...Recommendation Brief for an Internal Auditor Candace L. Beard ACC 544 May 23, 2011 Joseph Poletti Recommendation Brief for an Internal Auditor Internal auditing helps companies to look at ways of improving and achieving short-term and long-term objectives. Internal auditors are hired to perform internal audits that look at a company’s operations, investigating fraud, financial reporting, safeguarding assets, and compliance of the laws and regulations set for companies. The internal auditors are employed to improve a company’s internal controls. Effective working internal controls detect and prevent fraud that is tested by internal auditors. Benefits of Internal Auditor Understanding the benefits of an internal auditor will help in the decision of hiring an internal accountant. Internal auditors verify the effectiveness of their organization's internal controls and check for mismanagement, waste, or fraud. They examine and evaluate their firms' financial and information systems, management procedures, and internal controls to ensure that records are accurate and controls are adequate. They also review company operations, evaluating their efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with corporate policies and government regulations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). As an internal auditor he or she will be able to look for any mistakes and address them in the reports. Finding a professional to fill the role of an internal auditor benefits the structure of a growing business...
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...Internal Auditor Blanca O Colon ACC 544 Internal Controls April 4, 2011 Master Science Accounting Daniel Stevens Internal Auditor This document has as its main objective to inform the company the reasons for hiring an internal auditor who shall have the obligation to inform their reporting through the administrative and financial management of the company in the time required. Not only should they cover financial areas within its audit, also will have the opportunity to report on performance in other areas such as information system, human resources, and customer service. This proposal to hire an internal auditor whose primary function tells exactly, the role of internal auditor as well as their tasks and considerations within the company. The Role of an Internal Auditor An internal auditor is responsible for overseeing all the financial records for his or her organization. The purpose of employing an internal auditor is to catch any accounting irregularities. The process of ensuring the integrity of the accounting and finance records within an organization is referring to as internal control. Essentially, the internal auditor is the "gatekeeper" of internal control measures because he or she is usually the one performing checks on the system. However, his or her role is the evaluation of compliances with the company policies and procedures include federal and states laws thereby protecting the business from problems that may come up during an official audit...
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...Internal Auditor Recommendation Brief The client has mentioned that it has an out-of-control system and is in need of direction, organization, and establishing appropriate controls. Because of the increased attention surrounding increased operating expenses, speculative transactions and corporate fraudulent activities by legislators, shareholders and the media has caused United States companies to focus on implementing and maintaining a comprehensive and effective system of internal controls. These corporations have enlisted the services of internal auditors or created an internal audit department aimed at reducing potential risks that may yield unfavorable results or exposure for the company. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) states the objective of an internal audit assists organizations to accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes (Louwes, Ramsay, Sinason, & Strawser, 2007). Benefits of employing the services of an internal auditor provide a certified individual who is familiar with the intricate details of the company and can integrate seamlessly into its established processes and controls. Also an internal auditor offers an independent and objective review of the company aimed at recognizing and developing controls, and while improving the efficiencies of various processes and controls with the company’s best interest in mind. In some...
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...Brief on an Internal Auditor Recommendation Robin Block ACC/544 July 2, 2012 Brief on an Internal Auditor Recommendation An internal auditor can be beneficial to help alleviate the challenges being experienced in your company with internal controls and accounting functions. Internal auditing can provide added value and improve your company’s operations (The Institute of Internal Auditors, 2012). By hiring an internal auditor your company can maintain effective internal controls and reduce business risks (Lehman Brown, 2009). Benefits Your company can enjoy the benefits of having an in house auditor. An internal auditor will be familiar with the culture and direction of the company allowing the auditor to have some foresight in risks that could come. The Internal auditor will work independent from any management within the company, to ascertain the risks, evaluate the risks and report a recommended procedure or policy to mitigate any risk. ” Internal auditors make recommendations that result in additional profits or cost savings for their companies” (Louwers, Ramsay, Sinason and Strawser, 2007, p. 628). The auditor can conduct a number of different audits which can be an advantage the company. A compliancy audit of the HR department can reveal if the company is in compliance with Federal and State labor laws and fair hiring practices. An operational audit can help management understand and execute responsibilities more affectively and improve profitability...
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...Running head: RECOMMENDATION BRIEF FOR AN INTERNAL ACCOUNTANT Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant Claudia I. Hernandez University of Phoenix Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant When a company is experiencing difficulty controlling their accounting functions, hiring an internal auditor will alleviate some of the problems. Internal auditing helps companies to look at ways to improve and achieve short-term and long-term objectives. Internal auditors are hired to perform internal audits that look at a company’s operations, investigating fraud, financial reporting, safeguarding assets, and compliance of the laws and regulations set for companies. The internal auditors are employed to improve a company’s internal controls. Effective working internal controls detect and prevent fraud that is tested by internal auditors. A company must evaluate the experience and educational background of a potential internal auditor before making a decision to ensure the auditor is capable of meeting the company’s needs. Justifying the benefits of using an internal auditor Operational auditing is perhaps the most beneficial use of an internal auditor for a company experiencing difficulty controlling accounting functions. Operational auditing focuses on making recommendations on efficient use of resources, achievement of business objectives, and compliance with company policies (Louwers, Ramsay, Sinason, & Strawser, 2007) An operational audit gives you a three...
