...Generally Accepted Auditing Standards Paper Gary Varnell University of Phoenix ACC 490 Auditing Aaron Strenkoski July 11, 2011 Introduction This paper is designed to explain the nature and functions of auditing, relate these functions to the audit functions of the Shawnee News-Star, describe the elements that make up the Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and how these standards apply to financial, operational, and compliance audits. This paper will also explain the effect that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as well as the Public Company Auditing Oversight Board (PCAOB) will have on the audits of companies that are publicly traded, and will also discuss the additional requirements that are placed on auditors as a result of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as well as the actions of the PCAOB. Auditing is defined as “ a systematic process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence regarding assertions about economic actions and events to ascertain the degree of correspondence between those assertions and established criteria and communicating the results to interested users” (Boynton & Johnson 2006, p. 6). The auditing process begins with the auditor obtaining information of an entity and evaluating, in an unbiased manner, this information as it relates to the processes, economic transactions and procedures of the entity. When evaluating this information, the auditor must ensure that the information complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and any...
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...Auditing Auditing has been around since the mid-1800's, which originated in British. Some of firms today have been around since the 1800's, such as Deloitte & Co. Price Waterhouse & Co. In this paper, I will state the functions of auditing, the nature of auditing, how the standards apply to financial, operational, and compliance audits, and some other items that pertain to auditing in general. Nature of Auditing The nature of auditing is that auditors are placed with a special purpose, which is to provide credibility to the information that is reported on the financial statements, along with any other audits that are done by them.... [tags: Accounting Audit]1104 words (3.2 pages)FREE Essays[view]The History of Auditing - The History of Auditing Abstract The evolution of auditing is a complicated history that has always been changing through historical events. Auditing always changed to meet the needs of the business environment of that day. Auditing has been around since the beginning of human civilization, focusing mainly, at first, on finding efraud. As the United States grew, the business world grew, and auditing began to play more important roles. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, people began to invest money into large corporations.... [tags: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework] :: 6 Works Cited3399 words (9.7 pages)$39.95[preview]Auditing Percedure - The factor of client relationship that creates a power imbalance in favor of the client is money. When partners...
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...Japan’s accounting profession and independent audit function. As this case documents, the accounting profession and independent audit function within the United States and Japan are very similar in many respects but very dissimilar in others. Similar to the United States, Japan’s accounting profession has historically been dominated by a small number of large accounting firms. In fact, each of Japan’s four largest accounting firms is affiliated with one of the Big Four accounting firms that are principally domiciled in the United States. The overall role and nature of the independent audit function in the two major industrialized countries are also very similar. One of the major differences between the accounting profession in Japan and the United States is the relatively small number of Japanese CPAs. On a per capita basis, the United States has more than ten times as many CPAs as Japan. Likewise, there is a large disparity in audit fees between the two countries. The annual audit fee for a U.S. company is typically ten times the size of the audit fee for a comparable Japanese company. Finally, the nature and structure of the regulatory function for the accounting profession and financial reporting system have historically been very different between the two countries. Similar to the United States, Japanese auditors have faced mounting criticism in recent years as a result of a series of high profile accounting and auditing failures. Much of this criticism stemmed from revelations...
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...Auditing has been basically seen as a ‘social phenomenon' since its purposes remain continuously being change, dependent on the scale of interconnection among the audit profession and the public (Flint, 1988; Power, 1997; Sikka et al., 1998). From one viewpoint, the audit profession seeks to certify that auditing is viewed as important to the changing needs of the public through the progression of the audit function. Flint (1988), Power (1994; 2000), Epstein and Geiger (1994) and Petland (2000), for instance, maintain that, this development was in effect to a professed need of the society who look for information or assurance about the behavior of others. Researchers such as Fogarty et al. (1991), Sikka (1992; 2002), Humphrey et al. (1993),...
