更多“(ii) Deema Co. (4 marks)”相关问题
  • 第1题:

    (ii) job enlargement; (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Job enlargement is often referred to as ‘horizontal job enlargement’ and is aimed at widening the content of jobs by increasing the number of operations in which the job holder is involved and is another method by which employees at Bailey’s might become more involved. It reduces the level of repetition and dullness by providing a horizontal extension to activity, reducing monotony and boredom inherent in the operations at Bailey’s.

  • 第2题:

    (ii) Analyse why moving to a ‘no frills’ low-cost strategy would be inappropriate for ONA.

    Note: requirement (b) (ii) includes 3 professional marks (16 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) ‘No frills’ low-cost budget airlines are usually associated with the following characteristics. Each of these characteristics
    is considered in the context of Oceania National Airlines (ONA).
    – Operational economies of scale
    Increased flight frequency brings operational economies and is attractive to both business and leisure travellers. In
    the international sector where ONA is currently experiencing competition from established ‘no frills’ low-cost budget
    airlines ONA has, on average, one flight per day to each city. It would have to greatly extend its flight network, flight
    frequency and the size of its aircraft fleet if it planned to become a ‘no frills’ carrier in this sector. This fleet
    expansion appears counter to the culture of an organisation that has expanded very gradually since its formation.
    Table 1 shows only three aircraft added to the fleet in the period 2004–2006. It is likely that the fleet size would
    have to double for ONA to become a serious ‘no frills’ operator in the international sector. In the regional sector, the
    flight density, an average of three flights per day, is more characteristic of a ‘no frills’ airline. However, ONA would
    have to address the relatively low utilisation of its aircraft (see Tables 1 and 2) and the cost of maintenance
    associated with a relatively old fleet of aircraft.
    – Reduced costs through direct sales
    On-line booking is primarily aimed at eliminating commission sales (usually made through travel agents). ‘No frills’
    low-cost budget airlines typically achieve over 80% of their sales on-line. The comparative figure for ONA (see
    Table 2) is 40% for regional sales and 60% for international sales, compared with an average of 84% for their
    competitors. Clearly a major change in selling channels would have to take place for ONA to become a ‘no frills’
    low-cost budget airline. It is difficult to know whether this is possible. The low percentage of regional on-line sales
    seems to suggest that the citizens of Oceania may be more comfortable buying through third parties such as travel
    agents.
    – Reduced customer service
    ‘No frills’ low-cost budget airlines usually do not offer customer services such as free meals, free drinks and the
    allocation of passengers to specific seats. ONA prides itself on its in-flight customer service and this was one of the
    major factors that led to its accolade as Regional Airline of the Year. To move to a ‘no frills’ strategy, ONA would
    have to abandon a long held tradition of excellent customer service. This would require a major cultural change
    within the organisation. It would also probably lead to disbanding the award winning (Golden Bowl) catering
    department and the redundancies of catering staff could prove difficult to implement in a heavily unionised
    organisation.
    Johnson, Scholes and Whittington have suggested that if an organisation is to ‘achieve competitive advantage through
    a low price strategy then it has two basic choices. The first is to try and identify a market segment which is unattractive
    (or inaccessible) to competitors and in this way avoid competitive pressures to erode price.’ It is not possible for ONA to
    pursue this policy in the international sector because of significant competition from established continental ‘no frills’
    low-cost budget airlines. It may be a candidate strategy for the regional sector, but the emergence of small ‘no frills’ lowcost
    budget airlines in these countries threaten this. Many of these airlines enter the market with very low overheads
    and use the ‘no frills’ approach as a strategy to gain market share before progressing to alternative strategies.
    Secondly, a ‘no frills’ strategy depends for its success on margin. Johnson, Scholes and Whittington suggest that ‘in the
    long run, a low price strategy cannot be pursued without a low-cost base’. Evidence from the scenario suggests that ONA
    does not have a low cost base. It continues to maintain overheads (such as a catering department) that its competitors
    have either disbanded or outsourced. More fundamentally (from Table 2), its flight crew enjoy above average wages and
    the whole company is heavily unionised. The scenario acknowledges that the company pays above industry salaries and
    offers excellent benefits such as a generous non-contributory pension. Aircraft utilisation and aircraft age also suggest a
    relatively high cost base. The aircraft are older than their competitors and presumably incur greater maintenance costs.
    ONA’s utilisation of its aircraft is also lower than its competitors. It seems highly unlikely that ONA can achieve the
    changes required in culture, cost base and operations required for it to become a ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airline. Other
    factors serve to reinforce this. For example:
    – Many ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airlines fly into airports that offer cheaper taking off and landing fees. Many of these
    airports are relatively remote from the cities they serve. This may be acceptable to leisure travellers, but not to
    business travellers – ONA’s primary market in the regional sector.
    – Most ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airlines have a standardised fleet leading to commonality and familiarity in
    maintenance. Although ONA has a relatively small fleet it is split between three aircraft types. This is due to
    historical reasons. The Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s appear to be very similar aircraft. However, the Boeings
    were inherited from OceaniaAir and the Airbuses from Transport Oceania.
    In conclusion, the CEO’s decision to reject a ‘no frills’ strategy for ONA appears to be justifiable. It would require major
    changes in structure, cost and culture that would be difficult to justify given ONA’s current position. Revolution is the
    term used by Baligan and Hope to describe a major rapid strategic change. It is associated with a sudden transformation
    required to react to extreme pressures on the organisation. Such an approach is often required when the company is
    facing a crisis and needs to quickly change direction. There is no evidence to support the need for a radical
    transformation. This is why the CEO brands the change to a ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airline as ‘unnecessary’. The
    financial situation (Table 3) is still relatively healthy and there is no evidence of corporate predators. It can be argued
    that a more incremental approach to change would be beneficial, building on the strengths of the organisation and the
    competencies of its employees. Moving ONA to a ‘no frills’ model would require seismic changes in cost and culture. If
    ONA really wanted to move into this sector then they would be better advised to start afresh with a separate brand andairline and to concentrate on the regional sector where it has a head start over many of its competitors.