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...Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant Internal auditing helps companies to look at ways of improving and achieving short-term and long-term objectives. Internal auditors are hired to perform internal audits that look at a company’s operations, investigating fraud, financial reporting, safeguarding assets, and compliance of the laws and regulations set for companies. The internal auditors are employed to improve a company’s internal controls. Effective working internal controls detect and prevent fraud that is tested by internal auditors. Benefits of Internal Auditor Understanding the benefits of an internal auditor will help in the decision of hiring an internal accountant. Internal auditors verify the effectiveness of their organization's internal controls and check for mismanagement, waste, or fraud. They examine and evaluate their firms' financial and information systems, management procedures, and internal controls to ensure that records are accurate and controls are adequate. They also review company operations, evaluating their efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with corporate policies and government regulations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). As an internal auditor he or she will be able to look for any mistakes and address them in the reports. Finding a professional to fill the role of an internal auditor benefits the structure of a growing business, because it prevents the creation of faulty processes and limits the liability the company may be exposed...
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...Internal audit Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.[1] Internal auditing is a catalyst for improving an organization's governance, risk management and management controls by providing insight and recommendations based on analyses and assessments of data and business processes. With commitment to integrity and accountability, internal auditing provides value to governing bodies and senior management as an objective source of independent advice. Professionals called internal auditors are employed by organizations to perform the internal auditing activity. The scope of internal auditing within an organization is broad and may involve topics such as an organization's governance, risk management and management controls over: efficiency/effectiveness of operations (including safeguarding of assets), the reliability of financial and management reporting, and compliance with laws and regulations. Internal auditing may also involve conducting proactive fraud audits to identify potentially fraudulent acts; participating in fraud investigations under the direction of fraud investigation professionals, and conducting post investigation fraud audits to identify control breakdowns and establish...
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...Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant Lisa Tucker ACC 544 April 8, 2013 Fred Johnston Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant A client has an out-of-control system that is in need of change to get it back into control. Internal controls are an important part of a company. The role of internal controls is to keep mistakes from occurring as much as possible. It also aids in preventing individuals from being dishonest. The system the client is using is out-of-control and it is highly recommended that the company hire an internal accountant. The internal can provide information to managers to limit any problems and audit the system internally. Implementing internal audits will help build credibility within the company and keep violations from occurring that would violate laws and regulations. An internal auditor would work with management and owners to analyze important areas of the company’s performance. These areas that would be analyzed would include assets, accuracy of financial information, and ensuring that government and industry standards and regulations are being followed. Another point that the internal auditor would confirm is that the policies and procedures are aligned with the company’s goals. An internal auditor would add security and be an asset to the company. The first step an internal auditor would initiate would develop a plan to evaluate the current control system that is in place. Any deficiencies...
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...audit is required to meet specific circumstances for each process. The four main types of IT audits are attestation, findings and recommendations, Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70 audit, and SAS 94 audit. Attestation An attestation is an agreed upon procedures audit. It requires the auditor to provide assurance on a specific subject matter and a conclusion on reliability. The auditor may make an assertion regarding an organization’s compliance with specific standards or requirements. The steps of an attestation audit are as follows: 1) a client makes an assertion, 2) the auditor examines and analyzes the client’s performance according to the agreed terms, and 3) the auditor reports the findings, or lack thereof, to the client (Hunton, Bryant, & Bagranoff, 2004). Findings and Recommendations A findings and recommendations review is generally considered as consulting or advisory services. A findings and recommendations review is often confused with an attestation. However, the auditor does not produce an opinion from this type of audit. Instead, the auditor provides a summary of the work performed in connection with the agreement. Common examples of findings and recommendations audits include system implementations, security reviews, IT improvement reviews, and project management. During a findings and recommendations review, the client gains broad and general advice. SAS 70 The SAS 70 audit became necessary because of a growing reliance on...
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...Internal Auditor This brief will study the subject of using an internal auditor to assist a company with a system currently not working. It will also examine a candidate qualified to assess the organization and can make recommendations to the company. This can help ensure the company conforms to regulations set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), System Not Working The company has realized that their risk management efforts were not meeting expectations to problematic situations. They are looking to implement procedures that can ensure the company can control their systems. The company has divisions not always following the correct processes, such as existing safeguards that can cause inventory control to be nonexistent and cash flows to be inaccurate. When the departments are not working together in an effort to complete goals and follow policies the company needs to implement internal controls. One of the requirements that the SEC has for management is that they take “responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting” (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 2013, Summary). What this means is that to be compliant with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) the company will need the assistance of an internal auditor to help management’s assessment and ensure they are within compliance. Working System The main requirement for...
