We are primarily concerned about controls over the reliability of financial reporting and the controls over classes of transactions, as the accuracy of the accounting system outputs depends on the accuracy of inputs and processing. We have significant responsibility for the discovery of material fraudulent financial reporting and misappropriation of assets, and must perform audit procedures to identify noncompliance with laws and regulations that may have a material effect on the financial statements. Internal controls, if properly designed and implemented, can be effective in preventing and detecting fraud. Therefore, we are concerned with Apollo’s internal control over the safeguarding of assets and compliance with laws and regulations if they affect the fairness of the financial statements. Although we are less concerned with controls that affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s operations, we will pay attention to controls affecting internal management information, which is an important source of evidence that helps to determine whether financial statements are presented
Full disclosure requires that publicly traded businesses use accrual based accounting and revenues are recognized as sales are earned. Full disclosure also requires that footnotes describe accounting procedures and provide details for unusual transactions. With companies such as Enron and WorldCom, the accounting field has an increased need for businesses to tell the truth in its financial statements. Full disclosure acts as the obligation for businesses to be truthful in its statements in order to protect the parties
Hamilton argued that since congress has been given so many monetary and fiscal powers it would be practical to create a central bank to carry them out (3). Johnson also recognizes the fact that people feared the power the central bank would have. He states in the book that farmers, businessmen, politicians and state-chartered banks viewed the bank as a giant monster standing in their way. Johnson looks at another important figure in the controversy of the central bank. He looks at Henry Clay, who was Jackson’s opponent in the 1832 election.
The four financial statements therefore assist them to determine if their resources are being put into efficient use since this provides an indication of whether there is any risk they will end up losing the invested funds (Debarshi, 2011). Potential shareholders also rely on the financial statements to make a comparison of the performance of different entities before making important investment decisions (Taparia, 2004). Creditors Creditors supply goods and services to businesses on credit. They are mainly concerned with the liquidity of the firm and its ability to meet their obligations when they are due (Debarshi, 2011). They therefore rely on the balance sheet and income statement to determine the profitability and liquidity levels of different firms in order to make well grounded decisions relating to whether to go ahead and advance them goods and materials on credit (Debarshi,
Reporting Practices and Ethics Paper HCS/405 Reporting Practices and Ethics Paper In the world of financial reporting, numbers can make or break a corporation. Growing competition and diminishing profits are driving some companies to compromise their ethical standards and falsify corporate financial data. These deceptive accounting methods can cause a once thriving corporation to crumble into dust. Ethics must be at the forefront of any healthcare accounting department. Fiscal transparency within the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and statement of equity must all reflect honest and integral data in order maintain the financial stability of the corporation.
The Chairman is Elisse B. Walter. b. What is the main purpose of the SEC? The mission of the SEC is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets and facilitate capital formation. c. When was the SEC created and why was it created?
The goal of SOX was to implement requirements that publically traded companies have internal and external controls in place to prevent the providing of fraudulent or misleading financial information to internal and external users of financial statements in financial decision making, by investors, creditors, employees, and customers. In this case SOX applies if Excello misrepresents (inflates) their 2010 end-of-year earnings report, they are defrauding internal and external users of financial information (Mintz & Morris,
Evaluate the effectiveness of regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley Act over minimizing the corporate fraud and protecting investors and make one (1) suggestion for improvement. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is been very effective especially by protecting investors and improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures, and much of the law seeks to further this goal by imposing strict rules for audits and auditors of publicly traded companies, prevent insider trading and deals, requiring companies to adopt strict internal controls, and increasing the penalties for white collar crimes relating to investor fraud. As a matter of fact, the Act effects dramatic change across the corporate area to re-established investor confidence in the integrity
Financial Statements ACC/280 May 01, 2012 Edward Vargas Financial Statements Accounting is extremely important by monitoring the functions of the companies, and allowing them to make appropriate financial transactions and decisions. Some areas of accounting can seem confusing and difficult but in the end the outcome is clear and concise. There are two basic forms of accounting known as; financial and managerial accounting. Financial accounting responsibilities are to follow the General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) that is regulations for investor relations, creditors, and taxation purposes, whereas managerial accounting is for internal evaluation. There are different functions and categories that accounting
CHAPTER 4 - Internal Controls, Accounting for Cash, and Ethics ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 1. The accounting scandals of WorldCom and Enron are partially responsible for the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. SOX requires public companies to evaluate their internal control system. 2. Internal control is the process designed to ensure reliable financial reporting, effective and efficient operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.