Professional judgment framework Essay

Background Jameson Family Farms (JFF), a family owned business, grows, processes and packages a range of fruits and vegetables, but primarily specializes in growing and selling peanuts. The company has a niche for selling their particular salted and unsalted peanuts to grocery stores and baseball stadiums in the southeastern region of the US. The product offerings have been stable over the last five years, but the company began internet sales in 2010, which increased sales by about $19 million in 2010 over 2009. The commodity business for peanuts, however, is very competitive and seven to eight major companies vie for US sales. JFF’s has annual audits for lending requirements and for family purposes. The family members are paid a modest salary. Prior to 2012, JFF management was composed mainly of closely related family members who started the business more than 30 years ago. Over the last two years, as internet sales have increased, a number of these family members have been voicing the notion of retiring from the business through either an initial public offering (IPO) or private sale of the company. In late 2011, given the age of these family members, other younger, extended family members were considered for the senior management ranks. As a result, in early 2012, the family brought in a distant cousin, Larry Marshall, to fill the role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Marshall has prior experience working with and growing food commodity companies and preparing such companies for IPOs. Before joining JFF, Marshall was out of work for almost a year and, prior to that, he worked for three different companies over a five-year period. The CEO’s compensation and year-end bonus are based on yearly pretax income as well as non-monetary measures related to meeting IPO filing requirements. Marshall hired a former fellow employee as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gwen Thomas, and gave Thomas the overall responsibility for the Accounting Department and related financial reporting. Thomas, in turn, hired two individuals in the Accounting Department who worked with her and Marshall at previous companies. Thomas also has her compensation and year-end bonus based on JFF’s yearly pretax income. The audit firm, Fairly Stated, LLP, has been  auditing JFF for over 15 years. The audit partner, Robert Williams, has been on the account for five years and as the audit partner for the last three years. Williams is friends with Harvey Jameson, the patriarch of the family, but Williams does not know Larry Marshall or Gwen Thomas. The company has a new CEO, Larry Marshall, a distant family member. There is a new CFO, Gwen Thomas, who has worked with Marshall over the last five years. Two new accountants have joined the Accounting department, both worked with Thomas over the last five years. The Jameson family decided to retain the new CEO in order to position the company for either an IPO or a private sale, as a number of family members would like to be cashed out of their equity positions. Harvey Jameson has some reservations about some of the actions of Larry Marshall including the reduction in some detailed financial information provided to family members and also the tone at the top. Some of the sales representatives may be feeling pressure to increase sales. Operations The initial analytical review for the nine-month operations through September 30, 2012, with a forecast for the fourth quarter of 2012, indicates an approximate 9% increase in gross sales, which is consistent with management expectations but unusual given the competitive nature of the peanut processing and sales business. Additionally, there are decreases in the sales returns and allowances (53%); a decrease in the percentage of the cost of goods sold (1%); and a small decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses (1%). The cost of goods sold category has actually increased in amount, due to increased sales, but as a percentage of sales it is down, reflecting management’s plan to run more efficiently. Selling,  general and administrative expenses are down due to a slight reduction in head count. From a balance sheet standpoint, there has been an increase in accounts receivable (45%), and a small increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts (7%). Cash and short-term investments are down by more than $2.1 million at September 30, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011. The cash flow statement reflects the increase in accounts receivable, an increase in inventory as well as an investment of $3.0 million in new machinery. Net borrowings under the long-term debt arrangement have increased by $530,000. JFF was recently in the unusual position of being overdrawn in its main operating checking account. This may be due in part to the increase in accounts receivable and the purchases of the new machinery. Determination of materiality In 2011, it was determined that the amount considered to be a material misstatement for financial reporting purposes was equal to or exceeded 2% of net income, or $25,000. With the increased size of operations for 2012, the amount considered to be a material misstatement for financial reporting purposes will still be 2%, but the amount will be $50,000 based on the forecasted results of operations for the year. The 2% amount is still considered appropriate for JFF as the family likes to be aware of all larger items that can impact the operations of the company and, accordingly, we believe this is an appropriate percentage to use. Follow-up actions The audit team determined, as a result of this meeting, to do the following: 1. Obtain more financial information and analytical data to evaluate the operations of JFF through discussions with Larry Marshall and Robert Williams, especially the data related to new sales, cost of goods sold expenses, S,G and A expenses and the customer credit extension and collection procedures, as well as the reasons for the reduction in the cash and short-term investment position. 2. Complete the analytical review analysis (draft attached) based on these discussions. Assess the possibility of material misstatement due to fraud as specified by AU Section 316, paragraph 19b. 3. Assess the possibility of fraud due to material misstatement based on the identification of risk factors as specified by AU Section 316, paragraph 19c and those identified in paragraph 85 of the  appendix. 