  • 第3题:

    (ii) Explain the accounting treatment under IAS39 of the loan to Bromwich in the financial statements of

    Ambush for the year ended 30 November 2005. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) There is objective evidence of impairment because of the financial difficulties and reorganisation of Bromwich. The
    impairment loss on the loan will be calculated by discounting the estimated future cash flows. The future cash flows
    will be $100,000 on 30 November 2007. This will be discounted at an effective interest rate of 8% to give a present
    value of $85,733. The loan will, therefore, be impaired by ($200,000 – $85,733) i.e. $114,267.
    (Note: IAS 39 requires accrual of interest on impaired loans at the original effective interest rate. In the year to
    30 November 2006 interest of 8% of $85,733 i.e. $6,859 would be accrued.)

  • 第4题:

    (ii) How existing standards could be modified to meet the needs of SMEs. (6 marks


    正确答案:
    (ii) The development of IFRSs for SMEs as a modification of existing IFRSs
    Most SMEs have a narrower range of users than listed entities. The main groups of users are likely to be the owners,
    suppliers and lenders. In deciding upon the modifications to make to IFRS, the needs of the users will need to be taken
    into account as well as the costs and other burdens imposed upon SMEs by the IFRS. There will have to be a relaxation
    of some of the measurement and recognition criteria in IFRS in order to achieve the reduction in the costs and the
    burdens. Some disclosure requirements, such as segmental reports and earnings per share, are intended to meet the
    needs of listed entities, or to assist users in making forecasts of the future. Users of financial statements of SMEs often
    do not make such kinds of forecasts. Thus these disclosures may not be relevant to SMEs, and a review of all of the
    disclosure requirements in IFRS will be required to assess their appropriateness for SMEs.
    The difficulty is determining which information is relevant to SMEs without making the information disclosed
    meaningless or too narrow/restricted. It may mean that measurement requirements of a complex nature may have to be
    omitted.
    There are, however, rational grounds for justifying different treatments because of the different nature of the entities and
    the existence of established practices at the time of the issue of an IFRS.

