Search results

1 – 10 of over 100000
Article
Publication date: 1 August 1995

Rocco R. Vanasco, Clifford R. Skousen and Curtis C. Verschoor

Professional accounting associations in various countries andgovernmental and other quasi‐official bodies have played an importantrole not only in the evolution of internal control

17251

Abstract

Professional accounting associations in various countries and governmental and other quasi‐official bodies have played an important role not only in the evolution of internal control reporting on a global scale, but also in educating management, investors, financial institutions, accountants, auditors, and other interested parties highlighting the pervasiveness of the effects of a sound internal control structure in corporate reporting as well as other aspects of an organization′s success. These associations include the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the General Accounting Office (GAO), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Cadbury Committee, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), the Scottish Institute of Chartered Accountants (SICA), the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), and others. Business failures, management fraud, corporate misconduct, international bribery, and notorious business scandals in all sectors of business have prompted the US government to take drastic action on internal control reporting to safeguard public interest. Several professional and government committees were formed to study this precarious situation: the Treadway Commission, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission, the Packard Commission, the Cohen Commission, the Adams Commission in Canada, the Cadbury Committee in the UK, and others. The principal motivation for the changing dynamics has been growing public pressure for greater corporate accountability. The government′s pressure on the accounting profession and management of public corporations has been pivotal in spearheading internal control reporting. Examines the role of professional associations, governmental agencies, and others in promulgating standards for internal control reporting, and the impact of legislation on this aspect of internal auditing in the USA and worldwide.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 10 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2017

Sónia Paula da Silva Nogueira and Susana Margarida Faustino Jorge

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the extent to which the perceived usefulness of financial information for internal decision making is affected by the internal control to…

2467

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the extent to which the perceived usefulness of financial information for internal decision making is affected by the internal control to which that information is subjected.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is positivist and quantitative, based on a cross-sectional analysis developed in the local government context. Data were collected from a survey to decision makers (politicians and chief officials) in charge of the financial area in all Portuguese municipalities. The response rate was approximately 49 per cent, assuring representativeness.

Findings

Regarding the perceived usefulness of financial and budgetary reporting for internal decision making, the results in the paper show that municipalities’ internal users’ attitudes towards using accrual-based financial reporting for decision making is changing. Additionally, internal decision makers consider financial and budgetary information as very useful for decision making, and the different types of internal control applicable to that information as very important. The results also clearly point to the existence of a significant and positive relationship between the internal control (including internal auditing) to which financial and budgetary information is subject, and its perceived usefulness for municipal decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study are related to the way in which information was collected in order to obtain empirical evidence. The questionnaire, sent by e-mail, despite reaching a wide-range and dispersed population, cannot guarantee the truthfulness and integrity of the responses. Findings might have been affected by the fact that respondents may have been sympathetic to the reforms brought by the Official Local Government Accounting Plan (POCAL). Certainly, politicians linked to the political party that promoted those reforms would be predisposed in this way. Another limitation might concern the fact that new laws and regulations passed after POCAL, might have somehow affected the answers regarding the perceived usefulness of budgetary and financial information for internal decision making, as well as the importance of the internal control to which that information is subject.

Practical implications

The results of this study have important repercussions for the implementation of internal control systems at local government level. Particularly, they highlight the need to develop or improve internal control procedures to ensure budgetary and financial information reliability, which in turn determines its usefulness for decision-making purposes.

Originality/value

This research makes a contribution to the (scarce) literature on the relationship between internal control and the perceived usefulness of financial and budgetary information for decision making, particularly in the local government setting. It adds with further empirical evidence concerning the relationship between these two issues, helping to reinforce previous embryonic research in this field. As to policy making, this research also contributes by calling attention for the need to define the types of internal control financial information must be subject, a critical issue while assuring the usefulness of that information for decision making. This is particular important in current contexts of countries moving towards IPSAS-based financial reporting systems.

Details

Journal of Applied Accounting Research, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-5426

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2018

Keryn Chalmers, David Hay and Hichem Khlif

In 2001, the US moved to regulate internal control reporting by management and auditors. While some jurisdictions have followed the lead of the US, many others have not. An…

3108

Abstract

In 2001, the US moved to regulate internal control reporting by management and auditors. While some jurisdictions have followed the lead of the US, many others have not. An important question, therefore, is the relevance of internal control to stakeholders. The more specific issue of the benefits of US-style regulation of internal control reporting is also topical. We review studies on the determinants of internal control quality and its economic consequences for stakeholders including investors, creditors, managers, auditors and financial analysts. We extend previous reviews by focusing on US studies published since 2013 as well as all non-US studies investigating IC quality including countries regulating IC disclosure as well as unregulated settings and both developed and developing economies. In doing so, we identify research questions where evidence remains mixed and new directions in which there are research opportunities.

