audit, objectivity, competence JEL Codes: M42 1. Introduction The coordination of internal audit activity with external audit activity is very important from both points of view: from external audit’s point of view is important because, in this way, external ...
Words: 3860 - Pages: 16
...ACCT 4304, Fall 2014 Audit case Read the attached audit case and answer all the questions that follow. A total of 90 points are available for the actual responses to the questions and 10 points are available for presentation, clarity and grammar. Total points for the assignment are 100. Note: Answer the questions as comprehensively as possible. Reference to Auditing Standards, your textbook, and other relevant authoritative sources is expected where appropriate. Even where some of the questions are quite general, try as much as possible to relate your answer to the case. 1. Some of the members of Phar-Mor's financial management team were former auditors for Coopers & Lybrand. (a) Why would a company want to hire a member of its external audit team? (3pts) (b) If the client has hired former auditors, would this affect the independence of the existing external auditors? Explain. (3pts) (c) How did the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rulings by the PCAOB, SEC or AICPA affect a public company's ability to hire members of its external audit team? (3pts) 2 (a) What factors in the auditor-client relationship can put the client in a more powerful position than the auditor? (3pts) A) A client can be put in a more powerful position than the auditor in an auditor-client relationship if the auditor is trying to sell the client additional services. When an auditor is trying to preserve the relationship with the client in order to get more business revenue, this...
Words: 2003 - Pages: 9
...information acquired in the course of duties. Not to use information for any personal gain or in a way that would be contrary to the law or detrimental to the ethics. Professional behavior Members should behave with courtesy and consideration towards all with whom they come into contact during the course of performing their work. Ethical threats Self-interest threat It occurs when auditor could benefit from a financial interest in an audit client. Self review threat It occurs when the audit from a member or audit team put itself in a position of reviewing the subject that previously the member is responsible Familiarity threat It occurs when auditor has a close relationship with the client Advocacy threat It occurs when the audit from a member of the audit team promotes/support or may be perceived to promote an audit client’s position or opinion. Intimidation threat It occurs when a member of the audit team may be deterred from acting objectivity and exercising professional judgment due to pressure given by the audit client to terminate the service. Auditors have an obligation to disclose -where the courts order them to do so -where they suspect their client...
Words: 6177 - Pages: 25
...How can firms use models of analysis to understand their business environment? Discuss using appropriate examples. Organizations can use one business analysis model to analyse a section of its business or combine this with other business models to help them in the strategic planning process to gain a competitive advantage in today’s fast changing markets. SWOT and TOWS are acronyms for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT (internal-external) provides a checklist of strengths, weaknesses to minimize, uncover opportunities to take advantage of and identify threats to avoid. Whereas the TOWs matrix is (external-internal) matching internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats provides a more in depth look at your company’s standing in its current market and gives an understanding of your competitors. External Opportunities (O) External Threats (T) Internal Strengths (S) (SO) Maxi-Maxi Strategy Use strengths to create opportunities (ST) Maxi-Mini Strategy Use strengths to minimise threats Internal Weaknesses (W) (WO) Mini-Maxi Strategy Minimize weaknesses to take advantage of opportunities (WT) Mini-Mini Strategy DEFENSIVE Minimize weaknesses and avoid threats It is important to use verifiable statements such as “Opportunities to save $10M in changing supplier” rather than “Opportunities to save will be good if we change supplier”. If the business is small it is important to know the risks and limitations in using...
Words: 1249 - Pages: 5
...1—Auditing and Internal Control TRUE/FALSE 1. Corporate management (including the CEO) must certify monthly and annually their organization’s internal controls over financial reporting. ANS: F PTS: 1 2. Both the SEC and the PCAOB require management to use the COBIT framework for assessing internal control adequacy. ANS: F PTS: 1 3. Both the SEC and the PCAOB require management to use the COSO framework for assessing internal control adequacy. ANS: F PTS: 1 4. A qualified opinion on management’s assessment of internal controls over the financial reporting system necessitates a qualified opinion on the financial statements? ANS: F PTS: 1 5. The same internal control objectives apply to manual and computer-based information systems. ANS: T PTS: 1 6. The external auditor is responsible for establishing and maintaining the internal control system. ANS: F PTS: 1 7. Segregation of duties is an example of an internal control procedure. ANS: T PTS: 1 8. Preventive controls are passive techniques designed to reduce fraud. ANS: T PTS: 1 9. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires only that a firm keep good records. ANS: F PTS: 1 10. A key modifying assumption in internal control is that the internal control system is the responsibility of management. ANS: T PTS: 1 11. While the Sarbanes-Oxley Act prohibits auditors from providing non-accounting services to their audit clients, they are not prohibited from performing such services for non-audit clients or privately...
Words: 5161 - Pages: 21
...Management accountant * Internal auditor * Information systems auditor * External auitor * Tax accountant * Fraud examiner * Managerial Accountant * Provides info for mngmt decisions * Knowledge base: * * * * Business processes * Accounting information sustems * Internal controls * Managerial accouting techniques * Impact of accounting on behaviors Advocate for best info possible for making the best decision for the firm IMA Information criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4. Forward looking 5. Timely 6. Responsibility oriented Planning Systems (budgets) control systems (implement the course of action and evaluate) Management accounting answers questions related to : * * * * * Important customers ( profitability) * Substitute products * Critical capability * Funding ( growth) Value ( Adam Smith) * Value in use- derive value by using the product * Value in exchange- derive value from the exchange of that product for another good or service. Generic Value Chain Model: 1. 2. 3. 4. *Customer need identitified* 5. Identify the market and create the product/ service ( innovation cycle) 6. Build the product or service and deliver the product or service ( operations cycle) 7. Service the customer ( post sales service cycle) 8. * Customer need satisfied* Value Chain: ...
Words: 2656 - Pages: 11