4. Obtain a better level of understanding of the extent of control testing performed by internal audit that could impact the extent of our procedures. Subsequent to completion of the above procedures, an additional planning meeting will be held to develop an overall risk assessment of the company as well as specific risk assessments for the various audit areas. At this meeting, a preliminary audit approach will be developed, including the extent of control testing, compliance audit procedures, substantive audit procedures and the extent of reliance on internal audit. Video 4 – Meeting between the CEO and the Audit Partner Link: http://bcove.me/72vf104b Note: to turn on closed captioning, click the CC button Required Form a group of at least five students to work as the audit team to complete Parts A and B. Your instructor will tell you whether Part C should be done individually or as a team. Part A: AU Section 316, paragraph 19b instructs auditors to perform analytical procedures when planning an audit to identify areas where auditors should be extra vigilant. Paragraph 19c requires auditors to specifically consider whether fraud risk exists. The Guidance Table on the following pages quotes AU Section 316, paragraphs 19b and 19c. Consider these paragraphs when completing Part A of this assignment. The assignment for Part A is to: Complete the â€Å"Information available† column using the information provided in this case. Complete the â€Å"Analysis† column by determining the implications of the information you document. Include in your analysis whether there is a fraud risk factor present. Review the spreadsheet containing the preliminary analytical review performed to provide inf ormation needed to complete this assignment. Part B: Complete the professional judgment framework application template (provided separately) to document your judgment about the possibility of material misstatement due to fraud. In completing the professional judgment framework application template, keep the following in mind: The application template step â€Å"Considerations to gather the facts† requires answering the question, â€Å"What is the applicable guidance?† For purposes of this case, disregard any fraud risk factors you identify for which you do not have adequate information to address. Because the applicable guidance was documented in Part A of this  assignment, it is sufficient to write â€Å"See the application guidance table† when completing the application template step of â€Å"How does the guidance apply to the issue?† Part C: Using the information you documented regarding the overarching considerations and specific considerations for each process step in the framework, prepare a final memorandum regarding your professional judgment of the possibility of material misstatement due to fraud. Be sure that you are able to address the following considerations: Is the documentation sufficient to support your judgment? Can another professional understand how you reached your conclusion (including why reasonable outcomes and possible alternatives identified were not selected)? Tool to document the judgment Overall memorandum Issue: Facts: Analysis: Judgment: AU Section 316 guidance 19b â€Å"Consider any unusual or unexpected relationships that have been identified in performing analytical procedures in planning the audit. (See paragraphs .28 through .30.) â€Å".28 Section 329, Analytical Procedures, paragraphs .04 and .06, requires that analytical procedures be performed in planning the audit with an objective of identifying the existence of unusual transactions or events, and amounts, ratios, and trends that might indicate matters that have financial statement and audit planning implications. In performing analytical procedures in planning the audit, the auditor develops expectations about plausible relationships that are reasonably expected to exist, based on the auditor’s understanding of the entity and its environment. When comparison of those expectations with recorded amounts or ratios developed from recorded amounts yields unusual or unexpected relationships, the auditor should consider those results in identifying the risks of material missta tement due to fraud. â€Å".29 In planning the audit, the auditor also should perform analytical procedures relating to revenue with the objective of identifying unusual or unexpected relationships involving revenue accounts that may indicate a material misstatement due to  fraudulent financial reporting. An example of such an analytical procedure that addresses this objective is a comparison of sales volume, as determined from recorded revenue amounts, with production capacity. An excess of sales volume over production capacity may be indicative of recording fictitious sales. As another example, a trend analysis of revenues by month and sales returns by month during and shortly after the reporting period may indicate the existence of undisclosed side agreements with customers to return goods that would preclude revenue recognition. â€Å".30 Analytical procedures performed during planning may be helpful in identifying the risks of material misstatement due to fraud. However, because such analytical procedures generally use data aggregated at a high level, the results of those analytical procedures provide only a broad initial indication about whether a material misstatement of the financial statements may exist. Accordingly, the results of analytical procedures performed during planning should be considered along with other information gathered by the auditor in identifying the risks of material misstatement due to fraud.† Information available Analysis AU Section 316 guidance â€Å"19c Consider whether one or more fraud risk factors exist. (See paragraphs .31 through .33, and the Appendix [paragraph .85].) â€Å".31 Because fraud is usually concealed, material misstatements due to fraud are difficult to detect. Nevertheless, the auditor may identify events or conditions that indicate incentives/pressures to perpetrate fraud, opportunities to carry out the fraud, or attitudes/rationalizations to justify a fraudulent action. Such events or conditions are referred to as â€Å"fraud risk factors.