If this was not the case, Congress would not have enforced the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In 2002, the financial scandals that occurred by multiple corporations proved that the accounting profession was in dire need of some regulation by the government. I predict that corporate fraud will remain the same based on the research produced during the writing process for this assignment. There is no fool proof way to completely diminish financial fraud or to protect investors. As people as a whole have proven time and time again, there are rules and laws and there are people whom break those rules and laws for personal gain.
Some of the very important factors are: Government stability effects businesses in a great range by competing with businesses to lower their costs, transparency is another important factor where anything the business does is revealed to the government and the government know exactly what they are up to. Economic policy of government on businesses is also a very essential factor that effects businesses for example, government sets up rules and frameworks according to which the businesses compete with one and another, so from time to time government changes these rules which forces the businesses to change the way of their set ups. There are also beneficial political factors that help businesses in various ways, these factors can be defined as apprenticeships and funding of schools and colleges which will enhance the skills of the population that will affect McDonalds in having more skilled workers to work for them which will
It is important to remember that financial statements must be presented fairly and in accordance with accounting principles as it is evident here that there is a bias towards presenting statements in a financially strong way. Another important user is the controller, Liam Hanlon who is a potential shareholder. As a potential shareholder, he may wish to present financial statements is such a way as to make it seem as if the company is not a very attractive investment to deter other potential investors and to be able to purchase shares at a lower price. Another slightly conflicting interest would be to prepare accurate
According to Robert Solomon, “Good Ethics is Good Business” and “unethical conduct hurts business as a whole”. I agree with his point of view because in the business world, we have witnessed big companies fail and fall down due to their unethical practice. I also agree that being aware of the 3C’s, which are Compliance, Contributions, and Consequences, is the best tool to define Good Ethics in Business. Solomon used Break Breaker Inc. case to prove that unethical business strategy will lead to the quick failure of business. Break Breaker Inc. to some extent obey with some legal rules, but failed to comply with principles of morality and community, contribute to the society by producing honest high quality services, and account the consequence of damaging their reputation.
In addition, if a CEO/ CFO do not meet these requirements they can be criminally sanctions; which could include jail time reach up to 20 years if found guilty of willful neglect. Furthermore, a CEO/ CFO must understand the implications of section 303 in that improper influence or misleading of auditors can also render finical statements misleading, it is therefore to the CEO/CFO’s advantage to hire and retain highly capable and ethical auditors to ensure the company’s accuracy financial reporting, it is the CEO/CFO’s responsibility to set up “internal control over financial reporting” (White & Case LLP, 2003). The auditors responsible must ensure the internal controls
Auditor Crazy Eddie Question: What specific mistakes (apart from failure to notice “red flags”) did the auditor make? For each mistake, describe what the auditor should have done. If you were the Managing Partner for the CPA firm and had full knowledge of all the facts and events in this case, what changes in policy or procedures would you implement to make sure this audit failure does not occur in the future? The Crazy Eddie's financial statements had many fraudulent over and understatements done in many ways that the auditors should have caught. They created fictitious revenues by a number of means.
The offenses are harmful to not only businesses in the United States of America but to the world of business as a whole and are unacceptable. If the law had been in place, many shareholders would have been safeguarded but numerous investors lost their lifetime savings by company insiders. The corporate world is a much more secure place with regards to investing with all of the changes and modifications which are now enforced. I still think there are other actions which can be taken to protect shareholders even though the modifications have significantly improved the procedure. Businesses must develop an ethical balance so as not to take advantage of unknowing shareholders who have invested their lifetime
SOX Reforms Corporate America The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) enacted July 30, 2002 introduced significant changes to financial practice and corporate management regulation. Passed in the wake of numerous scandals SOX is a complex piece of legislation that requires companies to make major changes to bring their organizations into compliance (Bumgardner 2). Many believe this act has not proven worthy and will not change effect in the business world, but I think this act will help businesses and outside investing. The act holds top executives personally responsible for the accuracy and timelines of their company’s financial data — under threat of criminal prosecution. Sox address weaknesses with internal issues, requiring yearly
One huge internal control concern with LJB Company is violation of the segregation of duties internal control principle. The accountant should not serve as Treasurer and Controller. The same employee should not be responsible for related activities and record keeping should be separate from physical custody of the asset. By having the accountant order, pay and receive supplies increases the risk for fraud because they handle related purchasing activities. They can easily use fraud to authorize payment for a false invoice.
If we want to help the people who are suffering in this crisis and recession, then we should make financial policies with them directly in mind. Just throwing money at the banks will not get the job done.” In reference to “Bailout Nation”, Wolfson proves that bailing out large insolvent banks hurt the taxpaying people. He brings to light where the people’s money really goes, and how it’s