Written Assignment Use the Instructions for Case Analyses to craft a response to this case, articulating the main issues and ethical dilemma. Review the assessment criteria below before you begin writing. Case Study: Conflicting Clients Topic: Auditing (Confidentiality, Misrepresentation of Facts) People Involved: Jennifer Grace, First year member of her CPA firm’s management group Tom Ward, CFO of Fantastic Developments, Inc., a client While reviewing the current-year audit working papers of Coshocton National Bank (CNB), the engagement manager, Jennifer Grace, noted something curious. In the working papers related to loan valuation, Jennifer saw that the commercial loan of Fantastic Developments had been randomly selected for confirmation but that Fantastic had not responded to either the initial or second confirmation request. The audit staff disposed of this “loose end” by alternate procedures: examining cash collections (which had become somewhat sporadic) and vouching to underlying loan documentation, including a set of recent (unaudited) financial statements that showed Fantastic’s solid financial position and operating profitability. Jennifer noted this reference to Fantastic Developments because this private company was also a client of her firm. In fact, Jennifer had served as the audit senior on Jennifer noted this reference to Fantastic Developments because this private company was also a client of her firm. In fact, Jennifer had served as the audit senior on the prior-year audit of Fantastic. She knew that the company had been struggling for a couple of years and had experienced recurring operating losses. Her knowledge of Fantastic did not reconcile with the discussion in the audit working papers related to the financial statements furnished to the bank. When Jennifer contacted Fantastic’s CFO, Tom Ward, and inquired about the company’s apparently miraculous turnaround, he was noncommittal and unhelpful. Tom replied that business had picked up. He apologized for not calling Jennifer’s firm himself because he had been so busy, and then he told her that Fantastic had decided to engage another CPA firm for its accounting and auditing needs. Although confused, Jennifer obviously couldn’t reject the possibility that this abrupt dismissal was a direct consequence of her inquiry. As a result, Jennifer wonders whether the financial statements which Fantastic furnished to the bank as a basis for a loan application are fraudulent. The bank apparently has no such suspicion, however. Written Assignment Requirements Submit a written paper which is 2-3 pages in length exclusive of reference page and that is double-spaced. The paper should cite sources to support your ideas. Be sure to review the assessment criteria below before beginning your paper. Cite any reference(s) you use in the preparation of your essay using proper APA format. Written Assignment Peer Assessment In the unit following the submission of your written assignment, you will peer assess three (3) of your classmates’ assignments according to the instructions found in the Assessment Form. During this peer assessment period, you are expected to provide details in the feedback section of the Assessment Form, indicating why you awarded the grade that you did to your peer. The written assignment grade is comprised of a combination of your submission (90%) and your peer assessments (10%). Written Assignment Peer Assessment Rubric For this assignment, your peers will be evaluating your work with the following criteria. Identifies all the relevant facts of the case. Articulates overarching ethical issues including the extent of Jennifer's responsibility to take action; how the interests of the firm (and stockholders) can be balanced against the environmental interests; what obligation the company has to future generations and citizens. Identifies all stakeholders. poses possible alternatives and ethics of each alternative. Paper should explore the possible alternatives and ethics from the Utilitarian Perspective, the Rights Perspective, or the Justice Perspective identifies all practical constraints recommends a specific action Jennifer should take is of high quality, writing is clear and professional conforms to the structural requirements including APA style guidelines for References
Question
Written Assignment Use the Instructions for Case Analyses to craft a response to this case, articulating the main issues and ethical dilemma. Review the assessment criteria below before you begin writing.
Case Study: Conflicting Clients
Topic: Auditing (Confidentiality, Misrepresentation of Facts)
People Involved:
Jennifer Grace, First year member of her CPA firm’s management group Tom Ward, CFO of Fantastic Developments, Inc., a client While reviewing the current-year audit working papers of Coshocton National Bank (CNB), the engagement manager, Jennifer Grace, noted something curious. In the working papers related to loan valuation, Jennifer saw that the commercial loan of Fantastic Developments had been randomly selected for confirmation but that Fantastic had not responded to either the initial or second confirmation request. The audit staff disposed of this “loose end” by alternate procedures: examining cash collections (which had become somewhat sporadic) and vouching to underlying loan documentation, including a set of recent (unaudited) financial statements that showed Fantastic’s solid financial position and operating profitability.
