This paper is an examination of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) code of conduct that members must follow, including elements, importance and impact of the code.
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the AICPA code of conduct that AICPA members are expected to follow. The writer explores the various elements of that code and analyzes their importance as they pertain to ethics and fraud. The writer also examines the impact of the code on the profession and the pros and cons of suggested solutions.
From the Paper "The AICPA does not allow any member to disobey or break the local, state, federal laws of the land in conducting the daily business of finance for a client but instead sets additional and narrowly defined boundaries indicating the importance of ethical conduct and confidentiality within the field.
"The AICPA specifically outlines many different ethical considerations and provides the guidelines for the CPA member to follow in the course of his or her daily routines.
Items including whether or not a CPA can publicly disclose the names of clients, or whether the CPA can use information gained during the course of the day to further personal agendas are addressed as well as what to do if a client request that the CPA conduct business in a manner inconsistent with local, state or federal laws.
"The AICPA has worked to address most issues that can come up in the professional setting of a CPA profession and then designed a framework for the CPA member to follow with regard to those situations."
Abstract This paper explains if accounts and financial statements are not maintained, then a check on the company's profit and loss or simple money expenditures cannot be analyzed. The author points out that, even though a check on an organization's financial statement is kept by the accounts department, it is important that the managers understand and keep a check on these reports. The paper relates that members of a health care organization can make use of the guidelines put forward by the AICPA to evaluate the financial statements.
From the Paper "Healthcare organizations deal with a huge mass of people every day. The cash flow statements, the profit and loss account and the balance sheet unveil the potency and feebleness of such organizations. Budgeting can be easily accomplished with the help of financial statements. Budgeting allows healthcare organizations to plan and utilize people's resources, productive aptitude and finance to the fullest."
Abstract This paper discusses the proper accounting treatment for goodwill under GAAP, and specifically under the Financial Accounting Standards Board's FASB 142. The author addresses the views of the FASB as well as the SEC and the AICPA about this new method of accounting for intangible assets. The paper states that goodwill and other intangible assets may no longer be amortized over a specified hypothetical useful life or using straight line amortization.
From the Paper "The Financial Accounting Standards Board FASB statement on goodwill and other intangible assets addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets should be accounted for in the acquiring company's financial statements subsequent to their initial recognition. Under FAS, goodwill and certain intangible assets will no longer be amortized over a specified hypothetical useful life. In addition, goodwill and other intangible assets will no longer be amortized using straight line amortization meaning the amount of amortization will probably not be ..."
Abstract This paper discusses auditor independence and disclosure and how they are strengthened by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). The paper discusses how, taken together, Sections 201 and 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in conjunction with Rule 101-3 of AICPA look to define the limits of independence of auditors. It also describes the purpose of the acts, as well as their exclusions.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Assuring Auditor Independence in Section 201
Evaluating Non-Audit Services In Section 201
Summary
From the Paper "In defining Section 201 the SEC looked at factors that could potentially impede the independence of auditing firms. These factors were considered in the context of collusion, conflict of interest and the potential for influencing accounting of financial results to positively influence auditing results (Anandarajan, Kleinman, Palmon, 2008). The SEC considered all non-audit services and centered on nine specific service areas that are considered to be the most potentially damaging and limiting to auditor independence (Gramling, Karapanos, 2008)."
Abstract This paper summarizes the ASB exposure draft on Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit. This draft, which supercedes SAS 82, introduces new concepts and requirements to assist the auditor in detecting fraud. It discusses the definition of fraud, identifying risk of fraud, and general assessment of fraud risk. The summary outlines the appropriate response to each fraud risk identified through the analytical process, including evaluation of implications.
From the Paper "As the need for new standards and ways to look for this fraud got stronger, the AICPA auditing standards board (ASB) responded by issuing an exposure draft on Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit. This exposure draft would supersede SAS 82, which is the current standard for detecting fraud in an audit. The exposure draft was not meant to change any of the auditor's responsibilities in a financial statement audit but rather introduces new concepts and requirements to assist the auditor in detecting fraud. Some of the major areas that the exposure draft discusses are the description and characteristics of fraud, discussion of fraud and professional skepticism, a wider range of inquiries, identifying and assessing risks that can result in fraud, evaluating programs and controls and responding to the results of the assessment. "
Abstract Accountants and auditors prepare, analyze and verify financial reports crucial to all business and government organizations. Two of the major accounting specialties are public accounting and managerial accounting.
This paper discusses the differences between chartered public accountants (CPA) and chartered managerial accountants (CMA) including the clients they serve and the examinations they have to pass before becoming qualified. The paper also examines the differences in wage earnings and career opportunities.
From the Paper "The professional designation of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is achieved through the CMA Professional Program, a demanding training process in emerging business practices, which fosters management and leadership abilities, interpersonal and communication skills. CMAs are employed at all corporate levels, mostly in middle, senior and executive management positions which include but are not limited to: Chief Financial Officers (CFO), Controllers, treasurer, director of internal audit, chief accountant or cost accountant, director of taxation, managers or supervisors. Other CMAs are employed as accountants, auditors, analysts and consultants, with careers for management accounting professionals in all sectors of business and industry. (Rosenberg, pp.55-69.)"