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... Towards Reducing the Audit Expectation Gap: Possible Mission? The auditing profession believes that the increase in litigation and criticism against auditors may be due to the audit expectation gap. The audit expectation gap is defined as the difference between what the public expects from an audit and what the audit profession accepts the audit objective to be. The audit expectation gap is critical to the auditing profession because the greater the unfulfilled expectations of the public, the lower the credibility, earning potential and prestige associated with the work of auditors. The objective of this paper is to review and evaluate some of the possible solutions that can be taken to narrow the gap. The study found the proposed solutions in the literature are unlikely to be implemented in view of the practical issues identified. Hence, the proposed solutions are only likely to be effective on theoretical grounds. It is hoped that this paper will provide some insights into proposed solutions which will enable the audit expectation gap to be reduced in a comprehensive and effective manner. E xternal auditing plays an important role in contributing to the effectiveness and efficient functioning of business operations, the capital markets, and the economy by adding credibility to financial statements (Rezaee, 2004). The reliability of auditing functions and the professionalism of the auditing profession was, however, called into question after some spectacular...
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...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 ...
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...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 ...
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...Chapter 1 Internal audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It help an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management control, and government processes. Objective- what an organization wants to achieve. Strategy- how management plans to achieve to organization’s objective. 4 types of objectives -Strategic objectives: value creation choices management makes on behalf of the organization’s stakeholders. -Operations objectives: effectiveness of and efficiency of the organization’s operations. -Reporting objectives: reliability of internal and external reporting of financial and nonfinancial information -Compliance objectives: adherence to applicable laws and regulations Governance is the process conducted by the board of directors to authorize, direct, and oversee management toward the achievement of the organization’s objectives. Risk management is the process conducted by management to understand and deal with uncertainties that could affect the organization’s ability to achieve its objectives. Control is the process conducted by management to mitigate risks to acceptable levels. Independence is the freedom from conditions that threaten objectivity or the appearance of objectivity. Objectivity is an unbiased mental attitude that allows internal auditors to perform...
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...Notes I.28 Session – I important that they would affect the auditor’s report if not resolved. They include the following: • Matters that are significant and involve issues regarding the appropriate selection, application and consistency of accounting principles pertaining to the financial statements, including related disclosures. Such matters often relate to accounting for complex or unusual transactions or to estimates and uncertainties and any applicable management assumptions. Results of auditing procedures that indicate the financial statements or disclosures could be materially misstated or that the auditing procedures need to be significantly modified. Circumstances that cause the auditor significant difficulty in applying auditing procedures he or she considers necessary. Other findings that could result in modification of the auditor’s report. Compliance of Auditing Standards and Audit Documentation – a must for all practice units satisfy any applicable legal or regulatory requirements for records retention. Internationally the norm is assemble the final audit file and submit it for archiving within 60 days from the date of our audit report. The PCAOB standard has shortened this period to 45 days. 51 The auditor would also need to adopt procedures that enable him or her to gain access to the documentation throughout that period. One way for auditors to accomplish this is by creating a policy to maintain electronic documentation. One needs to bear in mind...
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...Introduction Auditing is an independent, objective assurance & 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. Auditing is globally recognized. It is counter check to accounting data so that any error, mistake or fraud can be easily detected through the technique of auditing. It is the primary source of advice on efficiency, effectiveness and overall economy of an establishment. Auditing starts its journey where accounting end. In today’s society the exercise of an auditor’s to the economic and ethical leadership sets the bounding standard or in other words equips an auditor in such a way that recognizes him as a reliable body. With the growing conscious recognition of the importance of financial data in the ordering of everyday business and economic life, the need of basic economic facts is providing a constantly enlarging opportunity for the accounting profession. The auditors' reports have an especial capacity to fulfill the need for reliable and authoritative financial material not only because of the reputation or prestige of the certified statements, but also because of the significance generally attached by the business man to the functions of the auditor and his reports. These functions, and the scope of these reports, have in the past...
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...php/product/acc-491-entire-course/ http://homeworkgallery.com/index.php/product/acc-491-entire-course/ http://homeworkgallery.com/index.php/product/acc-491-entire-course/ ACC 491 Week 1 Individual Assignment Generally Accepted Auditing Standards Paper Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you explain the nature and functions of auditing. Relate your explanation to the audit functions in your organization, or an organization with which you are familiar. In your paper, be sure to address the following: Describe the elements of the Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). Describe how these standards apply to financial, operational, and compliance audits. Explain the effect that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), will have on audits of publicly traded companies. Discuss the additional requirements that are placed on auditors from this Act, and the actions of the PCAOB. ACC 491 Week 1 DQs Access the SEC home page at http://www.sec.gov. What is one of the most recent litigation brought by the SEC against a public firm or against an accounting firm? Read the abstract of the complaint and download the document filed with the court. Comment on the nature of the litigation. What is one the most recent Staff Accounting Bulletin that provides guidance to the profession? What was the guidance given? The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been described as the most far-reaching...
