更多“(b) Explain the major benefits of pursuing a policy of internal development. (4 marks)”相关问题
  • 第1题:

    3 An organisation has decided to compare the benefits of promoting existing staff with those of appointing external

    candidates and to assess whether the use of external recruitment consultants is appropriate.

    Required:

    (a) Describe the advantages of internal promotion. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    3 All organisations rely upon their staff for success. However, recruitment of staff can be time consuming; a drain on resources and the necessary expertise may not exist within the organisation.
    (a) Internal promotion describes the situation where an organisation has an explicit policy to promote from within and where there is a clear and transparent career structure. This is typical of many professional bodies, large organisations and public services.
    The advantages of internal promotion are that it acts as a source of motivation, provides good general morale amongst employees and illustrates the organisation’s commitment to encouraging advancement. Recruitment is expensive and internal promotion is relatively inexpensive in terms of time, money and induction costs and since staff seeking promotion are known to the employer, training costs are minimised. Finally, the culture of the organisation is better understood by the individual.

  • 第2题:

    (b) Explain how the non-payment of contributions and the change in the pension benefits should be treated in

    the financial statements of Savage for the year ended 31 October 2005. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) The contributions payable by Savage to the trustees will not count as an asset for the purposes of the valuation of the fund.
    IAS19 (paragraph 103) states that plan assets should not include unpaid contributions due from the reporting entity to the
    fund. Thus in the financial statements of Savage the contributions would be shown as an amount payable to the trustees
    and there may be legal repercussions if the amount is not paid within a short period of time. Following the introduction of
    changes to a defined benefit plan, a company should recognise immediately past service costs where the benefit has vested.
    In the case where the benefits have not vested then the past service costs will be recognised as an expense over the averageperiod until the benefits vest. The company will therefore recognise $125 million at 1 November 2004.

  • 第3题:

    (c) Explain the benefits of performance-related pay in rewarding directors and critically evaluate the implications

    of the package offered to Choo Wang. (8 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) Choo Wang’s remuneration package
    Benefits of PRP
    In general terms, performance-related pay serves to align directors’ and shareholders’ interests in that the performancerelated
    element can be made to reflect those things held to be important to shareholders (such as financial targets). This, in
    turn, serves to motivate directors, especially if they are directly responsible for a cost or revenue/profit budget or centre. The
    possibility of additional income serves to motivate directors towards higher performance and this, in turn, can assist in
    recruitment and retention. Finally, performance-related pay can increase the board’s control over strategic planning and
    implementation by aligning rewards against strategic objectives.
    Critical evaluation of Choo Wang’s package
    Choo Wang’s package appears to have a number of advantages and shortcomings. It was strategically correct to include some
    element of pay linked specifically to Southland success. This will increase Choo’s motivation to make it successful and indeed,
    he has said as much – he appears to be highly motivated and aware that additional income rests upon its success. Against
    these advantages, it appears that the performance-related component does not take account of, or discount in any way for,
    the risk of the Southland investment. The bonus does not become payable on a sliding scale but only on a single payout basis
    when the factory reaches an ‘ambitious’ level of output. Accordingly, Choo has more incentive to be accepting of risk with
    decisions on the Southland investment than risk averse. This may be what was planned, but such a bias should be pointed
    out. Clearly, the company should accept some risk but recklessness should be discouraged. In conclusion, Choo’s PRP
    package could have been better designed, especially if the Southland investment is seen as strategically risky.

  • 第4题:

    (ii) Explain why the disclosure of voluntary information in annual reports can enhance the company’s

    accountability to equity investors. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Accountability to equity investors
    Voluntary disclosures are an effective way of redressing the information asymmetry that exists between management and
    investors. In adding to mandatory content, voluntary disclosures give a fuller picture of the state of the company.
    More information helps investors decide whether the company matches their risk, strategic and ethical criteria, and
    expectations.
    Makes the annual report more forward looking (predictive) whereas the majority of the numerical content is backward
    facing on what has been.
    Helps transparency in communicating more fully thereby better meeting the agency accountability to investors,
    particularly shareholders.
    There is a considerable amount of qualitative information that cannot be conveyed using statutory numbers (such as
    strategy, ethical content, social reporting, etc).
    Voluntary disclosure gives a more rounded and more complete view of the company, its activities, strategies, purposes
    and values.
    Voluntary disclosure enables the company to address specific shareholder concerns as they arise (such as responding
    to negative publicity).
    [Tutorial note: other valid points will attract marks]

  • 第5题:

    (b) Criticise the internal control and internal audit arrangements at Gluck and Goodman as described in the case

    scenario. (10 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) Criticisms
    The audit committee is chaired by an executive director. One of the most important roles of an audit committee is to review
    and monitor internal controls. An executive director is not an independent person and so having Mr Chester as chairman
    undermines the purpose of the committee as far as its role in governance is concerned.
    Mr Chester, the audit committee chairman, considers only financial controls to be important and undermines the purpose of
    the committee as far as its role in governance is concerned. There is no recognition of other risks and there is a belief that
    management accounting can provide all necessary information. This viewpoint fails to recognise the importance of other
    control mechanisms such as technical and operational controls.
    Mr Hardanger’s performance was trusted without supporting evidence because of his reputation as a good manager. An audit
    committee must be blind to reputation and treat all parts of the business equally. All functions can be subject to monitor and
    review without ‘fear or favour’ and the complexity of the production facility makes it an obvious subject of frequent attention.
    The audit committee does not enjoy the full support of the non-executive chairman, Mr Allejandra. On the contrary in fact,
    he is sceptical about its value. In most situations, the audit committee reports to the chairman and so it is very important
    that the chairman protects the audit committee from criticism from executive colleagues, which is unlikely given the situation
    at Gluck and Goodman.
    There is no internal auditor to report to the committee and hence no flow of information upon which to make control decisions.
    Internal auditors are the operational ‘arms’ of an audit committee and without them, the audit committee will have little or no
    relevant data upon which to monitor and review control systems in the company.
    The ineffectiveness of the internal audit could increase the cost of the external audit. If external auditors view internal controls
    as weak they would be likely to require increased attention to audit trails, etc. that would, in turn, increase cost.