  • 第5题:

    (ii) Describe the claim of each of the four identified stakeholders. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Stakeholder claims
    Four external stakeholders in the case and their claims are as follows.
    The client, i.e. the government of the East Asian country. This stakeholder wants the project completed to budget and
    on time. It may also be concerned to minimise negative publicity in respect of the construction of the dam and the
    possible negative environmental consequences.
    Stop-the-dam, the vocal and well organised pressure group. This stakeholder wants the project stopped completely,
    seemingly and slightly paradoxically, for environmental and social footprint reasons.
    First Nation, the indigenous people group currently resident on the land behind the dam that would be flooded after its
    construction. This stakeholder also wants the project stopped so they can continue to live on and farm the land.
    The banks (identified as a single group). These seem happy to lend to the project and will want it to proceed so they
    make a return on their loans commensurate with the risk of the loan. They do not want to be publicly identified as being
    associated with the Giant Dam Project.
    Shareholders. The shareholders have the right to have their investment in the company managed in such a way as to
    maximise the value of their shareholding. The shareholders seek projects providing positive NPVs within the normal
    constraints of sound risk management.
    Tutorial note: only four stakeholders need to be identified. Marks will be given for up to four relevant stakeholders
    only.

  • 第6题:

    (ii) Briefly discuss FOUR non-financial factors which might influence the above decision. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Four factors that could be considered are as follows:
    (i) The quality of the service provided by NSC as evidenced by, for example, the comfort of the ferries, on-board
    facilities, friendliness and responsiveness of staff.
    (ii) The health and safety track record of NSC – passenger safety is a ‘must’ in such operations.
    (iii) The reliability, timeliness and dependability of NSC as a service provider.
    (iv) The potential loss of image due to redundancies within Wonderland plc.

  • 第7题:

    (ii) Calculate the chargeable gain arising as a consequence of Jan accepting Jumper’s offer. (4 marks)


    正确答案:

     

  • 第8题:

    (ii) equipment used in the manufacture of Bachas Blue; and (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Equipment used in the manufacture of Bachas Blue
    Tutorial note: In the context of GVF, the principal issue to be addressed is whether or not the impairment loss previously
    recognised should be reversed (by considering the determination of value in use). Marks will also be awarded for
    consideration of depreciation, additions etc made specific to this equipment.
    ■ Agree cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses at the beginning of the year to prior year working
    papers (and/or last year’s published financial statements).
    ■ Recalculate the current year depreciation charge based on the carrying amount (as reduced by the impairment
    loss).
    ■ Calculate the carrying amount of the equipment as at 30 September 2005 without deduction of the impairment
    loss.
    Tutorial note: The equipment cannot be written back up to above this amount (IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’).
    ■ Agree management’s schedule of future cash flows estimated to be attributable to the equipment for a period of up
    to five years (unless a longer period can be justified) to approved budgets and forecasts.
    ■ Recalculate:
    – on a sample basis, the make up of the cash flows included in the forecast;
    – GVF’s weighted average cost of capital.
    ■ Review production records and sales orders for the year, as compared with the prior period, to confirm a ‘steady
    increase’.
    ■ Compare sales volume at 30 September 2005 with the pre-‘scare’ level to assess how much of the previously
    recognised impairment loss it would be prudent to write back (if any).
    ■ Scrutinize sales orders in the post balance sheet event period. Sales of such produce can be very volatile and
    another ‘incident’ could have sales plummeting again – in which case the impairment loss should not be reversed.

  • 第9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10题:

    (ii) Describe the procedures to verify the number of serious accidents in the year ended 30 November 2007.

