...Today’s Risk of Fraud: Forensic Accountants Help Protect Identity Theft Megan Laughman Financial Accounting Theory Michael Miller 4/7/15 Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the recent cyber breaches that have occurred within companies throughout the United States and to look at the different ways these cyber breaches could have been prevented. The research also examines the need for forensic accountants within the business field, as they are able to help protect a company’s credibility and reputation. The study looks at the different internal controls a forensic accountant can incorporate into a company to help prevent cyber breaches and fraud from taking place. The results of the research provide confirmation that forensic accountants are essential in every company in order to help prevent and detour cyber breaches and fraud. Table of Contents Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………4 Literature Review………………………………………………………………………………7 Data Analysis........................................................................................................................…...14 Results and Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………17 References………………………………………………………………………………………19 Today’s Risk of Fraud: Forensic Accountants Help Protect Identity Theft Introduction Technology today is more advanced than it ever has been and almost everyone this day and age owns a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Most Americans utilize their computers, tablets...
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...Evaluating and Improving Internal Control in Organizations Internal control is a crucial aspect of an organization’s governance system and ability to manage risk. It is also fundamental to supporting the achievement of an organization’s objectives and creating, enhancing, and protecting stakeholder value. High-profile organizational failures typically lead to the imposition of additional rules and requirements, as well as to subsequent time-consuming and costly compliance efforts. However, this obscures the fact that the right kind of internal controls—enabling an organization to capitalize on opportunities while offsetting the threats—can actually save time and money and promotes the creation and preservation of value. Effective internal control also creates a competitive advantage, as an organization with effective controls can take on additional risk. Despite the existence of sound internal control guidelines, it is often the application of such guidelines that fails or could be further improved in many organizations. With the publication, the Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee aims to provide a practical guide focused on how professional accountants in business can support their organization in evaluating and improving internal control as an integral part of its governance system and risk management. The guidance is complementary to existing internal control guidelines and is based on those internal control matters that often cause difficulties...
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...Running header: Internal Controls LJB Company: Internal Controls Summary President of LJB Company – AMS Consultant February 9, 2014 ACCT504 Accounting & Finance: Managerial Use Analysis Table of Contents Introduction 3 Internal Control Requirements 3 LJB Company: Current Internal Controls 4 LJB Company: Recommendations for Change to existing Internal Controls 5 Conclusion 6 References 7 Introduction AMS Consultants would like to handle re-organization of LJB Company’s internal controls prior to the organization going public. There are several existing issues within the organization that will need to be address prior to making any significant changes to the existing internal controls. LJB Company has been assigned to consultant Linda Robertson whom specialize in assisting executives to getting their organization’s internal controls up to the standards of Sarbanes-Oxley Act. SOX, requires all publicly traded U.S. corporations to maintain an adequate system of internal controls. LJB Company currently have one accountant that handles all accounting and financial responsibilities; however there are several other factors that are taking place within the organization that is not essential for maintaining adequate internal controls (Kimmel, P., Weygandt, J. & Kieso, D., 2013). As the president you have to consider all three factors of fraud triangle and analyze how these play a role within LJB Company; the three factors are opportunity, financial pressure...
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...The Role of Accounting on Business and Our Society Stephanie R. Phillips Professor Cedano Accounting 100 February 27, 2014 When most people think of accounting, they think taxes, but accounting is so much more than that. Accountants are responsible for maintaining the financial health of our businesses. They also practice with an ethical standard that protects the public from unfair and one sided business and government practices. So next time you take your box of unsorted receipts to your tax preparer be sure to thank them for what they do the rest of the year. The four financial statements in the accounting process are an income statement; owner’s equity statement; balance sheet; and statement of cash flow (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Keiso, 2013, p. 21). Each of these statements is vital to internal and external users in order to provide relevant financial data. An income statement lists revenues and expenses that result in the net loss or income of a company during a given time frame, usually at the end of the month and the end of an accounting cycle. The owner’s equity statement accounts for any change in equity, it also records all investments and drawings made by the owner. The balance sheet shows a company’s assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. In essence, the balance sheet shows what a company has and what a company owes. The statement of cash flow accounts for any cash in, out, or invested during the designated time period. The statement of cash flow must account...