  • 第6题:

    (ii) Explain the ethical tensions between these roles that Anne is now experiencing. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Tensions in roles
    On one hand, Anne needs to cultivate and manage her relationship with her manager (Zachary) who seems convinced
    that Van Buren, and Frank in particular, are incapable of bad practice. He shows evidence of poor judgment and
    compromised independence. Anne must decide how to deal with Zachary’s poor judgment.
    On the other hand, Anne has a duty to both the public interest and the shareholders of Van Buren to ensure that the
    accounts do contain a ‘true and fair view’. Under a materiality test, she may ultimately decide that the payment in
    question need not hold up the audit signoff but the poor client explanation (from Frank) is also a matter of concern to
    Anne as a professional accountant.

  • 第7题:

    (b) Identify and explain THREE approaches that the directors of Moffat Ltd might apply in assessing the

    QUALITATIVE benefits of the proposed investment in a new IT system. (6 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) One approach that the directors of Moffat Ltd could adopt would be to ignore the qualitative benefits that may arise on the
    basis that there is too much subjectivity involved in their assessment. The problem that this causes is that the investment will
    probably look unattractive since all costs will be included in the evaluation whereas significant benefits and savings will have
    been ignored. Hence such an approach is lacking in substance and is not recommended.
    An alternative approach would involve attempting to attribute values to each of the identified benefits that are qualitative in
    nature. Such an approach will necessitate the use of management estimates in order to derive the cash flows to be
    incorporated in a cost benefit analysis. The problems inherent in this approach include gaining consensus among interested
    parties regarding the footing of the assumptions from which estimated cash flows have been derived. Furthermore, if the
    proposed investment does take place then it may well be impossible to prove that the claimed benefits of the new system
    have actually been realised.
    Perhaps the preferred approach is to acknowledge the existence of qualitative benefits and attempt to assess them in a
    reasonable manner acceptable to all parties including the company’s bank. The financial evaluation would then not only
    incorporate ‘hard’ facts relating to costs and benefits that are quantitative in nature, but also would include details of
    qualitative benefits which management consider exist but have not attempted to assess in financial terms. Such benefits might
    include, for example, the average time saved by location managers in analysing information during each operating period.
    Alternatively the management of Moffat Ltd could attempt to express qualitative benefits in specific terms linked to a hierarchy
    of organisational requirements. For example, qualitative benefits could be categorised as being:
    (1) Essential to the business
    (2) Very useful attributes
    (3) Desirable, but not essential
    (4) Possible, if funding is available
    (5) Doubtful and difficult to justify.

  • 第8题:

    (c) (i) Explain the inheritance tax (IHT) implications and benefits of Alvaro Pelorus varying the terms of his

    father’s will such that part of Ray Pelorus’s estate is left to Vito and Sophie. State the date by which a

    deed of variation would need to be made in order for it to be valid; (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) (i) Variation of Ray’s will
    The variation by Alvaro of Ray’s will, such that assets are left to Vito and Sophie, will not be regarded as a gift by Alvaro.
    Instead, provided the deed states that it is intended to be effective for IHT purposes, it will be as if Ray had left the assets
    to the children in his will.
    This strategy, known as skipping a generation, will have no effect on the IHT due on Ray’s death but will reduce the
    assets owned by Alvaro and thus his potential UK IHT liability. A deed of variation is more tax efficient than Alvaro
    making gifts to the children as such gifts would be PETs and IHT may be due if Alvaro were to die within seven years.
    The deed of variation must be entered into by 31 January 2009, i.e. within two years of the date of Ray’s death.

  • 第9题:

    6 (a) Explain the term ‘money laundering’. (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    6 MONEY LAUNDERING
    Tutorial note: The answer which follows is indicative of the range of points which might be made. Other relevant material will
    be given suitable credit.
    (a) Meaning of the term
    ■ Money laundering is the process by which criminals attempt to conceal the true origin and ownership of the proceeds
    of their criminal activity (‘dirty’ money) allowing them to maintain control over the proceeds and, ultimately, providing a
    legitimate cover for their sources of income.
    ■ The term is widely defined to include:
    – possessing; or
    – in any way dealing with; or
    – concealing
    the proceeds of any crime (‘criminal property’).
    ■ It also includes:
    – an attempt or conspiracy or incitement to commit such an offence; or
    – aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of such an offence.
    ■ Further, it includes failure by an individual in a regulated sector to inform. the financial intelligence unit (FIU), as soon
    as practicable, of knowledge or suspicion that another person is engaged in money laundering.
    Tutorial note: The FIU serves as a national centre for receiving (and, as permitted, requesting), analysing and
    disseminating suspicious transaction reports (STRs).