    (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Procedures to verify the number of serious accidents during 2007 could include the following:
    Tutorial note: procedures should focus on the completeness of the disclosure as it is in the interest of Sci-Tech Co to
    understate the number of serious accidents.
    – Review the accident log book and count the total number of accidents during the year
    – Discuss the definition of ‘serious accident’ with the directors and clarify exactly what criteria need to be met to
    satisfy the definition
    – For serious accidents identified:
    ? review HR records to determine the amount of time taken off work
    ? review payroll records to determine the financial amount of sick pay awarded to the employee
    ? review correspondence with the employee regarding the accident.
    Tutorial note: the above will help to clarify that the accident was indeed serious.
    – Review board minutes where the increase in the number of serious accidents has been discussed
    – Review correspondence with Sci-Tech Co’s legal advisors to ascertain any legal claims made against the company
    due to accidents at work
    – Enquire as to whether any health and safety visits have been conducted during the year by regulatory bodies, and
    review any documentation or correspondence issued to Sci-Tech Co after such visits.
    Tutorial note: it is highly likely that in a regulated industry such as pharmaceutical research, any serious accident
    would trigger a health and safety inspection from the appropriate regulatory body.
    – Discuss the level of accidents with representatives of Sci-Tech Co’s employees to reach an understanding as to
    whether accidents sometimes go unreported in the accident log book.

  • 第11题:

    (ii) State the principal audit procedures to be performed on the consolidation schedule of the Rosie Group.

    (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Audit procedures on the consolidation schedule of the Rosie Group:
    – Agree correct extraction of individual company figures by reference to individual company audited financial
    statements.
    – Cast and cross cast all consolidation schedules.
    – Recalculate all consolidation adjustments, including goodwill, elimination of pre acquisition reserves, cancellation
    of intercompany balances, fair value adjustments and accounting policy adjustments.
    – By reference to prior year audited consolidated accounts, agree accounting policies have been consistently applied.
    – Agree brought down figures to prior year audited consolidated accounts and audit working papers (e.g. goodwill
    figures for Timber Co and Ben Co, consolidated reserves).
    – Agree that any post acquisition profits consolidated for Dylan Co arose since the date of acquisition by reference to
    date of control passing per the purchase agreement.
    – Reconcile opening and closing group reserves and agree reconciling items to group financial statements.

  • 第12题:

    (c) Software Supply Co. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) Software Supply Co
    Here it seems that Smith & Co has referred the provision of bespoke accounting software to an external provider – Software
    Supply Co, and that a commission is being paid to Smith & Co for these referrals. It is common for audit firms to recommend
    other providers to their audit clients.
    This could be perceived as an objectivity and self-interest threat, as the audit firm is benefiting financially through
    recommending clients to a particular provider of goods and services. However, if appropriate safeguards are in place, the
    referrals and receipt of commissions can continue.
    Action to be taken:
    – Verification from all personnel involved with the audit of clients to whom Software Supply Co has provided a service that
    they have no financial or personal interest in Software Supply Co.
    – Smith & Co must ensure that:
    For each client where a referral is made, full disclosure has been made to the client regarding the arrangement
    Written acknowledgement that Smith & Co is to receive a referral fee should be obtained from the client.
    – Procedures must be put into place to monitor the quality of goods and services provided by Software Supply Co to audit
    clients.

  • 第13题:

    (ii) Theory Y. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Theory Y is at the opposite end of the continuum and reflects a contemporary approach to motivation, reflecting growth in professional and service employment. It is based on the idea that the goals of the individual and the organsiation can– indeed should – be integrated and that personal fulfilment can be achieved through the workplace. It assumes that for most people, work is as natural as rest or play and employees will exercise self-discipline and self-direction in helping to achieve the organisation’s objectives. Physical and mental effort at work is perfectly natural and is actively sought as a source of personal satisfaction.
    In addition, the average employee seeks and accepts responsibilty and creativity. Innovative thinking is widely distributed amongst the whole population and should therefore be encouraged in the work situation.
    The intellectual ability of the average person is only partly used and should be encouraged and thus individuals are motivated by seeking self-achievement. Since control and punishment are not required, management therefore has to encourage and develop the individual. However, the operation of a Theory Y approach can be difficult and frustrating,time consuming and sometimes regarded with suspicion.