Jennifer noted this reference to Fantastic Developments because this private company was also a client of her firm. In fact, Jennifer had served as the audit senior on Jennifer noted this reference to Fantastic Developments because this private company was also a client of her firm. In fact, Jennifer had served as the audit senior on the prior-year audit of Fantastic. She knew that the company had been struggling for a couple of years and had experienced recurring operating losses. Her knowledge of Fantastic did not reconcile with the discussion in the audit working papers related to the financial statements furnished to the bank.
When Jennifer contacted Fantastic’s CFO, Tom Ward, and inquired about the company’s apparently miraculous turnaround, he was noncommittal and unhelpful. Tom replied that business had picked up. He apologized for not calling Jennifer’s firm himself because he had been so busy, and then he told her that Fantastic had decided to engage another CPA firm for its accounting and auditing needs. Although confused, Jennifer obviously couldn’t reject the possibility that this abrupt dismissal was a direct consequence of her inquiry.
As a result, Jennifer wonders whether the financial statements which Fantastic furnished to the bank as a basis for a loan application are fraudulent. The bank apparently has no such suspicion, however.
Written Assignment Requirements Submit a written paper which is 2-3 pages in length exclusive of reference page and that is double-spaced. The paper should cite sources to support your ideas. Be sure to review the assessment criteria below before beginning your paper. Cite any reference(s) you use in the preparation of your essay using proper APA format. Written Assignment Peer Assessment In the unit following the submission of your written assignment, you will peer assess three (3) of your classmates’ assignments according to the instructions found in the Assessment Form. During this peer assessment period, you are expected to provide details in the feedback section of the Assessment Form, indicating why you awarded the grade that you did to your peer. The written assignment grade is comprised of a combination of your submission (90%) and your peer assessments (10%). Written Assignment Peer Assessment Rubric For this assignment, your peers will be evaluating your work with the following criteria. Identifies all the relevant facts of the case. Articulates overarching ethical issues including the extent of Jennifer's responsibility to take action; how the interests of the firm (and stockholders) can be balanced against the environmental interests; what obligation the company has to future generations and citizens. Identifies all stakeholders. poses possible alternatives and ethics of each alternative. Paper should explore the possible alternatives and ethics from the Utilitarian Perspective, the Rights Perspective, or the Justice Perspective identifies all practical constraints recommends a specific action Jennifer should take is of high quality, writing is clear and professional conforms to the structural requirements including APA style guidelines for References
Solution
To respond to this case study, we will follow the steps outlined in the assignment instructions:
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Identifying the Relevant Facts: Jennifer Grace, a member of her CPA firm’s management group, noticed discrepancies in the financial statements of Fantastic Developments, a client of her firm. The company had been struggling for years, but recent financial statements showed a solid financial position and operating profitability. When Jennifer inquired about this with the company's CFO, Tom Ward, he was evasive and subsequently informed her that they had decided to engage another CPA firm for their accounting and auditing needs.
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Articulating Overarching Ethical Issues: The main ethical issue here is the potential misrepresentation of facts by Fantastic Developments. Jennifer's responsibility is to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. She must balance the interests of her firm and its stakeholders against the potential harm that could result from fraudulent financial statements. The company also has an obligation to future generations and citizens to conduct business ethically and responsibly.
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Identifying Stakeholders: The stakeholders in this case are Jennifer Grace, her CPA firm, Fantastic Developments, Tom Ward, Coshocton National Bank, and the shareholders of Fantastic Developments.
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Possible Alternatives and Ethics of Each Alternative: From a utilitarian perspective, Jennifer could ignore the discrepancies to maintain the relationship with Fantastic Developments and avoid potential harm to her firm. However, this could lead to greater harm in the future if the company's financial situation is indeed misrepresented. From a rights perspective, Jennifer has a duty to ensure the accuracy of financial information and should report her findings. From a justice perspective, Jennifer should take action to ensure fairness and prevent potential harm to other stakeholders.
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Identifying Practical Constraints: Jennifer may face resistance from her firm or Fantastic Developments if she decides to investigate further. She may also risk damaging her professional reputation.
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Recommended Action: Jennifer should report her findings to her firm and suggest a thorough review of Fantastic Developments' financial statements. She should also consider reporting the potential misrepresentation to the appropriate regulatory bodies.
The paper should be written in a clear and professional manner, adhering to APA style guidelines for references.
Similar Questions
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