  • 第10题:

    In relation to company law, explain:

    (a) the limitations on the use of company names; (4 marks)

    (b) the tort of ‘passing off’; (4 marks)

    (c) the role of the company names adjudicators under the Companies Act 2006. (2 marks)


    正确答案:

    (a) Except in relation to specifically exempted companies, such as those involved in charitable work, companies are required to indicate that they are operating on the basis of limited liability. Thus private companies are required to end their names, either with the word ‘limited’ or the abbreviation ‘ltd’, and public companies must end their names with the words ‘public limited company’ or the abbreviation ‘plc’. Welsh companies may use the Welsh language equivalents (Companies Act (CA)2006 ss.58, 59 & 60).
    Companies Registry maintains a register of business names, and will refuse to register any company with a name that is the same as one already on that index (CA 2006 s.66).
    Certain categories of names are, subject to the decision of the Secretary of State, unacceptable per se, as follows:
    (i) names which in the opinion of the Secretary of State constitute a criminal offence or are offensive (CA 2006 s.53)
    (ii) names which are likely to give the impression that the company is connected with either government or local government authorities (s.54).
    (iii) names which include a word or expression specified under the Company and Business Names Regulations 1981 (s.26(2)(b)). This category requires the express approval of the Secretary of State for the use of any of the names or expressions contained on the list, and relates to areas which raise a matter of public concern in relation to their use.
    Under s.67 of the Companies Act 2006 the Secretary of State has power to require a company to alter its name under the following circumstances:
    (i) where it is the same as a name already on the Registrar’s index of company names.
    (ii) where it is ‘too like’ a name that is on that index.
    The name of a company can always be changed by a special resolution of the company so long as it continues to comply with the above requirements (s.77).

    (b) The tort of passing off was developed to prevent one person from using any name which is likely to divert business their way by suggesting that the business is actually that of some other person or is connected in any way with that other business. It thus enables people to protect the goodwill they have built up in relation to their business activity. In Ewing v Buttercup
    Margarine Co Ltd (1917) the plaintiff successfully prevented the defendants from using a name that suggested a link with
    his existing dairy company. It cannot be used, however, if there is no likelihood of the public being confused, where for example the companies are conducting different businesses (Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co Ltd v Dunlop Motor Co Ltd (1907)
    and Stringfellow v McCain Foods GB Ltd (1984). Nor can it be used where the name consists of a word in general use (Aerators Ltd v Tollitt (1902)).
    Part 41 of the Companies Act (CA) 2006, which repeals and replaces the Business Names Act 1985, still does not prevent one business from using the same, or a very similar, name as another business so the tort of passing off will still have an application in the wider business sector. However the Act introduced a new procedure to deal specifically with company names. As previously under the CA 1985, a company cannot register with a name that was the same as any already registered (s.665 Companies Act (CA) 2006) and under CA s.67 the Secretary of State may direct a company to change its name if it has been registered in a name that is the same as, or too like a name appearing on the registrar’s index of company names. In addition, however, a completely new system of complaint has been introduced.

    (c) Under ss.69–74 of CA 2006 a new procedure has been introduced to cover situations where a company has been registered with a name
    (i) that it is the same as a name associated with the applicant in which he has goodwill, or
    (ii) that it is sufficiently similar to such a name that its use in the United Kingdom would be likely to mislead by suggesting a connection between the company and the applicant (s.69).
    Section 69 can be used not just by other companies but by any person to object to a company names adjudicator if a company’s name is similar to a name in which the applicant has goodwill. There is list of circumstances raising a presumption that a name was adopted legitimately, however even then, if the objector can show that the name was registered either, to obtain money from them, or to prevent them from using the name, then they will be entitled to an order to require the company to change its name.
    Under s.70 the Secretary of State is given the power to appoint company names adjudicators and their staff and to finance their activities, with one person being appointed Chief Adjudicator.
    Section 71 provides the Secretary of State with power to make rules for the proceedings before a company names adjudicator.
    Section 72 provides that the decision of an adjudicator and the reasons for it, are to be published within 90 days of the decision.
    Section 73 provides that if an objection is upheld, then the adjudicator is to direct the company with the offending name to change its name to one that does not similarly offend. A deadline must be set for the change. If the offending name is not changed, then the adjudicator will decide a new name for the company.
    Under s.74 either party may appeal to a court against the decision of the company names adjudicator. The court can either uphold or reverse the adjudicator’s decision, and may make any order that the adjudicator might have made.

  • 第11题:

    (b) Describe the potential benefits for Hugh Co in choosing to have a financial statement audit. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) There are several benefits for Hugh Co in choosing a voluntary financial statement audit.
    An annual audit will ensure that any material mistakes made by the part-qualified accountant in preparing the year end
    financial statements will be detected. This is important as the directors will be using the year end accounts to review their
    progress in the first year of trading and will need reliable figures to assess performance. An audit will give the directors comfort
    that the financial statements are a sound basis for making business decisions.
    Accurate first year figures will also enable more effective budgeting and forecasting, which will be crucial if rapid growth is to
    be achieved.
    The auditors are likely to use the quarterly management accounts as part of normal audit procedures. The auditors will be
    able to advise Monty Parkes of any improvements that could be made to the management accounts, for example, increased
    level of detail, more frequent reporting. Better quality management accounts will help the day-to-day running of the business
    and enable a speedier response to any problems arising during the year.
    As a by-product of the audit, a management letter (report to those charged with governance) will be produced, identifying
    weaknesses and making recommendations on areas such as systems and controls which will improve the smooth running of
    the business.
    It is likely that Hugh Co will require more bank funding in order to expand, and it is likely that the bank would like to see
    audited figures for review, before deciding on further finance. It will be easier and potentially cheaper to raise finance from
    other providers with an audited set of financial statements.
    As the business deals in cash sales, and retails small, luxury items there is a high risk of theft of assets. The external audit
    can act as both a deterrent and a detective control, thus reducing the risk of fraud and resultant detrimental impact on the
    financial statements.
    Accurate financial statements will be the best basis for tax assessment and tax planning. An audit opinion will enhance the
    credibility of the figures.
    If the business grows rapidly, then it is likely that at some point in the future, the audit exemption limit will be exceeded and
    thus an audit will become mandatory.
    Choosing to have an audit from the first year of incorporation will reduce potential errors carried down to subsequent periods
    and thus avoid qualifications of opening balances.