  • 第14题:

    (ii) Describe the basis for the calculation of the provision for deferred taxation on first time adoption of IFRS

    including the provision in the opening IFRS balance sheet. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) A company has to apply IAS12 to the temporary differences between the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities in
    its opening IFRS balance sheet (1 November 2003) and their tax bases (IFRS1 ‘First time adoption of IFRS’). The
    deferred tax provision will be calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance
    sheet date. The carrying values of the assets and liabilities at the opening balance sheet date will be determined by
    reference to IFRS1 and will use the applicable IFRS in the first IFRS financial statements. Any adjustments required to
    the deferred tax balance will be recognised directly in retained earnings.
    Subsequent balance sheets (at 31 October 2004 and 31 October 2005) will be drawn up using the IFRS used in the
    financial statements to 31 October 2005. The deferred tax provision will be adjusted as at 31 October 2004 and thenas at 31 October 2005 to reflect the temporary differences arising at those dates.

  • 第15题:

    (ii) the strategy of the business regarding its treasury policies. (3 marks)

    (Marks will be awarded in part (b) for the identification and discussion of relevant points and for the style. of the

    report.)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Strategy of the business regarding its treasury policies
    Treasury policies are reviewed regularly by the Board. It is group policy to account for all financial instruments as cash
    flow hedges. As a result, changes in the fair values of financial instruments are deferred in reserves to the extent the
    hedge is effective and released to profit or loss in the time periods in which the hedged item impacts profit or loss.
    The Group contracts fixed rate currency swaps and issues floating to fixed rate interest rate swaps to meet the objective
    of protecting borrowing costs. The cash flow effects of the interest rate swaps match the cash flows on the underlying
    instruments so that there is no net cash flow effect from movements in market interest rates. If the interest rate swaps
    had not been transacted there could have been an increase in the annual net interest payable to the Group. The strategy
    of the group is to minimise the exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

  • 第16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17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18题:

    (ii) Briefly discuss THREE disadvantages of using EVA? in the measurement of financial performance.

    (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Disadvantages of an EVA approach to the measurement of financial performance include:
    (i) The calculation of EVA may be complicated due to the number of adjustments required.
    (ii) It is difficult to use EVA for inter-firm and inter-divisional comparisons because it is not a ratio measure.
    (iii) Economic depreciation is difficult to estimate and conflicts with generally accepted accounting principles.
    Note: Other relevant discussion would be acceptable.

  • 第19题:

    (ii) Audit work on after-date bank transactions identified a transfer of cash from Batik Co. The audit senior has

    documented that the finance director explained that Batik commenced trading on 7 October 2005, after

    being set up as a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary of Jinack. No other evidence has been obtained.

    (4 marks)

    Required:

    Identify and comment on the implications of the above matters for the auditor’s report on the financial

    statements of Jinack Co for the year ended 30 September 2005 and, where appropriate, the year ending

    30 September 2006.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the matters.


    正确答案:
    (ii) Wholly-owned foreign subsidiary
    ■ The cash transfer is a non-adjusting post balance sheet event. It indicates that Batik was trading after the balance
    sheet date. However, that does not preclude Batik having commenced trading before the year end.
    ■ The finance director’s oral representation is wholly insufficient evidence with regard to the existence (or otherwise)
    of Batik at 30 September 2005. If it existed at the balance sheet date its financial statements should have been
    consolidated (unless immaterial).
    ■ The lack of evidence that might reasonably be expected to be available (e.g. legal papers, registration payments,
    etc) suggests a limitation on the scope of the audit.
    ■ If such evidence has been sought but not obtained then the limitation is imposed by the entity (rather than by
    circumstances).
    ■ Whilst the transaction itself may not be material, the information concerning the existence of Batik may be material
    to users and should therefore be disclosed (as a non-adjusting event). The absence of such disclosure, if the
    auditor considered necessary, would result in a qualified ‘except for’, opinion.
    Tutorial note: Any matter that is considered sufficiently material to be worthy of disclosure as a non-adjusting
    event must result in such a qualified opinion if the disclosure is not made.
    ■ If Batik existed at the balance sheet date and had material assets and liabilities then its non-consolidation would
    have a pervasive effect. This would warrant an adverse opinion.
    ■ Also, the nature of the limitation (being imposed by the entity) could have a pervasive effect if the auditor is
    suspicious that other audit evidence has been withheld. In this case the auditor should disclaim an opinion.