† Fraud risk factors do not necessarily indicate the existence of fraud; however, they often are present in circumstances where fraud exists. â€Å".32 When obtaining information about the entity and its environment, the auditor should consider whether the information indicates that one or more fraud risk factors are present. The auditor should use professional judgment in determining whether a risk factor is present and should be considered in identifying a nd assessing the risks of material misstatement due to fraud. â€Å".33 Examples of fraud risk factors related to fraudulent financial reporting and misappropriation of assets are presented in the Appendix [paragraph .85]. These illustrative risk factors are classified based on the three conditions generally present when fraud exists: incentive/pressure to perpetrate fraud, an opportunity to carry out the fraud, and attitude/rationalization to justify the fraudulent action. Although the risk factors cover a broad range of situations, they are only examples and, accordingly, the auditor may wish to consider additional or different risk factors. Not all of these examples are relevant in all circumstances, and some may be of greater or lesser significance in entities of different size or with different ownership characteristics or circumstances. Also, the order of the examples of risk factors provided is not intended to reflect their relative importance or frequency of occurrence.† AU Section 316 guidance – Appendix paragraph 85 Information Analysis Incentives/Pressures a. Financial stability or profitability is threatened by economic, industry or entity operating conditions, such as (or as indicated by): High degree of competition or market saturation, accompanied by declining margins. There is a very high level of competition and market saturation. A cause for this is the increase in foreign companies that are coming into the market. This is causing U.S. companies to streamline their operations. With the increased competition JFF is being forced, along with other U.S. companies to streamline efforts. This may have affect on health and safety concerns down the road. The pressure to increase efficiency and profitability is very high. High vulnerability to rapid changes, such as changes in technology, product obsolescence or interest rates. There have been a lot of changes in operations this past year at JFF. Some of the rapid changes in 2012 include year-end bonus incentive plan, decreased head-count in SGA, new employees in accounting department, decreased profitability of local investments, shortened exchange rate, credit review standards for new customers, and management. These changes have seemed to have important roles in 2012. Year-end Bonus Incentive plan has increased net sales 10% from 2011 to 2012. May increase the amount of pressure placed on sales department. Decreased head count in SGA has caused for the internal auditors to be understaffed and may result in compliance issues. New Employees in the accounting department may cause a increase in misstatements due to unfamiliarity. The decreased profitability of investments is causing a loss that have decreased invest in cash flows. The decreased return/exchange window from 14-days to 5-days will decrease the chances of the firms returns and will allow for a decrease percentage of allowance for returns The increased credit review standards for new customers will help decrease the chance of uncollectable amounts and ultimately decrease accounts receivable. Management changes may cause a increase in chance of error and bad judgment due to the inexperience management has with this company. Significant declines in customer demand and increasing business failures in either the industry or overall economy. Operating losses, making the threat of bankruptcy, foreclosure or hostile takeover imminent. Recurring negative cash flows from operations and an inability to generate cash flows from operations while reporting earnings and earnings growth. Rapid growth or unusual profitability, especially compared to that of other companies in the same industry. New accounting, statutory or regulatory requirements. b. Excessive pressure exists for management to meet the requirements or expectations of third parties due to the following: Profitability or trend level expectations of investment analysts, institutional investors, significant creditors or other external parties (particularly expectations that are unduly aggressive or unrealistic), including expectations created by management in, for example, overly optimistic press releases or annual report messages. Need to obtain additional debt or equity financing to stay competitive —  including financing of major research and development or capital expenditures. Marginal ability to meet exchange listing requirements or debt repayment or other debt covenant requirements. Perceived or real adverse effects of reporting poor financial results on significant pending transactions, such as business combinations or contract awards. c. Information available indicates that management’s or those charged with governance’s personal financial situation is threatened by the entity’s financial performance arising from the following: Significant financial interests in the entity. Significant portions of their compensation (for example, bonuses, stock options and earn-out arrangements) being contingent upon achieving aggressive targets for stock price, operating results, financial position or cash flow. Personal guarantees of debts of the entity d. There is excessive pressure on management or operating personnel to meet financial targets set up by those charged with governance or management, including sales or profitability incentive goals. Opportunities a. The nature of the industry or the entity’s operations provides opportunities to engage in fraudulent financial reporting that can arise from the following: Significant related-party transactions not in the ordinary course of business or with related entities not audited or audited by another firm Information not available A strong financial presence or ability to dominate a certain industry sector that allows the entity to dictate terms or conditions to suppliers or  customers that may result in inappropriate or non-arm’s-length transactions. None They were targeting customers where they haven’t done much business in the past, such as public facilities, movie theaters and other