  • 第12题:

    Following a competitive tender, your audit firm Cal & Co has just gained a new audit client Tirrol Co. You are the manager in charge of planning the audit work. Tirrol Co’s year end is 30 June 2009 with a scheduled date to complete the audit of 15 August 2009. The date now is 3 June 2009.

    Tirrol Co provides repair services to motor vehicles from 25 different locations. All inventory, sales and purchasing systems are computerised, with each location maintaining its own computer system. The software in each location is

    the same because the programs were written specifically for Tirrol Co by a reputable software house. Data from each location is amalgamated on a monthly basis at Tirrol Co’s head office to produce management and financial accounts.

    You are currently planning your audit approach for Tirrol Co. One option being considered is to re-write Cal & Co’s audit software to interrogate the computerised inventory systems in each location of Tirrol Co (except for head office)

    as part of inventory valuation testing. However, you have also been informed that any computer testing will have to be on a live basis and you are aware that July is a major holiday period for your audit firm.

    Required:

    (a) (i) Explain the benefits of using audit software in the audit of Tirrol Co; (4 marks)

    (ii) Explain the problems that may be encountered in the audit of Tirrol Co and for each problem, explain

    how that problem could be overcome. (10 marks)

    (b) Following a discussion with the management at Tirrol Co you now understand that the internal audit department are prepared to assist with the statutory audit. Specifically, the chief internal auditor is prepared to provide you with documentation on the computerised inventory systems at Tirrol Co. The documentation provides details of the software and shows diagrammatically how transactions are processed through the inventory system. This documentation can be used to significantly decrease the time needed to understand the computer systems and enable audit software to be written for this year’s audit.

    Required:

    Explain how you will evaluate the computer systems documentation produced by the internal audit

    department in order to place reliance on it during your audit. (6 marks)


