Abstract
This paper examines how a series of high-profile business melt-downs in 2001, led by the Enron scandal ,have put the roles and responsibilities of the corporate management and the auditors in sharp focus. It looks at how the public outcry against the necessity of preventing such crises in future has led to stricter regulation and extensive debate about the responsibilities of the management and the auditors. It attempts to explain management's role and responsibilities versus that of the auditors and also discusses how the public's perception of the auditor's duties have differed over time.

Outline
The Management's Responsibilities
The Auditors' Responsibilities
Public's Perception of the Auditor's Duty

From the Paper
"Although the auditors role as the corporate "watchdog" is desirable for ensuring compliance with the prescribed accounting standards, it must be remembered that the internal auditors and the audit committees role in detecting and preventing financial irregularities is limited unless the management facilitates their functioning. Some experts such as Manuel A. Tipgos feel that it is not possible to stop management fraud unless the management voluntarily imposes its code of ethics on itself since it owns the internal audit and the audit committees. (35-36). The Sarbanes-Oxley Act attempts to remedy this situation by expanding the role of the audit committee and making it responsible for appointing and overseeing the performance of the internal auditors. It also prohibits the auditors from performing non-audit functions for their audit clients."

Tags:watchdog, regulation, enron

Abstract
Following the collapse of Enron and WorldCom and the flow on effects to Arthur Anderson, legislatures world wide are recognizing the need to reform the exposure of auditors and their firms to claims of negligence. This paper examines the merits of limiting the legal liability of auditors. The paper considers the measures recommended in Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (CLERP 9) and explores other practices adopted around the world.

From the Paper
"Many of the principles setting out the legal liability of auditors are found in the common law. In the case Re: London & General Bank Ltd (No. 2) , the court held that an auditor must exercise reasonable care and skill, the level of which was dependant on the circumstances. These findings were confirmed in Re: Kingston Cotton Mill Company (No. 2) , where Lopes stated that the auditor was "...a watch-dog, but not a bloodhound" and that he was only required to investigate matters which aroused suspicion. These standards of reasonable care and skill are not static, they change with time, per the findings of Pennycuick J in Re: Thomas Gerrard & Son Ltd."

Tags:clerp9, incorporation, proportionate

Abstract
The Institute of Internal Auditors, founded by the New York Chapter in 1941, is the primary supporting organization of internal auditors today. This paper explores the organization's role and duties and looks at the principles it follows and tries to implement in its subjects.

From the Paper
"The Institute serves its members in internal auditing, governance and internal control, IT audit, education and security for more than 120 countries. The IIA leads the world in certification, education, research and technological guidance for the profession. They are considered the profession's watchdog and resource on significant auditing issues around the globe. The IIA provides internal audit practitioners, executive management, boards of directors and audit committees with standards, guidance and information on best practices in internal auditing."

Tags:duty, guidance, accounting

From the Paper
"This report attempts to understand the role auditors may be expected to assume in the 1990s regarding the detection and reporting of fraud. This paper begins with an exploration of what constitutes fraud, how auditors can uncover fraud, and examines modifications in approach that could alleviate the problem of fraud in the future.

One of the obvious difficulties arising from auditors detecting fraud is the fact that fraud is an illegal act which can only be determined by a court. So what an auditor is looking for, therefore, is not fraud, per se, but the appearance of impropriety.

An audit is the independent examination of the financial statements of an ongoing entity. The auditor is expected to offer an opinion on said financial statements based on his ... "

Abstract
This paper discusses the intricacies of selecting an auditor in environmental health and safety. The paper presents the qualifications and characteristics necessary for the job and the type of training needed before conducting an audit. The paper then presents the plan that the management team will develop for training that includes the training location and training techniques including lectures, problem-solving, role-playing, online classes, and being paired up with senior auditors for observing time.

Outline:
Auditor Qualifications
Qualities to Avoid in Auditors
Auditor Training
Training Techniques
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Auditors like many professions need to possess certain characteristics, attributes, and qualifications which make them effective in the areas where they are auditing. In terms of characteristics, auditors in general need to be well rounded individuals. Individuals who are simply book smart do not usually make good auditors. According to Cahill (2001) "Auditors should only have working knowledge of federal regulations to be able to use a protocol effectively and the protocols need to be detailed enough to support the auditors efforts" (Cahill, L.B, Kane, R.W., Vetrano, T.R, Mauch, J.C., Gold, M.E., Meloy, M.M, et al., 2001, p. 144). Additionally, while auditors should be experts in the areas they audit, it is important they also familiarize themselves with areas related to their areas of expertise. This increases their value in terms of flexibility as well as enables them to step in case other auditing team members need to step down.
"Auditors need to have other characteristics in order to make them qualified to conduct audits. Just having working knowledge of the regulations is not enough. A good auditor should have good inter-personal skills. These skills include the ability to interview people effectively, maintain a high degree of curiosity, ability to adjust to changes especially in scheduling, work well under pressure, and maintain calm when others are panicking. Therefore, it is important that an auditor have a great deal of stamina."

Tags:emergency management, environmental health and safety, auditor process, audits

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)."

Tags:AICPA, valuation, actuarial

Abstract
This paper explains that, after it was discovered that several major corporations in the U.S. had committed accounting fraud, it became the responsibility of auditors to discover evidence of accounting fraud in businesses. The paper discusses the impact of Sarbanes Oxley as well as SAS 99 on auditors and on the companies they audit.

From the Paper
"Many decisions in accounting and auditing involve judgment calls. Nevertheless, there are rules that cannot and should not be broken. Over the last several years a number of major publicly traded corporations in the United States have committed accounting fraud and as a result have filed for bankruptcy protection. John Weinberg, in "Economic Quarterly", comments that these bankruptcies have resulted in the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars in stock value, wiping out the life savings of numerous investors and putting tens of thousands of..."

Tags:Audit, auditor, cpa, accounting fraud, Sarbanes oxley act, SOX, Statement of Auditing Standards

Abstract
This paper presents the changes that have arisen from the introduction of SAS 82. The author explains the expectation gap. The paper reviews moral problems and the difference between reasonable and an absolute assurance.

From the Paper
"THE AUDITOR & FRAUD

Introduction

This research examines the role of the external auditor in the detection of fraud. The increasing prevalence of fraud, together with increasing criticism of the accounting profession for high-profile failures to detect such fraud, has led to the implementation of changes in the practice of auditing.

Background on the Issue

Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) are developed and enforced by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for the public accounting profession. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), however, also exercises responsibility with respect to the auditing of public companies, and conducts its own auditing enforcement activities. In recent years, the ..."

Abstract
The paper looks closely at the book "Profit Without Honor: White-Collar Crime and the Looting of America" by Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman and asserts that the book is a testament to the need for dramatic change in the government to gain control of white-collar crime. The paper discusses the authors' contention that white-collar crime, especially in accounting and auditing, continues despite many efforts by law enforcement agencies and government officials. The paper agrees with Rosoff, Pontell and Tillman that white-collar crime is as affecting and malicious as other forms of crime and should be addressed appropriately.

From the Paper
"Rosoff, Pontell & Tillman address the subject of fraud and white-collar crime in their work, Profit Without Honor: White-Collar Crime and the Looting of America. This book provides the reader with an overview of the many types of white collar crimes occurring in the States including fraudulent actions in accounting and auditing. Rosoff, Pontell & Tillman (2004) note how history is infamous for showing the many ways that institutions can create, distribute and store money, and how easy it is for employees to gain access to that money. The manner in which money is stored according to the authors, is partly to blame for the "evolution" of white-collar crime as they refer to it."

Tags:law, enforcement, scams, blue-collar