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...Internal Controls Internal controls are those measures implemented by organizations for purposes of protection of resources against threats such as fraud, inefficiency, and waste. In addition, its purpose is evaluation of performance in all units; ensuring policy compliance and preparation of accurate and reliable accounting data. Internal control operates under five components and six principles; the five components namely; control environment, information and communication, control activities, and risk assessment. The six principles of control activities are; establishment of responsibility, segregation of duties, documentation procedures, physical controls, independent internal verification and human resource control (Kimmel, pg. 338, Straus 2008). The adequacy and effectiveness of any organization’s internal control is examined by the internal audit office. Its success is strengthened by reviews and recommendations from the internal auditing. The internal control requirements for the LJB Company to adhere before it goes publics will be addressed and it must be in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX.) All publicly traded corporations are required to preserve a satisfactory internal control system. Corporate presidents and administrators must ensure these controls are dependable and efficient. LJB Company needs to establish adequate internal control principles, whether it goes public or not (Kimmel, pg. 337, Straus 2008). The interest of LJB to go...
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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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...SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 ACC504 INTERNAL CONTROL DR. MICHAEL ABNER PREPARED BY NELLY OYANE Table of Contents Introduction I. Internal Control Requirements II. What the Company is Doing Correct III. What the Company is Doing Incorrect Conclusion References Introduction LBJ Company is presently conducting a decision to go public or not and with that they will also be familiar with their internal controls inside their systems, particularly with regard to Accounting and Human Resources and the way it will affect them and their workers and of course the way they operate. There have been some encouraging and bad issues arise regarding their internal controls. Nevertheless, LBJ Company needs to be recognized for what they are doing right, but must also need to address matters that are harmfully affecting them and their business and will remain to damagingly impact them if they choose to go public, which will negatively drive down the cost of their shares etc. This case study will examine these matters and make recommendations for what LBJ Company can do to strengthen their internal controls. I. Internal Controls Requirements Inform the President of any new internal control requirements if the company decides to go public. Internal controls are mechanisms, policies and procedures used to decrease and control operational risk. In order to prevent employees from committing...
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...The Role of Management Accounting in the Organization The purpose of management accounting in the organization is to support competitive decision making by collecting, processing, and communicating information that helps management plan, control, and evaluate business processes and company strategy. The interesting thing about management accounting is that it is rare to find an individual within a company with the title of “management accountant.” Often many individuals function as accountants within the organization, but these individuals typically operate as financial accountants, costs accountants, tax accountants, or internal auditors. However, the ability to develop and use good management accounting (which covers a lot more ground than the product costing done by cost accountants) is actually an important ability for many individuals, including finance professionals, operational and marketing managers, top-level executives, and information technologists. Generally, in a very large company, each division has a top accountant called the controller, and much of the management accounting that is done in these divisions comes under the leadership of the controller. On the other hand, the controller usually reports to the vice president of finance for the division who, in turn, reports to the division’s president and/or overall chief financial officer (CFO). All of these individuals are responsible for the flow of good accounting information that supports the planning...
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...Internal Controls Under Sox, all publicly traded corporations are required to maintain an adequate system of internal controls. It is recommended that LJB being a relatively small sized company in terms of its employees should reevaluate the costs versus benefits of being a public traded company. It LJB decided to issue stock; they will need to determine how many shares of stock should be sold and the value that should be assigned to the stock. With the internal controls that need to be placed, the related methods and measures adopted within an organization should be to safeguard its assets, enhance the reliability of its accounting records, increase efficiency of operations, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. The internal control system should include a controlled environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. It has been observed that not all components of an effective internal control system are present in the company. One of the most important components of the internal control system is the management aspect in the company. The management should make it clear that unethical activities will not be tolerated. Since LJB is a relatively small company in terms of employees, they will have an advantage over the competition. It helps to develop loyalty amongst the employees, as well as employee retention. The accountant’s decision to switch to pre-numbered invoices was a good idea and will help control...
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...Title CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND THE ROLE AND INTERNAL AUDIT WITHIN HIGHER EDUCATION IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) Why I am interested in this area I am working as Senior Internal Auditor in the Education Industry from last 4 years and for this reason, I consider it as a great opportunity to explore and research, that, any importance is available and provided in this aspect or not and what are the preventive and mitigating measures taken by the Institutions to overcome towards any shortfalls or problems. The term “Corporate Governance” is relatively new in this area and specially in the field of Education and it will not only be a great learning curve for me but will also help me understand the Industry practices, and for sure it will help towards my future development and getting more experience in this field. Introduction to the focus of study Similar to the counterpart of the industries, Educational institutes are facing increasing demand for accountability. Students for example requires a strong institutional commitment towards their future growth and quality teaching, agencies and donors requires assurance that institutions are contributing towards public good moreover they are also concern about the correct utilization of their funds/ donations i.e. are they being utilized according to their desires and requirements. For government and related agencies, they are concern with the implementation of regulations and other procedures. Alumni want an assurance...