    正确答案:
    (a)(i)BenefitsofusingauditsoftwareStandardsystemsatclientThesamecomputerisedsystemsandprogramsasusedinall25branchesofTirrolCo.Thismeansthatthesameauditsoftwarecanbeusedineachlocationprovidingsignificanttimesavingscomparedtothesituationwhereclientsystemsaredifferentineachlocation.UseactualcomputerfilesnotcopiesorprintoutsUseofauditsoftwaremeansthattheTirrolCo’sactualinventoryfilescanbetestedratherthanhavingtorelyonprintoutsorscreenimages.Thelattercouldbeincorrect,byaccidentorbydeliberatemistake.Theauditfirmwillhavemoreconfidencethatthe‘real’fileshavebeentested.TestmoreitemsUseofsoftwarewillmeanthatmoreinventoryrecordscanbetested–itispossiblethatallproductlinescouldbetestedforobsolescenceratherthanasampleusingmanualtechniques.Theauditorwillthereforegainmoreevidenceandhavegreaterconfidencethatinventoryisvaluedcorrectly.CostTherelativecostofusingauditsoftwaredecreasesthemoreyearsthatsoftwareisused.Anycostoverrunsthisyearcouldbeoffsetagainsttheauditfeesinfutureyearswhentheactualexpensewillbeless.(ii)ProblemsontheauditofTirrolTimescale–sixweekreportingdeadline–auditplanningTheauditreportisduetobesignedsixweeksaftertheyearend.Thismeansthattherewillbeconsiderablepressureontheauditortocompleteauditworkwithoutcompromisingstandardsbyrushingprocedures.Thisproblemcanbeovercomebycarefulplanningoftheaudit,useofexperiencedstaffandensuringotherstaffsuchassecondpartnerreviewsarebookedwellinadvance.Timescale–sixweekreportingdeadline–softwareissuesTheauditreportisduetobesignedaboutsixweeksaftertheyearend.Thismeansthatthereislittletimetowriteandtestauditsoftware,letaloneusethesoftwareandevaluatetheresultsoftesting.Thisproblemcanbealleviatedbycarefulplanning.AccesstoTirrolCo’ssoftwareanddatafilesmustbeobtainedassoonaspossibleandworkcommencedontailoringCal&Co’ssoftwarefollowingthis.Specialistcomputerauditstaffshouldbebookedassoonaspossibletoperform.thiswork.FirstyearauditcostsTherelativecostsofanauditinthefirstyearataclienttendtobegreaterduetotheadditionalworkofascertainingclientsystems.ThismeansthatCal&Comayhavealimitedbudgettodocumentsystemsincludingcomputersystems.Thisproblemcanbealleviatedtosomeextentagainbygoodauditplanning.Themanagermustalsomonitortheauditprocesscarefully,ensuringthatanyadditionalworkcausedbytheclientnotprovidingaccesstosystemsinformationincludingcomputersystemsisidentifiedandaddedtothetotalbillingcostoftheaudit.StaffholidaysMostoftheauditworkwillbecarriedoutinJuly,whichisalsothemonthwhenmanyofCal&Costafftaketheirannualholiday.Thismeansthattherewillbeashortageofauditstaff,particularlyasauditworkforTirrolCoisbeingbookedwithlittlenotice.Theproblemcanbealleviatedbybookingstaffassoonaspossibleandthenidentifyinganyshortages.Wherenecessary,staffmaybeborrowedfromotherofficesorevendifferentcountriesonasecondmentbasiswhereshortagesareacute.Non-standardsystemsTirrolCo’scomputersoftwareisnon-standard,havingbeenwrittenspecificallyfortheorganisation.Thismeansthatmoretimewillbenecessarytounderstandthesystemthanifstandardsystemswereused.Thisproblemcanbealleviatedeitherbyobtainingdocumentationfromtheclientorbyapproachingthesoftwarehouse(withTirrolCo’spermission)toseeiftheycanassistwithprovisionofinformationondatastructuresfortheinventorysystems.ProvisionofthisinformationwilldecreasethetimetakentotailorauditsoftwareforuseinTirrolCo.IssuesoflivetestingCal&Cohasbeeninformedthatinventorysystemsmustbetestedonalivebasis.Thisincreasestheriskofaccidentalamendmentordeletionofclientdatasystemscomparedtotestingcopyfiles.Tolimitthepossibilityofdamagetoclientsystems,Cal&CocanconsiderperforminginventorytestingondayswhenTirrolCoisnotoperatinge.g.weekends.Attheworst,backupsofdatafilestakenfromthepreviousdaycanbere-installedwhenCal&Co’stestingiscomplete.ComputersystemsTheclienthas25locations,witheachlocationmaintainingitsowncomputersystem.Itispossiblethatcomputersystemsarenotcommonacrosstheclientduetoamendmentsmadeatthebranchlevel.Thisproblemcanbeovercometosomeextentbyaskingstaffateachbranchwhethersystemshavebeenamendedandfocusingauditworkonmaterialbranches.UsefulnessofauditsoftwareTheuseofauditsoftwareatTirrolCodoesappeartohavesignificantproblemsthisyear.Thismeansthateveniftheauditsoftwareisready,theremaystillbesomeriskofincorrectconclusionsbeingderivedduetolackoftesting,etc.Thisproblemcanbealleviatedbyseriouslyconsideringthepossibilityofusingamanualauditthisyear.Themanagermayneedtoinvestigatewhetheramanualauditisfeasibleandifsowhetheritcouldbecompletedwithinthenecessarytimescalewithminimalauditrisk.(b)RelianceoninternalauditdocumentationTherearetwoissuestoconsider;theabilityofinternalaudittoproducethedocumentationandtheactualaccuracyofthedocumentationitself.Theabilityoftheinternalauditdepartmenttoproducethedocumentationcanbedeterminedby:–Ensuringthatthedepartmenthasstaffwhohaveappropriatequalifications.Provisionofarelevantqualificatione.g.membershipofacomputerrelatedinstitutewouldbeappropriate.–Ensuringthatthisandsimilardocumentationisproducedusingarecognisedplanandthatthedocumentationistestedpriortouse.Theuseofdifferentstaffintheinternalauditdepartmenttoproduceandtestdocumentationwillincreaseconfidenceinitsaccuracy.–Ensuringthatthedocumentationisactuallyusedduringinternalauditworkandthatproblemswithdocumentationarenotedandinvestigatedaspartofthatwork.Beinggivenaccesstointernalauditreportsontheinventorysoftwarewillprovideappropriateevidence.Regardingtheactualdocumentation:–Reviewingthedocumentationtoensurethatitappearslogicalandthattermsandsymbolsareusedconsistentlythroughout.Thiswillprovideevidencethattheflowcharts,etcshouldbeaccurate.–Comparingthedocumentationagainstthe‘live’inventorysystemtoensureitcorrectlyreflectstheinventorysystem.Thiscomparisonwillincludetracingindividualtransactionsthroughtheinventorysystems.–UsingpartofthedocumentationtoamendCal&Co’sauditsoftware,andthenensuringthatthesoftwareprocessesinventorysystemdataaccurately.However,thisstagemaybelimitedduetotheneedtouselivefilesatTirrolCo.

  • 第13题:

    (b) How could pursuing a corporate environmental strategy both add to CFS’s competitive advantage and be

    socially responsible? (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) Increasingly, firms are becoming aware of their social responsibility and their need to develop strategies that are designed to
    meet this responsibility. Such responsibility can take many forms and is not a new phenomenon – many 19th century firms
    looked after the housing, education and health needs of the communities where they were located. Michael Porter and Claas
    van der Linde in their article ‘Green and competitive’ show how the traditional view that there is ‘an inherent and fixed tradeoff:
    ecology versus economy’ is incorrect. This traditional view sees the benefits of government imposed environmental
    standards, causing industry’s private costs of prevention and clean up – ‘costs that cause higher prices and reduced
    competitiveness’. Porter and Linde argue that with properly designed and implemented environmental standards, firms will
    be encouraged to produce innovations that use a range of inputs more efficiently, e.g. energy, labour, raw materials, and in
    so doing increase resource productivity and in offsetting the costs of environmental improvement make industry more not less
    competitive. All too often in their opinion, companies resort to fighting environmental control through the courts rather than
    using innovation to increase resource productivity and meet environmental standards – ‘environmental strategies must
    become an issue for general managers’.
    CFS are, therefore, correct in seeing environmental standards as a positive step towards becoming more not less competitive.
    Key stakeholders in the form. of both government and customers are looking to their suppliers to become more ‘green’. These
    challenges are increasingly international and global. Building in positive environmental strategies can help CFS differentiate
    itself and through improved resource productivity become more competitive. Clearly, they will need the environmental
    scanning devices to become aware of environmental legislation and change. Awareness then can lead to analysis in the
    monitoring of macro environmental challenges and the development of a SWOT analysis to match the company’s strengths
    and weaknesses against the threats and opportunities created by environmental standards. Tools of strategic analysis such as
    PEST, five forces and value chain analysis lend themselves to understanding the significance of the environmental change
    and how it can stimulate innovation and, through innovation, competitive advantage.