  • 第20题:

    (b) State, with reasons, the principal additional information that should be made available for your review of

    Robson Construction Co. (8 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) Principal additional information
    ■ Any service contracts with the directors or other members of the management team (e.g. the quantity surveyor). These
    may contain ‘exit’ or other settlement terms in the event that their services are no longer required after a takeover/buyout.
    ■ Prior period financial statements (to 30 June 2005) disclosing significant accounting policies and the key assumptions
    concerning the future (and other key sources of estimation uncertainty) that have a significant risk of causing a material
    adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the year to 30 June 2006.
    For example, concerning:
    – the outcome on the Sarwar dispute;
    – estimates for guarantees/claims for rectification;
    – assumptions made in estimating costs to completion (e.g. for increases in costs of materials or labour).
    Tutorial note: Under IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ the judgements made by management that have the
    most significant effect on amounts recognised in financial statements (other than those involving estimations) should
    also be disclosed.
    ■ The most recent management accounts and cash flow forecasts to assess the quality of management information being
    used for decision-making and control. In particular, in providing Robson with the means of keeping its cash flows within
    its overdraft limit.
    Tutorial note: Note that Prescott has substantial cash resources. Therefore Robson’s lack of finance might be a reason
    why its management are interested in selling the business.
    ■ A copy of the signed bank agreement for the overdraft facility (and any other agreements with finance providers). Any
    breaches in debt covenants might result in penalties of contingent liabilities that Prescott would have to bear if it acquired
    Robson.
    ■ The standard terms of contracts with customers for construction works. In particular, for:
    – guarantees given (e.g. for rectification under warranty);
    – penalty clauses (e.g. in the event of overruns or non-completion);
    – disclaimers (including conditions for invoking force majeure).
    Prescott will want to make some allowance for settlement of liabilities arising on contracts already completed/in-progress
    when offering a price for Robson.
    Tutorial note: A takeover might excuse Robson from fulfilling a contract.
    ■ Legal/correspondence files dealing with matters such as the claims of the residents of the housing development and
    Robson’s claim against Sarwar Services Co. Also, fee notes rendered by Robson’s legal advisers showing the costs
    incurred on matters referred to them.
    ■ Robson’s insurer’s ‘cover note’ to determine Robson’s exposure to claims for rectification work, damages, injuries to
    employees, etc.
    ■ The quantity surveyor’s working papers for the last quarterly count (presumably at 31 March 2006) and the latest
    available rolling budgets. Particular attention should be given to loss-making contracts and contracts that have not been
    started. (Prescott might seek to settle rather than fulfil them.) The pattern of taking profits on contracts will be of
    interest, for example, to determine the accuracy of the quantity surveyor’s estimates.
    Tutorial note: A regular pattern of taking too much profit too soon might be due to underestimating costs to completion
    or be evidence of cost overruns due to rectification.
    ■ Type and frequency of constructions undertaken. Prescott is interested in the building and refurbishment of hotels and
    leisure facilities. Robson’s experience in this area may not be extensive.
    ■ Non-current asset register showing location of plant and equipment so that some test checking on physical existence
    might be undertaken (if an agreed-upon-procedure).

  • 第21题:

    (ii) Discuss TWO problems that may be faced in implementing quality control procedures in a small firm of

    Chartered Certified Accountants, and recommend how these problems may be overcome. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Consultation – it may not be possible to hold extensive consultations on specialist issues within a small firm, due to a
    lack of specialist professionals. There may be a lack of suitably experienced peers to discuss issues arising on client
    engagements. Arrangements with other practices for consultation may be necessary.
    Training/Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – resources may not be available, and it is expensive to establish
    an in-house training function. External training consortia can be used to provide training/CPD for qualified staff, and
    training on non-exam related issues for non-qualified staff.
    Review procedures – it may not be possible to hold an independent review of an engagement within the firm due to the
    small number of senior and experienced auditors. In this case an external review service may be purchased.
    Lack of specialist experience – where special skills are needed within an engagement; the skills may be bought in, for
    example, by seconding staff from another practice. Alternatively if work is too specialised for the firm, the work could be
    sub-contracted to another practice.
    Working papers – the firm may lack resources to establish an in-house set of audit manuals or standard working papers.
    In this case documentation can be provided by external firms or professional bodies.