types of retail facilities. Assets, liabilities, revenues or expenses based on significant estimates that involve subjective judgments or uncertainties that are difficult to corroborate. No. The overall result is that as a percentage of net sales, their gross profit has gone from about 15% to about 16% or maybe a little more in 2012. Significant, unusual or highly complex transactions, especially those close to period-end that pose difficult â€Å"substance over form† questions. Information not available Significant operations located or conducted across international borders in jurisdictions where differing business environments and cultures exist. The information did not mention operations conducted across international borders. They may not consider conduct across international right now. Significant bank accounts or subsidiary or branch operations in tax-haven jurisdictions for which there appears to be no clear business justification. No. The company got a call from the bank saying they were over drawn in the main operational account Since ample amounts of money are held in the reserve account the bank authorized the checks they issued b. There is ineffective monitoring of management as a result of the following: Domination of management by a single person or small group (in a non-owner-managed business) without compensating controls. Larry and Gwen have worked together for about five years and have known each other for about eight years. They are familiar with each other. They may move from company to company together. Ineffective oversight over the financial reporting process and internal control by those charged with governance. The internal financial information not as detailed as normal. Thomas claims it is easier for the family members to concentrate on the big picture. c. There is a complex or unstable organizational structure, as evidenced by the following: Difficulty in determining the organization or individuals that  have controlling interest in the entity. No Overly complex organizational structure involving unusual legal entities or managerial lines of authority. No High turnover of senior management, counsel or board members. No. However, Gwen brought two accountants who worked for Gwen for about five years and they make everything flow smoothly. The bonuses are determined by senior management based on the individual sales representative’s increase in sales and a number of other factors such as teamwork and customer feedback. d. Internal control components are deficient as a result of the following: Inadequate monitoring of controls, including automated controls and controls over interim financial reporting (where external reporting is required). The internal financial information was not as detailed as normal. Thomas and new accountants have revised the internal financial information, they distribute to present operations at a much higher level with not so much detailed financial information High turnover rates or employment of ineffective accounting, internal audit, or information technology staff. The company focused more on internet sales. They also reduce some leased office space they had. Improvements in certain operating techniques that would reduce costs, such as electricity management. Ineffective accounting and information systems, including situations involving significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control. Not as detailed as normal. Thomas and new accountants have revised the internal financial information, they distribute to present operations at a much higher level with not so much detailed financial information. Thomas claims it is easier for the family members to concentrate on the big picture. In some respects it is true that very detailed financial information can lead to focusing on the little things rather than looking at the bigger picture. Attitudes/rationalizations Risk factors reflective of attitudes/rationalizations by those charged with governance, management or employees that allow them to engage in and/or justify fraudulent financial reporting may not be susceptible to observation by the auditor. Nevertheless, the auditor who becomes aware of the existence  of such information should consider it in identifying the risks of material misstatement arising from fraudulent financial reporting. For example, auditors may become aware of the following information that may indicate a risk factor: a. Ineffective communication, implementation, support or enforcement of the entity’s values or ethical standards by management or the communication of inappropriate values or ethical standards b. Non-financial management’s excessive participation in or preoccupation with the selection of accounting principles or the determination of significant estimates c. Known history of violations of securities laws or other laws and regulations, or claims against the entity, its senior management or board members alleging fraud or violations of laws and regulations d. Excessive interest by management in maintaining or increasing the entity’s stock price or earnings trend e. A practice by management of committing to analysts, creditors and other third parties to achieve aggressive or unrealistic forecasts f. Management failing to correct known significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control on a timely basis g. An interest by management in employing inappropriate means to minimize reported earnings for tax-motivated reasons h. Recurring attempts by management to justify marginal or inappropriate accounting on the basis of materiality i. The relationship between management and the current or predecessor auditor is strained, as exhibited by the following: a. Frequent disputes with the current or predecessor auditor on accounting, auditing or reporting matters b. Unreasonable demands on the auditor, such as unreasonable time constraints regarding the completion of the audit or the issuance of the  auditor’s report c. Formal or informal restrictions on the auditor that inappropriately limit access to people or information or the ability to communicate effectively with those charged with governance d. Domineering management behavior in dealing with the auditor, especially involving attempts to influence the scope of the auditor’s work or the selection or continuance of personnel assigned to or consulted on the audit engagement.