  • 第14题:

    4 (a) Explain the meaning of the term ‘working capital cycle’ for a trading company. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (a) The working capital cycle illustrates the changing make-up of working capital in the course of the trading operations of a
    business:
    1 Purchases are made on credit and the goods go into inventory.
    2 Inventory is sold and converted into receivables
    3 Credit customers pay their accounts
    4 Cash is used to pay suppliers.

  • 第15题:

    (b) Assess the benefits of the separation of the roles of chief executive and chairman that Alliya Yongvanich

    argued for and explain her belief that ‘accountability to shareholders’ is increased by the separation of these

    roles. (12 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) Separation of the roles of CEO and chairman
    Benefits of separation of roles
    The separation of the roles of chief executive and chairman was first provided for in the UK by the 1992 Cadbury provisions
    although it has been included in all codes since. Most relevant to the case is the terms of the ICGN clause s.11 and OECD
    VI (E) both of which provide for the separation of these roles. In the UK it is covered in the combined code section A2.
    The separation of roles offers the benefit that it frees up the chief executive to fully concentrate on the management of the
    organisation without the necessity to report to shareholders or otherwise become distracted from his or her executive
    responsibilities. The arrangement provides a position (that of chairman) that is expected to represent shareholders’ interests
    and that is the point of contact into the company for shareholders. Some codes also require the chairman to represent the
    interests of other stakeholders such as employees.
    Having two people rather than one at the head of a large organisation removes the risks of ‘unfettered powers’ being
    concentrated in a single individual and this is an important safeguard for investors concerned with excessive secrecy or
    lack of transparency and accountability. The case of Robert Maxwell is a good illustration of a single dominating
    executive chairman operating unchallenged and, in so doing, acting illegally. Having the two roles separated reduces
    the risk of a conflict of interest in a single person being responsible for company performance whilst also reporting on
    that performance to markets. Finally, the chairman provides a conduit for the concerns of non-executive directors who,
    in turn, provide an important external representation of external concerns on boards of directors.
    Tutorial note: Reference to codes other than the UK is also acceptable. In all cases, detailed (clause number) knowledge
    of code provisions is not required.
    Accountability and separation of roles
    In terms of the separation of roles assisting in the accountability to shareholders, four points can be made.
    The chairman scrutinises the chief executive’s management performance on behalf of the shareholders and will be
    involved in approving the design of the chief executive’s reward package. It is the responsibility of the chairman to hold
    the chief executive to account on shareholders’ behalfs.
    Shareholders have an identified person (chairman) to hold accountable for the performance of their investment. Whilst
    day-to-day contact will normally be with the investor relations department (or its equivalent) they can ultimately hold
    the chairman to account.
    The presence of a separate chairman ensures that a system is in place to ensure NEDs have a person to report to outside the
    executive structure. This encourages the freedom of expression of NEDs to the chairman and this, in turn, enables issues to
    be raised and acted upon when necessary.
    The chairman is legally accountable and, in most cases, an experienced person. He/she can be independent and more
    dispassionate because he or she is not intimately involved with day-to-day management issues.

  • 第16题:

    (ii) Explain the organisational factors that determine the need for internal audit in public listed companies.

    (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Factors affecting the need for internal audit and controls
    (Based partly on Turnbull guidance)
    The nature of operations within the organisation arising from its sector, strategic positioning and main activities.
    The scale and size of operations including factors such as the number of employees. It is generally assumed that larger
    and more complex organisations have a greater need for internal controls and audit than smaller ones owing to the
    number of activities occurring that give rise to potential problems.
    Cost/benefit considerations. Management must weigh the benefits of instituting internal control and audit systems
    against the costs of doing so. This is likely to be an issue for medium-sized companies or companies experiencing
    growth.
    Internal or external changes affecting activities, structures or risks. Changes arising from new products or internal
    activities can change the need for internal audit and so can external changes such as PESTEL factors.
    Problems with existing systems, products and/or procedures including any increase in unexplained events. Repeated or
    persistent problems can signify the need for internal control and audit.
    The need to comply with external requirements from relevant stock market regulations or laws. This appears to be a
    relevant factor at Gluck & Goodman.

  • 第17题:

    (e) Internal controls are very important in a complex civil engineering project such as the Giant Dam Project.