Three main insights arise from our analysis. First, evidence on the economic consequences of internal control quality suggests that the quality of internal control can have a significant effect on decision making by users of financial information. Second, the results of research on the empirical association between ownership structure, certain board characteristics and internal control quality is generally mixed. Empirical evidence concerning the association between audit committee characteristics and internal control quality generally supports a positive and significant association. Finally, while studies in non-US jurisdictions are increasing, opportunities remain to explore the determinants and consequences of internal control in other jurisdictions. Our review provides evidence for policy makers of whether there are benefits from requiring management and auditors to report on internal control over financial reporting.

Details

Journal of Accounting Literature, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-4607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Xudong Ji, Wei Lu and Wen Qu

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of internal control weaknesses on accounting conservatism in Chinese listed firms. It also investigates the relationship…

3238

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of internal control weaknesses on accounting conservatism in Chinese listed firms. It also investigates the relationship between the demand for external audit and accounting conservatism, and whether additional assurance of internal control reports (ICRs) can mitigate the negative impact of ICWs on accounting conservatism.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical research approach is taken through the use of ordinary least squares (OLS) models and hand-collected internal control weakness data from ICRs released by Chinese listed firms.

Findings

The results of this paper show that the existence of ICWs has a negative effect on accounting conservatism in China. Further, the results demonstrate that both accounting-related and non-accounting-related ICWs affect accounting conservatism. The authors also find that there is a complementary relationship between accounting conservatism and the demand for additional assurance of ICRs, and additional assurance of ICRs can mitigate the negative impact of ICWs on accounting conservatism.

Practical Implications

This study provides timely evidence to Chinese regulators of the possible economic consequences of the official implementation of internal control standard in China from 2012. The findings of this paper can also benefit regulators around the world and, in particular, the regulators in emerging markets that are considering implement regulations similar to the US SOX.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that a wider scope of ICWs, including non-accounting-related ICWs, also has a significant impact on accounting conservatism. Therefore, this research provides a more general evidence on the relationship between internal control quality and accounting conservatism.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 31 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2015

Partha Mohapatra, Dina F El-Mahdy and Li Xu

The purpose of this study is to develop a research agenda on internal controls for offshored accounting processes. It further develops a linkage between internal controls of…

1954

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a research agenda on internal controls for offshored accounting processes. It further develops a linkage between internal controls of offshored accounting processes and auditing of the organization. Offshoring of accounting processes has become a common business practice, pursued by firms to reduce costs and focus on core competencies. However, our understanding about internal controls of these offshored processes is limited.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in theory that is supported by prior literature and interviews with practitioners, this paper attempts to develop a research agenda on internal controls for offshored accounting processes.

Findings

The main findings of our study suggest that while offshoring saves costs and allows the clients to focus on their core competencies, it also poses risks to the clients’ organizations. To mitigate these risks and comply with the regulatory requirements of the countries where the clients are located, clients and their offshore vendors need to effectively establish adequate internal controls for offshored business processes. Clients should seek those vendors who have appropriate processes in place and are willing to provide Service Organization Control (SOC) reports (or at least are capable of getting a SOC report in the near future). Moreover, clients should avoid offshoring the processes that would exist in defective internal control systems. Similarly, vendors should avoid undertaking those processes for which they are incapable of maintaining efficient internal controls.

Practical implications

Our study has implications for academicians as well as practitioners on understanding the determinants and consequences of internal control for offshored processes.

Originality/value

While internal controls for offshored accounting process and related regulatory changes have been increasingly important topics, little research has been devoted to explore their implications on accounting and auditing literature. We attempt to bridge this gap by synthesizing prior research on internal controls and auditing, and further developing a set of research questions for academic research. Our hope is to spur a new area of research that has not been explored before.

Details

International Journal of Accounting & Information Management, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1834-7649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1999

Rocco R. Vanasco

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 and its amendment – the Trade and Competitive Act of 1988 – are unique not only in the history of the accounting and auditing…

17261

Abstract

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 and its amendment – the Trade and Competitive Act of 1988 – are unique not only in the history of the accounting and auditing profession, but also in international law. The Acts raised awareness of the need for efficient and adequate internal control systems to prevent illegal acts such as the bribery of foreign officials, political parties and governments to secure or maintain contracts overseas. Its uniqueness is also due to the fact that the USA is the first country to pioneer such a legislation that impacted foreign trade, international law and codes of ethics. The research traces the history of the FCPA before and after its enactment, the role played by the various branches of the United States Government – Congress, Department of Justice, Securities Exchange commission (SEC), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); the contributions made by professional associations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICFA), the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the American Bar Association (ABA); and, finally, the role played by various international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). A cultural, ethical and legalistic background will give a better understanding of the FCPA as wll as the rationale for its controversy.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 14 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 November 2017

Francesco Bellandi

Part IV provides readers with the extant requirements for the application of materiality to recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in the financial statements…

Abstract

Part IV provides readers with the extant requirements for the application of materiality to recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in the financial statements. This part also includes a detailed critical review of the recent Practice Statement on materiality, the FASB’s proposed ASU on the notes and the amendments to the Conceptual Framework proposed by the IASB and the FASB.