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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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...Chapter 1: Introduction to Accounting Information Systems Business Processes and Accounting Information Systems • Business Process: sequence of activities performed by a business for acquiring, producing, and selling goods and services o Used by accountants and others • Transaction Cycles: group related events that typically occur in a particular sequence o Acquisition (purchasing) cycle = purchasing and paying for goods or services o Conversion cycle = transforming resources acquired into goods and services o Revenue cycle = providing goods or services to customers and collecting cash • Management Information System (MIS): system that captures data about an organization, stores and maintains the data, and provides meaningful info for management • Accounting Information System (AIS) is a subset of an MIS • Data captured by the MIS are aggregated, summarized, and organized to produce information that helps an organization monitor and control business processes Scope of an Accounting Information System • AIS provides accounting and financial information, and other information obtained in the routine processing of accounting transactions • It tracks info about sales order, sales in units and dollars, cash collections, etc. • Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP): business management system that integrates all aspects of a firm’s business process Uses of AIS • Producing External Reports ...
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...Roles, authority and involvement of the management accounting function: a multiple case-study perspective Caroline Lambert HEC, Paris 1, rue de la Libération 78351 Jouy en Josas Cedex lambert@hec.fr Samuel Sponem Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers GREG-CRC (EA 2430) samuel.sponem@cnam.fr Acknowledgements The authors are grateful to participants at the European Accounting Association Conference 2009, the Accounting department ESSEC seminar, France, and at the seminar of Ecole de Comptabilité de l’Université Laval, Québec, Canada for their constructive comments on earlier drafts of this paper. They also wish to thank and useful suggestions of members of the CriM group, Martin Messner and Juhani Vaivio. We would particularly like to thank Markus Granlund and the two anonymous reviewers for their many helpful comments and suggestions. Both authors thank ‘Fondation HEC’ and ‘Agence Nationale de la Recherche’ for their fundings. Abstract Recent techniques and shifts in the environment are often foreseen as leading management accountants to adopt a business orientation. However, empirical evidence pointing to fundamental shifts in the roles played by management accountants remains relatively scarce. We explore this paradox and give sense to the various roles played by the management accounting function by focusing on how management accountants are involved in and endowed with authority in decision-making situations. Using data we gathered from 73 interviews in ten...
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...business". Accountants are the practitioners of accounting, who can speak it better than anyone. It measures the results of a company’s economic activities and conveys this information to different users like creditors, investors, management, and regulators, etc. Accounting is the body of knowledge, which is primarily concerned with methods for recording transactions, keeping financial records, performing internal audits, reporting and analysing financial information to the management, and advising on taxation matters. In short, it is a systematic process of identifying, recording, measuring, classifying, verifying, summarizing, interpreting and communicating financial information. It reveals profit or loss for a given period, and the value and nature of a firm's assets, liabilities and owners' equity. Accounting provides information on the resources available to a firm, the means employed to finance those resources, and also the results achieved through their use. ACCOUNTING CAREERS Choosing the field of accounting as a career path is a smart decision. This field will always be in demand. This field can help you to grow continuously and help you move up inside your organization. A lot of different positions are available in the field of accounting. Accounting careers can range from entry level positions to executive level positions. Some of the popular careers in accounting are Accountant, Accounting Clerk, Accounting Manager, Bookkeeping, Budget Analyst, Certified Internal Auditor...
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...2016 Assignment 1: Careers in Accounting In the modern days of business, a professional accountant is necessary for all the industries. The accountant is the person in the company that knows the numbers and is the most important step to determinate the profitability and to show the directors the best way to establish a successful business. Many careers options can pursue someone with an accounting education, two of the most important are the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) and the Internal Auditor. The CFO is the officer responsible for managing the financial operations in a company, planning the strategy to increase the income and to report to the higher management of the business. This career is very prestigious and lucrative. The median annual wage was $168,140 in 2012. The number of top executive employees are projected to grow 11 percent within the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014). The Internal Auditor is the person responsible for examining and ensuring the accuracy of the financial process within the company. He or she can make improvement recommendations (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Donald, Fraud, Internal Control, and Cash, 2013). This role is for an accountant or someone with a great knowledge of accounting procedures. The median annual wage was $63,550 in 2012. The number of auditor employees is projected to grow 13 percent within the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014) The CFO candidates must have essential skills...
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