Abstract This essay involves collecting and summarizing research in regard to a specific company or industry that has experienced an accounting issue. The focus of the essay is United Airlines, but it could have been applied to any other major airline. The main research comes from the December 1991 story by Charles W. Taylor entitled, "Airline Accounting: AICPA versus FASB," which was in the December "CPA Journal Online". The paper incorporates an analysis of the company, industry, and the account issue with the author's personal opinion of the subject matter. A large portion of the paper focuses on the impact on investors and other stakeholders and also presents insights into the opinions of the article's author.
From the Paper "One solution that has made investors and stakeholders very happy was for the airlines to offer frequent flier miles and other reduced fairs. United's frequent-flier program, Mileage Plus, grew significantly, due to the continued success of partnerships such as First USA Mileage Plus Visa and Master Card, MCI WorldCom and E*TRADE. Revenue from third-party mileage sales reached $107 million during the first quarter, representing an 18 percent increase over the same period last year. Recently, United and Safeway launched Grocery Miles -- the largest partnership between a national grocer and an airline -- which allows customers at nearly 1,300 U.S. stores to earn frequent-flier miles in United's Mileage Plus program for their grocery purchases. (PR News Wire, 2000) As bankruptcy looms, frequent flier miles have become a major topic of discussion. But these frequent flier miles were an accounting problem as far back as 1990 and 1991."
Abstract This paper reviews the roles and effects of (a) the SEC, (b) the IRS, (c) the FASB, (d) the GASB, (e) the AICPA, and (f) the IASB on accounting practices in the United States, with some attention given to residential mortgage service companies.
From the Paper "This research examines the role of six governmental professional and international organizations that affect the accounting practices of firms operating within the United States ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) statutory title is conferred on accountants qualified by passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. The writer points out that the Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) are a set of ten auditing standards developed in 1947 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), referring to general standards, standards of field work and standards of reporting. The writer discusses that the general auditing standards state that the person or persons performing the audit must have adequate technical training and proficiency as an auditor. In addition, the writer notes that the auditor must keep at all times an independent mental attitude; and finally, professional care must be exercised when planning and performing the audit and when preparing the report.
From the Paper "Other requirements needed to be fulfilled for a license as a CPA are stated in Section 7404, Article 149, Title 8 of New York's Education Law: in the first place, an application must be filed with the department; then, after the candidate's education and experience have been found satisfactory, a written examination must be passed; also, the fees issue must not be forgotten, as a two hundred twenty dollars fee must be paid to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and a one hundred fifteen dollars fee for each reexamination for an initial license, and also a two hundred ten dollars fee for each triennial registration period."
Abstract This paper analyzes the effect the new risk assessment standards (SAS 104-111) will have on upcoming audits. The paper explains that the standards were put in place by the AICPA Auditing board to enhance audit quality and are to take place for all audits for a period that begins after December 15, 2006. The paper also points out that these standards will affect the way audits are conducted and will place a larger focus on areas considered riskiest and most susceptible to financial statement misstatement. The paper then evaluates why these changes were made, what these changes are, the impact these changes will have on audit firms, audit clients, and all the way audits will change including fees, scheduling and test works. In conclusion, the paper establishes that these standards have a large impact on how audits are conducted and how these standards will try to make audits more efficient and financial misstatements less common.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Why What and How of SAS 104-111
How to Manage Effects of New Standards
Discussion
Final Comments
From the Paper "The fall season has often been the slow part of the year for auditors and audit clients with financial statements and tax returns out of the way, but this year has been different mainly due to the implementation of the Risk Assessment Standards SAS 104-111. The main change due to these standards is that companies no longer have to simply gain an understanding of internal controls of significant transaction classes, but now have to evaluate internal controls and create custom programs based on these evaluations to test these significant areas. This has resulted in firms calling clients and telling them that their fees may increase by 30 percent compared to years previous. This has also resulted in more preliminary work on audits being done during the planning phase of the audit. The way audits are completed will likely never be the same because of these standards."
Abstract This paper names and describes the many bodies that influence Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAS) in the United States. Included in this paper are regulatory boards such as the the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The author describes the role of each of these regulatory bodies as well as defines their functions and influence on each other.
From the Paper "The SEC is ultimately responsible for the enforcement of securities law. As a result, they are the main body through which investigations into accounting fraud are conducted. One of the tools they use are comment letters, which are sent to companies suspected of impropriety requesting comment from the company. The comment letters can precede the initiation of legal proceedings."
Abstract This paper discusses generally accepted auditing standards and explains that they are guidelines, which auditors must follow while conducting an audit of a company's or government entity's financial statements. Specifically, the paper defines general, fieldwork and reporting standards as established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The paper then applies these standards to financial operational and compliance audits especially under the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).
Table of Contents:
Nature and Functions of Auditing
General Standards
Fieldwork Standards
Reporting Standards
How These Standards Apply to Financial, Operational, and Compliance Audits
Audit Effects and Requirements of Auditors by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and PCAOB
From the Paper "Reporting Standards are concerned with whether the financial statements are presented in accordance with GAAP, consistency, informative disclosures, and an expression of opinion on the financial statements that have been audited. The audit report must state whether the financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and whether or not there is consistency from one year to the next."
