Pfau, Suzanne-DB3-R1 ACCT 612

Some criticize the accounting profession for using expressions in the audit report that seem to be building in deniability should the client commit a fraudulent act. What expressions enable the CPA to build a defense should the audit wind up in the courtroom? Do you see anything wrong with these expressions from an ethical point of view?

Describe some civil and criminal consequences if CPAS/auditors fail to follow professional standards. I Summarize some things that CPAS can do to limit their liability and prevent lawsuits. Determine whether the liability risk to CPAS/auditors is appropriate, too high, or too low.

The following relates to the Menendez–Halliburton situation described in the text.(a) How would you characterize Halliburton’s accounting for revenue from ethical and professional perspectives?(b) Once KPMG learned that Menendez had provided a complaint to Halliburton’s audit committee highlighting questionable accounting and auditing practices, the KPMG audit partner instructed the audit team members to avoid communications with Menendez. How would you characterize those actions ethically and professionally?

Roger Royce, CPA, has encountered a situation that he thinks may pose a threat to his independence with respect to Watson, Incorporated an audit client. The situation is not addressed by an independence rule or regulation. Using the AICPA Conceptual Framework for Independence Standards, describe how Royce can determine whether the threat truly impairs his independence.

In Crazy Eddie, the auditors’ work plan and results were viewed by the client, in part because the security of their workpapers was inadequate. Why is protecting the audit work product so important? In today’s audit environment, what should auditors do to protect their work product? What might auditors do in today’s audit environment that could expose their work product to individuals not engaged in the audit?

Why is it important for auditors to consider the possibility of fraud by employees or management on every audit engagement?  Why must they consider the possibility that the client has not complied with laws.

For each of the situations described below, identify the category of threat to the fundamental principles of the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct. Additionally, specify at least one fundamental principle that is compromised in each situation. a) An auditor has shares in a company which is an audit client of theirs. b) An accountant has compiled the financial statements for a client and was requested to also audit the statements. c) The financial director of Baboo Ltd is very aggressive and dismissive of the audit function and audit team. d) A chartered accountant values a client's shares and then leads the negotiations on the sale of the client's company. e) The chartered accountant fails to report a fraud at a client because the perpetrator is a close friend and he is sympathetic to the interest of his friend

Rationalization for fraud can fall under two categories: “no harm” and “no responsibility.” Assume an employee is directed by management to reduce recorded expenses at year-end by insignificant amounts individually, but which are material in total. How might the employee justify her actions if questioned by the auditor with respect to no harm and no responsibility? What stage of moral development in Kohlberg’s model is best illustrated by the employee’s actions? Why?

Auditors are required to assess any ethical threats before accepting clients and must either reject the appointment or mitigate the threats through measures put in place. Explain in detail these ethical threats and what appropriate measures that can be put in place to mitigate these threats.