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...There are several types of audits that can be performed for each process. The most important factor is choosing the appropriate type of audit that best fits the process. Most audits are conducted similarly and should always be completed in an efficient and effective manner. Furthermore, there are events that could prevent the reliance of an audit through the computer in which management must be made aware of and evaluate accordingly. Types of Audits There are various types of audits that will give credence to the accounting records, accounting policies, and financial statements of a business organization. For example, an internal audit can be conducted of the accounting department to examine company policies and procedures as well as development and evaluations of internal controls. Internal audits will provide management with insight and recommendations based on analysis and assessment of data and business processes. An external audit will assess the computer-based accounting system and provide judgment on the accuracy and fairness of financial statements. “The fairness evaluation is conducted in the context of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and requires application of generalized auditing standards (Bagranoff, Simkin, & Strand Norman, 2008, p. 343). Information technology (IT) auditing evaluates the AIS by ensuring data and information is reliable, confidential, secure, and available as required. Additionally, a SAS 94 audit will test for possible risks...
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...Recommendation for an Internal Accountant University of Phoenix ACC/544 Facilitator: Michael Meyer June 6, 2011 Recommendation for an Internal Accountant Internal Auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations (What is internal auditing?, 2010). Internal accounting control is a series of procedures designed to promote and protect sound management practices, both general and financial that will increase the likelihood that: * Financial information is reliable, so that managers and the board can depend on accurate information to make programmatic and other decisions * Assets and records of the organization are not stolen, misused, or accidentally destroyed * The organizations policies are followed * And government regulations are met (Internal Accounting, 2011). It is important to have an internal accountant available to help instill these controls and ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Principles. Internal Accountants Management accountants and internal auditors are both imperative to a company to help with internal controls. Management accountants study and interpret business numbers, and decide on how money should be spent and advise management on key business decisions (Career: Management Accountants and Internal Auditors, 2011). Internal auditors check the records of management accountants to make sure they are accurate and that the controls are...
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...Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant 1 Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant Kelsy Fee ACC/544 April 13, 2015 Professor La Ron Roach Recommendation Brief for an Internal Accountant 2 In this recommendation brief the benefits of hiring an internal accountant will be discussed. Having an internal accountant would help fix an out-of-control system and the justification of taking advantage of one will be included in this brief. Along with those two items the brief will also explain how the background of a referred internal accountant benefits the client. Before discussing the benefits of hiring an internal accountant let us define what an internal accountant does. According to University of Phoenix Risk from the CEO and Board Perspective (2004), internal auditor responsibilities include risk management and control systems. They are expected to help management by handling issues that may arise and perform system audits to uphold the internal responsibilities. An internal auditor will evaluate the company’s performance and make sure they are not violating any laws or regulations. Policies and procedures will also be reviewed and made sure that they are in line with the mission and goals of the company ("The Benefits Of The Internal Audit", 2015). The benefits of hiring an internal accountant include the following: the protection of company assets, increasing the value of the company by improving performance and providing...
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...External auditors do not rely on internal auditors as much as they could – why? How could this reliance be improved? Presented By Mingdi Deng Shirene Horner Yueyang Shi Trevor Stewart Jingtao Wang CONTENTS PAGE ABSTRACT 3 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. REASONS 3 2.1 INTERNAL AUDITOR ROLES 3 2.2 THE REPORTING AND OBJECTIVITY RELATIONSHIP OF THE INTERNAL AUDITOR 4 3. COLLABORATION IN PRACTICE 5 3.1 COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION 5 3.2 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 5 3.3 RECORDING AND TESTING ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS 6 3.4 SUBSTANTIVE TESTS 6 4. CONSEQUENCES OF INFLUENCE 7 5. RELIANCE IMPROVEMENTS 8 5.1 ATTEMPTS FOR IMPROVEMENT 8 5.2 INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY AND COMMUNICATION METHOD FOR INTERNAL AUDITORS AND EXTERNAL AUDITORS 8 5.3 FURTHER EDUCATION IS...
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...process of Kudler Fine Foods IT Systems, the auditor must first determine which audit is appropriate. There are different audits available for the processes at Kudler Fine Foods; including attestation, findings and recommendations, SAS 70, and SAS 94. The auditor will need to decide which audit is most appropriate for the Accounting Information System and the Retail Enterprise Management System incorporated into Kudler’s Systems. During an attestation audit, the auditor will provide assurance for a specified topic or issue for which the client is responsible. An assertion is made based on specified criteria, and the results are provided in a report. The findings and recommendations audit is used when, “implementing systems, security review, database application review, IT infrastructure and improvements needed engagement, project management, and IT internal audit services” (Hunton, Bryant, & Bagranoff, 2004, p. 217). This type of report does not include the auditor’s opinion, but any information pertaining to the work performed is included. The SAS 70 audit includes information pertaining to a company’s internal controls and is used when services, such as payroll are outsourced to an ADP. An ADP provides payroll services to companies at a lower rate than it would cost if the company were to handle this in-house. An SAS 70 audit is used when companies want to assure that they have implemented the appropriate internal controls. The SAS 94 audit is the most widely used...
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