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...Introduction Auditing is an independent, objective assurance & 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. Auditing is globally recognized. It is counter check to accounting data so that any error, mistake or fraud can be easily detected through the technique of auditing. It is the primary source of advice on efficiency, effectiveness and overall economy of an establishment. Auditing starts its journey where accounting end. In today’s society the exercise of an auditor’s to the economic and ethical leadership sets the bounding standard or in other words equips an auditor in such a way that recognizes him as a reliable body. With the growing conscious recognition of the importance of financial data in the ordering of everyday business and economic life, the need of basic economic facts is providing a constantly enlarging opportunity for the accounting profession. The auditors' reports have an especial capacity to fulfill the need for reliable and authoritative financial material not only because of the reputation or prestige of the certified statements, but also because of the significance generally attached by the business man to the functions of the auditor and his reports. These functions, and the scope of these reports, have in the past...
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...CASE 1.12 MADOFF SECURITIES Synopsis A childhood friend summed up the driving force in Bernie Madoff’s life: “Bernie wanted to be rich.” As a youngster growing up in New York City, Bernie realized that Wall Street was the greatest wealth creation machine the world had ever known. So, after graduating from college in 1960, he set his sights on joining the exclusive fraternity that ran Wall Street by organizing his own one-man brokerage firm, Madoff Securities. Madoff was one of the first individuals to recognize that computer technology provided the means to “democratize” Wall Street by establishing a system that made securities trading much more efficient and much cheaper. In the early 1970s, Madoff and several other individuals organized the NASDAQ exchange, which was destined to become the world’s largest electronic stock market. Years later, the NYSE would be forced to follow suit and switch to electronic securities trading. Literally millions of investors have benefitted from the lower transaction costs of electronic securities trading that were in large part a result of the pioneering efforts of Bernie Madoff. Unfortunately, Bernie Madoff will not be remembered as a pioneer of electronic securities trading. Instead, the word “Madoff” will always be associated with the phrase “Ponzi scheme.” Although his stock brokerage firm was extremely lucrative, Madoff eventually established a parallel business, investment advisory services. Over a period of several decades, Madoff...
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...Suretta Smith ACC/491 Generally Accepted Auditing Standards Paper September 25, 2012 Instructor: Santos Alarcon, Jr. Abstract The purpose of this paper will be to describe the nature and functions of auditing. The following will be addressed in this paper: description of the elements of the Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), description how these standards apply to financial, operational, and compliance audits, explanation of the effect that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), will have on audits of publicly traded companies and the discussion on the additional requirements that are placed on auditors from this Act, and the actions of the PCAOB. The generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS) were implemented by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), in April of 2003. The standards were also adopted by the Auditing Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which consists of ten standards that establishes the framework for conducting audits. However, the auditing standards are not detailed but guidance on what should be included in the financial statements (Boynton & Johnson, 2006). The GAAS consist of three categories that incorporate the ten standards which are general standards, standards of field work, and standards of reporting. General standards. under the general standards category, it informs about the characteristics of adequate...
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...Case #2.4 – Enron: Quality Assurance 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 203 III. Classroom Hints This case provides students with an opportunity to understand what is meant by quality control in the financial statement audit process and to understand why a quality control mechanism is an important internal control procedure for an audit firm. Further, the case provides a terrific example for students to see what can actually happen when quality control breaks down at an audit firm. In the case of Arthur Andersen, the breakdown in quality control ultimately led to the demise of the firm. To meet these objectives, this case illuminates the role of the professional standards group (PSG) at Arthur Andersen and the dialogue that occurred for several technical issues between Andersen’s PSG and the lead partner on the Enron engagement, David Duncan. We believe it is essential for students to carefully read over the recommended technical knowledge, along...
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