    Required:

    Describe the difficulties of maintaining sound internal controls in the Giant Dam Project created by working

    through sub-contractors. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (e) Control and sub-contractors
    Specifically in regard to the maintenance of internal controls when working with sub-contractors, the prominent difficulties
    are likely to be in the following areas:
    Configuring and co-ordinating the many activities of sub-contractors so as to keep progress on track. This may involve taking
    the different cultures of sub-contractor organisations into account.
    Loss of direct control over activities as tasks are performed by people outside R&M’s direct employment and hence its
    management structure.
    Monitoring the quality of work produced by the sub-contractors. Monitoring costs will be incurred and any quality problems
    will be potentially costly.
    Budget ‘creep’ and cost control. Keeping control of budgets can be a problem in any large civil engineering project (such the
    construction of the new Wembley Stadium in the UK) and problems are likely to be made worse when the principal contractor
    does not have direct control over all activities.
    Time limit over-runs. Many projects (again, such as the new Wembley Stadium, but others also) over-run significantly on time.
    Tutorial note: only four difficulties need to be described.

  • 第18题:

    (d) Explain the term ‘environmental management accounting’ and the benefits that may accrue to organisations

    which adopt it. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (d) Environmental management accounting (EMA) involves the generation and analysis of both financial and non-financial
    information in order to support internal environmental management processes. It is complementary to the conventional
    management accounting approach, with the aim to develop appropriate mechanisms that assist the management of
    organisations in the identification and allocation of environmentally related costs.
    Organisations that alter their management accounting practices to incorporate environmental concerns will have greater
    awareness of the impact of environment-related activities on their profit and loss accounts and balance sheets. This is because
    conventional management accounting systems tend to attribute many environmental costs to general overhead accounts with
    the result that they are ‘hidden’ from management. It follows that organisations which adopt EMA are more likely to identify
    and take advantage of cost reduction and other improvement opportunities. A concern with environmental costs will also
    reduce the chances of employing incorrect pricing of products and services and taking the wrong options in terms of mix and
    development decisions. This in turn may lead to enhanced customer value whilst reducing the risk profile attaching to
    investments and other decisions which have long term consequences.
    Reputational risk will also be reduced as a consequence of adopting (EMA) since management will be seen to be acting in
    an environmentally responsible manner. Organisations can learn from the Shell Oil Company whose experience in the much
    publicised Brent Spar incident cost the firm millions in terms of lost revenues as a result of a consumer boycott.

  • 第19题:

    (c) Identify TWO QUALITATIVE benefits that might arise as a consequence of the investment in a new IT system

    and explain how you would attempt to assess them. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) One of the main qualitative benefits that may arise from an investment in a new IT system by Moffat Ltd is the improved level
    of service to its customers in the form. of reduced waiting times which may arise as a consequence of better scheduling of
    appointments, inventory management etc. This could be assessed via the introduction of a questionnaire requiring customers
    to rate the service that they have received from their recent visit to a location within Moffat Ltd according to specific criteria
    such as adherence to appointment times, time taken to service the vehicle, cleanliness of the vehicle, attitude of staff etc.
    Alternatively a follow-up telephone call from a centralised customer services department may be made by Moffat Ltd
    personnel in order to gather such information.
    Another qualitative benefit of the proposed investment may arise in the form. of competitive advantage. Improvements in
    customer specific information and service levels may give Moffat Ltd a competitive advantage. Likewise, improved inventory
    management may enable costs to be reduced thereby enabling a ‘win-win’ relationship to be enjoyed with its customers.

  • 第20题:

    4 (a) Explain the auditor’s responsibilities for other information in documents containing audited financial

    statements. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    4 HEGAS
    (a) Auditor’s responsibilities for ‘other information’
    ■ The auditor has a professional responsibility to read other information to identify material inconsistencies with the
    audited financial statements (ISA 720 ‘Other Information in Documents Containing Audited Financial Statements’).
    ■ A ‘material inconsistency’ arises when other information contradicts that which is contained in the audited financial
    statements. It may give rise to doubts about:
    – the auditor’s conclusions drawn from audit evidence; and
    – the basis for the auditor’s opinion on the financial statements.
    ■ In certain circumstances, the auditor may have a statutory obligation (under national legislation) to report on other
    information (e.g. Management Report).
    ■ Even where there is no such obligation (e.g. chairman’s statement), the auditor should consider it, as the credibility of
    the financial statements may be undermined by any inconsistency.
    ■ The auditor must arrange to have access to the other information on a timely basis prior to dating the auditor’s report.
    Material inconsistency
    ■ If a material inconsistency is identified, the auditor should determine whether it is the audited financial statements or
    the other information which needs amending.
    ■ If an amendment to the audited financial statements is required but not made, there will be disagreement, resulting in
    the expression of a qualified or adverse opinion. (Such a situation would be extremely rare.)
    ■ Where an amendment to other information is necessary, but refused, the auditor’s report may include an emphasis of
    matter paragraph (since the audit opinion cannot be other than unqualified with respect to this matter).
    Material misstatement of fact
    ■ A material misstatement of fact in other information exists when information which is not related to matters appearing
    in the audited financial statements is incorrectly stated or presented in a misleading manner.
    ■ If management do not act on advice to correct a material misstatement the auditors should document their concerns to
    those charged with corporate governance and obtain legal advice.
    Tutorial note: Marks would be awarded here for the implications for the auditor’s report. However, such marks, which are
    for the restatement of knowledge would NOT be awarded again if repeated in answers to (b).

