ESB. ACCOUNTING CONNECTION )► Careful scrutiny of accounting records and financial statements can lead to the discovery of fraud or embezzlement. Each of the situations that follow may indicate a breakdown in internal control. Indicate the nature of the pos- sible fraud or embezzlement in each of these situations. 1. Wages expense for a branch office was 30 percent higher in 2014 than in 2013, even though the office was authorized to employ only the same four employees and raises were only 5 percent in 2014. 2. Sales returns and allowances increased from 5 percent to 20 percent of sales in the first two months of 2014, after record sales in 2013 resulted in large bonuses for the sales staff. 3. Gross margin decreased from 40 percent of net sales in 2013 to 20 percent in 2014, even though there was no change in pricing. Ending inventory was 50 percent less at the end of 2014 than it was at the beginning of the year. There is no immediate explanation for the decrease in inventory.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
10th Edition
ISBN:9781259964947
Author:Libby
Publisher:Libby
Chapter1: Financial Statements And Business Decisions
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ESB. ACCOUNTING CONNECTION Careful scrutiny of accounting records and financial
statements can lead to the discovery of fraud or embezzlement. Each of the situations
that follow may indicate a breakdown in internal control. Indicate the nature of the pos-
sible fraud or embezzlement in each of these situations.
1. Wages expense for a branch office was 30 percent higher in 2014 than in 2013, even
though the office was authorized to employ only the same four employees and raises
were only 5 percent in 2014.
2. Sales returns and allowances increased from 5 percent to 20 percent of sales in the
first two months of 2014, after record sales in 2013 resulted in large bonuses for
the sales staff.
3. Gross margin decreased from 40 percent of net sales in 2013 to 20 percent in 2014,
even though there was no change in pricing. Ending inventory was 50 percent less
at the end of 2014 than it was at the beginning of the year. There is no immediate
explanation for the decrease in inventory.
4. A review of daily records of cash register receipts shows that one cashier consistently
accepts more discount coupons for purchases than do the other cashiers.
Transcribed Image Text:ESB. ACCOUNTING CONNECTION Careful scrutiny of accounting records and financial statements can lead to the discovery of fraud or embezzlement. Each of the situations that follow may indicate a breakdown in internal control. Indicate the nature of the pos- sible fraud or embezzlement in each of these situations. 1. Wages expense for a branch office was 30 percent higher in 2014 than in 2013, even though the office was authorized to employ only the same four employees and raises were only 5 percent in 2014. 2. Sales returns and allowances increased from 5 percent to 20 percent of sales in the first two months of 2014, after record sales in 2013 resulted in large bonuses for the sales staff. 3. Gross margin decreased from 40 percent of net sales in 2013 to 20 percent in 2014, even though there was no change in pricing. Ending inventory was 50 percent less at the end of 2014 than it was at the beginning of the year. There is no immediate explanation for the decrease in inventory. 4. A review of daily records of cash register receipts shows that one cashier consistently accepts more discount coupons for purchases than do the other cashiers.
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