The part expands to issues that are typical of Management Commentary, including the SEC guidance on materiality in Management Discussion and Analysis.

It informs about the complexities and subtle differences between financial statements and bookkeeping and the different standards of reasonableness versus materiality.

A section moves from materiality to material misstatements and covers the application of materiality in auditing.

Another section goes in depth on internal control over financial reporting, showing the linkages between materiality and risk appetite and risk tolerance and the related application guidance.

Details

Materiality in Financial Reporting
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-736-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Abdallah Bader Alzoubi

This paper aims to explore the joint role of forensic accounting and corporate governance in enhancing internal control effectiveness.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the joint role of forensic accounting and corporate governance in enhancing internal control effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a previously administrated questionnaire as a data collection method and partial least squares structural equation modeling as a data analysis tool.

Findings

The findings of this paper find a positive relationship between the study’s independent variables (forensic accounting and corporate governance) and dependent variables (internal control effectiveness).

Research limitations/implications

One potential limitation of this study is the use of a previously administered questionnaire as the primary data collection method, which may have limited the scope and depth of the data collected. Another limitation may be the focus on only two independent variables (forensic accounting and corporate governance), which may not fully capture all the factors that contribute to internal control effectiveness. Despite these limitations, this study provides important insights into the role of forensic accounting and corporate governance in enhancing internal control effectiveness and highlights the need for further research in this area.

Practical implications

This paper underscores the importance of investing in effective internal control systems and highlights the key role that forensic accounting and corporate governance play in enhancing the effectiveness of these systems.

Social implications

Effective internal control systems are important not only for the financial health of organizations but also for their social and ethical responsibilities to stakeholders. The findings of this study suggest that investing in strong forensic accounting and corporate governance practices can help organizations meet these responsibilities and promote trust and transparency. Policymakers and regulators may use these findings to inform their efforts to promote effective internal control systems and enhance public trust in organizations.

Originality/value

This paper has important implications for service organizations in Jordan and can be used to inform policymakers and regulators in their efforts to promote strong and effective internal control systems.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

Abdel‐Aziz M. Mohamed, Mahmood A. Qureshi and Ali R. Behnezhad

The reliability of accounting internal control systems (AICS) is often viewed as a primary concern of auditors. Over the past three decades, several reliability models have been…

Abstract

The reliability of accounting internal control systems (AICS) is often viewed as a primary concern of auditors. Over the past three decades, several reliability models have been proposed for internal control. The main goal of these models is to provide an objective approach to evaluate the reliability of internal control systems. In addition, the models seek to assess the degree of audit reliance that can be placed on internal controls. This paper has a two‐fold objective: (1) to present an overview of the descriptive and prescriptive reliability models developed for the design and evaluation of internal control systems, and (2) to discuss the effects of various factors on the reliability assessment. Furthermore, two methods to estimate process reliabilities are presented and several numerical examples are provided to show the detailed calculations of the reliability and economic efficiency of accounting internal control systems.

Details

Review of Accounting and Finance, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1475-7702

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Randal J. Elder, Susan C. Kattelus and D. Dewey Ward

There is an increased emphasis on internal control in the governmental sector. We compare finance officer assessments of internal control to auditor assessments for a sample of…

368

Abstract

There is an increased emphasis on internal control in the governmental sector. We compare finance officer assessments of internal control to auditor assessments for a sample of Michigan municipalities. On average, the finance officers' assessments of their control systems were more favorable than the assessments made by auditors from a regional CPA firm with a large governmental practice, suggesting that auditor reports on internal control may result in a more conservative evaluation of the control system than reports provided by management. One measure of the effectiveness of the internal control system is its ability to prevent errors. We compare the finance officer and auditor assessments of internal control to the number of audit adjustments as an objective measure of the accuracy of the control assessments. The internal control assessments made by auditors were significantly more highly correlated with the number of audit adjustments than those made by finance officers. This suggests that the accuracy of internal control reports may be improved if the reports are prepared by auditors.

Details

Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1096-3367

1 – 10 of over 100000