  • 第21题:

    (c) Explain the possible impact of RBG outsourcing its internal audit services on the audit of the financial

    statements by Grey & Co. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) Impact on the audit of the financial statements
    Tutorial note: The answer to this part should reflect that it is not the external auditor who is providing the internal audit
    services. Thus comments regarding objectivity impairment are not relevant.
    ■ As Grey & Co is likely to be placing some reliance on RBG’s internal audit department in accordance with ISA 610
    Considering the Work of Internal Auditing the degree of reliance should be reassessed.
    ■ The appointment will include an evaluation of organisational risk. The results of this will provide Grey with evidence,
    for example:
    – supporting the appropriateness of the going concern assumption;
    – of indicators of obsolescence of goods or impairment of other assets.
    ■ As the quality of internal audit services should be higher than previously, providing a stronger control environment, the
    extent to which Grey may rely on internal audit work could be increased. This would increase the efficiency of the
    external audit of the financial statements as the need for substantive procedures should be reduced.
    ■ However, if internal audit services are performed on a part-time basis (e.g. fitting into the provider’s less busy months)
    Grey must evaluate the impact of this on the prevention, detection and control of fraud and error.
    ■ The internal auditors will provide a body of expertise within RBG with whom Grey can consult on contentious matters.
    Tutorial note: Appropriate credit will be given for arguing that less reliance may be placed on internal audit in this year of
    change of provider.

  • 第22题:

    (iii) Can internal audit services be undertaken for an audit client? (4 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the three questions, explain the threats to objectivity that may arise and the safeguards that

    should be available to manage them to an acceptable level.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three questions above.


    正确答案:

    (iii) Internal audit services
    A self-review threat may be created when a firm, or network firm, provides internal audit services to a financial statement
    audit client. Internal audit services may comprise:
    ■ an extension of the firm’s audit service beyond requirements of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs);
    ■ assistance in the performance of a client’s internal audit activities; or
    ■ outsourcing of the activities.
    The nature of the service must be considered in evaluating any threats to independence. (For this purpose, internal audit
    services do not include operational internal audit services unrelated to the internal accounting controls, financial systems
    or financial statements.)
    Services involving an extension of the procedures required to conduct a financial statement audit in accordance with
    ISAs would not be considered to impair independence with respect to the audit client provided that the firm’s or network
    firm’s personnel do not act or appear to act in a capacity equivalent to a member of audit client management.

    When the firm, or a network firm, provides an audit client with assistance in the performance of internal audit activities
    or undertakes the outsourcing, any self-review threat created may be reduced to an acceptable level by a clear separation
    of:
    ■ the management and control of the internal audit by client management;
    ■ the internal audit activities.
    Performing a significant portion of an audit client’s internal audit activities may create a self-review threat. Appropriate
    safeguards should include the audit client’s acknowledgement of its responsibilities for establishing, maintaining and
    monitoring the system of internal controls.
    Other safeguards include:
    ■ the audit client designating a competent employee, preferably within senior management, to be responsible for
    internal audit activities;
    ■ the audit client, audit committee or supervisory body approving the scope, risk and frequency of internal audit
    work;
    ■ the audit client being responsible for evaluating and determining which recommendations of the firm should be
    implemented;
    ■ the audit client evaluating the adequacy of the internal audit procedures performed and the resultant findings by
    obtaining and acting on reports from the firm; and
    ■ appropriate reporting of findings and recommendations resulting from the internal audit activities to the audit
    committee or supervisory body.
    Consideration should also be given to whether such non-assurance services should be provided only by personnel not
    involved in the financial statement audit engagement and with different reporting lines within the firm.

  • 第23题:

    (a) List and explain FOUR methods of selecting a sample of items to test from a population in accordance with ISA 530 (Redrafted) Audit Sampling and Other Means of Testing. (4 marks)

    (b) List and explain FOUR assertions from ISA 500 Audit Evidence that relate to the recording of classes of

    transactions. (4 marks)

    (c) In terms of audit reports, explain the term ‘modified’. (2 marks)


    正确答案:
    (a)SamplingmethodsMethodsofsamplinginaccordancewithISA530AuditSamplingandOtherMeansofTesting:Randomselection.Ensureseachiteminapopulationhasanequalchanceofselection,forexamplebyusingrandomnumbertables.Systematicselection.Inwhichanumberofsamplingunitsinthepopulationisdividedbythesamplesizetogiveasamplinginterval.Haphazardselection.Theauditorselectsthesamplewithoutfollowingastructuredtechnique–theauditorwouldavoidanyconsciousbiasorpredictability.Sequenceorblock.Involvesselectingablock(s)ofcontinguousitemsfromwithinapopulation.Tutorialnote:Othermethodsofsamplingareasfollows:MonetaryUnitSampling.Thisselectionmethodensuresthateachindividual$1inthepopulationhasanequalchanceofbeingselected.Judgementalsampling.Selectingitemsbasedontheskillandjudgementoftheauditor.(b)Assertions–classesoftransactionsOccurrence.Thetransactionsandeventsthathavebeenrecordedhaveactuallyoccurredandpertaintotheentity.Completeness.Alltransactionsandeventsthatshouldhavebeenrecordedhavebeenrecorded.Accuracy.Theamountsandotherdatarelatingtorecordedtransactionsandeventshavebeenrecordedappropriately.Cut-off.Transactionsandeventshavebeenrecordedinthecorrectaccountingperiod.Classification.Transactionsandeventshavebeenrecordedintheproperaccounts.(c)AuditreporttermModified.Anauditormodifiesanauditreportinanysituationwhereitisinappropriatetoprovideanunmodifiedreport.Forexample,theauditormayprovideadditionalinformationinanemphasisofmatter(whichdoesnotaffecttheauditor’sopinion)orqualifytheauditreportforlimitationofscopeordisagreement.