On Oct. 1, 2023, the board of directors of Marge Inc. declared a $1.50 per share cash dividend on 55,000 shares of $1 par value common stock. The dividend will be paid to stockholders' who own shares on Dec. 31, 2023. The dividend will be paid on Feb. 1, 2024. What journal entry, if any, is required on each of the following dates? a. Oct. 1, 2023 b. Dec. 31, 2023 c. Feb. 1, 2024

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
10th Edition
ISBN:9781259964947
Author:Libby
Publisher:Libby
Chapter1: Financial Statements And Business Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Understanding Cash Dividend Declarations and Internal Controls

#### Cash Dividend Declaration

**Scenario Overview:**

On October 1, 2023, the board of directors of Marge Inc. declared a $1.50 per share cash dividend on 55,000 shares of $1 par value common stock. The dividend will be paid to stockholders who own shares on December 31, 2023, with the payment date set for February 1, 2024. The following outlines the necessary journal entries for each relevant date:

- **a. October 1, 2023**:
  - **[Journal Entry Box]**
  - Explanation: Record the declaration of the dividend. Debit "Retained Earnings" and credit "Dividends Payable."

- **b. December 31, 2023**:
  - **[Journal Entry Box]**
  - Explanation: No journal entry is typically required on this date as it is the record date, which determines eligible shareholders.

- **c. February 1, 2024**:
  - **[Journal Entry Box]**
  - Explanation: Record the payment of the dividend. Debit "Dividends Payable" and credit "Cash."

#### Internal Control Principles

**Scenario 1: Cash Register Control at Kwik-E-Mart**

Bart & Lisa use the same cash register drawer, which can lead to internal control issues.

- **a. What principle of internal control is being violated?**
  - Lack of segregation of duties, as multiple individuals have access to the same cash drawer, making it difficult to track accountability.

- **b. How could a new policy improve this internal control violation?**
  - Implement separate cash drawers for each person to ensure clear responsibility and accountability for any discrepancies.

**Scenario 2: Check Control at The Leftorium**

The employee responsible for checks keeps them in an unlocked desk.

- **a. What principle of internal control is being violated?**
  - Lack of physical security and safeguarding of assets, as checks are not stored securely, increasing the risk of theft or misuse.

- **b. How could a new policy improve this internal control violation?**
  - Require that checks are kept in a locked drawer or safe, with access limited to authorized personnel only, to enhance physical security.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Cash Dividend Declarations and Internal Controls #### Cash Dividend Declaration **Scenario Overview:** On October 1, 2023, the board of directors of Marge Inc. declared a $1.50 per share cash dividend on 55,000 shares of $1 par value common stock. The dividend will be paid to stockholders who own shares on December 31, 2023, with the payment date set for February 1, 2024. The following outlines the necessary journal entries for each relevant date: - **a. October 1, 2023**: - **[Journal Entry Box]** - Explanation: Record the declaration of the dividend. Debit "Retained Earnings" and credit "Dividends Payable." - **b. December 31, 2023**: - **[Journal Entry Box]** - Explanation: No journal entry is typically required on this date as it is the record date, which determines eligible shareholders. - **c. February 1, 2024**: - **[Journal Entry Box]** - Explanation: Record the payment of the dividend. Debit "Dividends Payable" and credit "Cash." #### Internal Control Principles **Scenario 1: Cash Register Control at Kwik-E-Mart** Bart & Lisa use the same cash register drawer, which can lead to internal control issues. - **a. What principle of internal control is being violated?** - Lack of segregation of duties, as multiple individuals have access to the same cash drawer, making it difficult to track accountability. - **b. How could a new policy improve this internal control violation?** - Implement separate cash drawers for each person to ensure clear responsibility and accountability for any discrepancies. **Scenario 2: Check Control at The Leftorium** The employee responsible for checks keeps them in an unlocked desk. - **a. What principle of internal control is being violated?** - Lack of physical security and safeguarding of assets, as checks are not stored securely, increasing the risk of theft or misuse. - **b. How could a new policy improve this internal control violation?** - Require that checks are kept in a locked drawer or safe, with access limited to authorized personnel only, to enhance physical security.
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