  • 第22题:

    (c) Identify and discuss the ethical and professional matters raised at the inventory count of LA Shots Co.

    (6 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) There are several ethical and professional issues raised in relation to the inventory count of LA Shots Co.
    Firstly, it was inappropriate of Brenda Mangle to offer the incentive to the audit juniors. As she is a new manager, it may be
    that she didn’t realise how the incentive would be perceived. Brenda should be informed that her actions could have serious
    implications.
    The offer could be viewed as a bribe of the audit juniors, and could be perceived as a self-interest independence threat as
    there is a financial benefit offered to members of the audit team.
    The value of the ten bottles of ‘Super Juice’ should be considered, as it is only appropriate for a member of the audit team to
    accept any goods or hospitality from the audit client if the value is ‘clearly insignificant’. Ultimately it would be the decision
    of the audit partner as to whether the value is clearly insignificant. It is likely that this does not constitute a significant threat
    to independence, however the offer should still be referred to the audit partner.
    Also, if the juniors took ten bottles of ‘Super Juice’, this could interfere with the physical count of goods and/or with cut off
    details obtained at the count. The juniors should therefore have declined the offer and informed a senior member of the audit
    team of the situation.
    There may be a need to adequately train new members of staff on ethical matters if the juniors were unsure of how to react
    to the offer.
    The work performed by the juniors at the inventory count must be reviewed. The audit procedures were performed very
    quickly compared to last year and therefore sufficient evidence may not have been gathered. In an extreme situation the whole
    inventory count may have to be reperformed if it is found that the procedures performed cannot be relied upon.
    In addition, the juniors should not have attended the audit client’s office party without the permission of the audit manager.
    The party appears to have taken place during work time, when the juniors should have been completing the inventory count
    procedures. The two juniors have not acted with due professional consideration, and could be considered to lack integrity.
    The actions of the juniors should be discussed with them, possibly with a view to disciplinary action.
    There may also be questions over whether the direction and supervision of the juniors was adequate. As the two juniors are
    both recent recruits, this is likely to be the first inventory count that they have attended. It appears that they may not have
    been adequately briefed as to the importance of the inventory count as a source of audit evidence, or that they have
    disregarded any such briefing that was provided to them. In either case possibly a more senior auditor should have
    accompanied them to the inventory count and supervised their actions.

  • 第23题:

    (ii) Recommend further audit procedures that should be carried out. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Further audit procedures:
    Request from Peter Sheffield a written representation detailing:
    – the exact nature of his control over Jarvis Co, i.e. if he is a shareholder then state his percentage shareholding, if
    he is a member of senior management then state his exact position within the entity,
    – a comment on whether in his opinion the balance is recoverable,
    – a specific date by which the amount should be expected to be repaid, and
    – a confirmation that there are no further balances outstanding from Jarvis Co, or any further transactions between
    Jarvis Co and Pulp Co.
    Tutorial note: Reference to the Exposure Draft ISA 550 Related Parties (Revised and Redrafted) requirement for both
    general and specific management representations will be awarded credit.
    Review the terms of any written confirmation of the amount, such as a signed agreement or invoice, checking whether
    any interest is due to Pulp Co. The terms should be reviewed for details of any security offered, and the nature of the
    consideration to be provided in settlement.
    From discussion with Peter Sheffield, develop an understanding of the business purpose of the transaction, particularly
    to understand whether the balance is a trade receivable or an investment.
    Review the board minutes for evidence of any discussion of the transaction and the recoverability of the balance
    outstanding.
    Obtain the most recent audited financial statements of Jarvis Co and:
    – ascertain whether Peter Sheffield is disclosed as the ultimate controlling party or disclosed as a member of key
    management personnel,
    – scrutinise the disclosure notes to find any disclosure of the transaction, where it should be described as a related
    party liability, and
    – perform. a liquidity analysis to establish whether the amount can be repaid from liquid assets.