Auditing And Accounting: 2008

#65 Impairment Testing

Auditing & Accounting experts foreseen that impairment testing on intangible assets, fixed assets, investments, assets, etc has to be assessed crtically in a detailed basis in the coming year, subsequent to the credit crunch.

The recession has driven the stock prices down, the value of the intangible assets sank accordingly. The recession acts as a trigerring points for the impairment testing.

Hence, the auditors should highlight to the clients that the impairment testings have to be performed earlier ( rather than sometimes near the audit), as the impairment testings required a lot of times. Rigid assessment by auditors are required, given the fact that financial statements users will be using the financial statements more cautiously.

Work life balance in Big 4

Let's define what's big 4?

Big 4 was defined as 4 largest accounting firms in the accounting profession worldwide. The Big 4 consist of the following entities: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernst & Young and KPMG.

Auditors in Big 4, in general, have long working hours. Working till midnight and over the weekend is a norm in the industry. We've heard about the heavy work load, stressful life and long working hours of auditors who work in Big 4 audit firms. However, what are the factors cause the long working hours in Big 4?

It is due to the portfolio of the clients that Big 4 have. Majority of the listed companies would engage one of the Big 4 audit firms as their auditors. Having high volume of transactions and relatively more complicated business, listed company has tigther dateline to meet. As such, the audit team work on a listed company have to struggling between the dateline and the complexity of the transactions. This has resulted in the increase in hours required to spend.

Listed parent company would normally requires its oversea subsidiary to engage the same auditor as the parent company or at least a big 4 auditor. The Multinational Company located in oversea has tight reporting dateline too. Due to the fact that the parent might be a listed company in United States/ Europe, and subsidiary is required to report to the parent company on time, in order to meet the regulatory dateline.

The above analysis tell you why auditors in Big 4 needs to work so late.

Accounting Degree Benefits for Businesses and Firms

Now that you've finished your studies you are looking for accounting degree employment. Theoretically, you should not have too much trouble in this search. There are many unorganized businesses out there which could use a professional accountant. A certified public accountant does just that: keeps track of financial transactions and records in the business.

The majority of business owners ask themselves if they should hire an accountant or not. Having an unorganized business is not an option, because that would lead to bankruptcy. Of course there is also the possibility to use an accounting software, but not anyone can use that either. The best thing to do is to look for a person with an accounting degree.

The first obvious choice for a business owner would be to look for a professional in an accounting firm. This has the advantage that you can find accountants who are well trained and experienced. This is not mandatory though, and you can as well hire an accountant who works on his own. This should be your own decision based on what type of accounting job you need.

How can one become certified public accountant? In America, you need to meet a few requirements, as in most of the countries worldwide. Usually, you need about 150 accounting college hours. You will also have to pass an exam. But this is only if you want to become a certified public accountant.

If you, however, are at the other end of the deal, meaning a business owner, you have more than one option when hiring an accountant. You can do it as a long term arrangement, or, as some business owners do, with the only purpose of him paying the taxes. But why hire a professional accountant with the sole purpose of paying taxes?

The answer is simple. Accountants are the ones who know best how to increase business deductions and maximize profit. You could be familiar yourself with some of these procedures but accountants are those who know them all. In the end, it's your choice whether you permanently want to hire an accountant, hire one for short periods of time, or even learn accounting yourself.

If you decide that you want to hire an accountant make sure you check his qualifications. You can work with a local accountant or look for one in an accounting firm.

Whatever you decide, you have to make sure that the respective person has an accounting degree. And hiring a professional to keep your financial situations in order is a very wise thing to do. You need to have the correct tax returns if you want not to get in trouble with the law. After all, there are many professionals out there who are looking for accounting degree employment.

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Author: benjamin

How You Know an Accounting Career is for You

Choosing an accounting career is a great life move. Unlike many other industries, there is never a shortage of work in this industry. In fact, there can never be too many accountants in the world because every single corporation requires at least one, but often several and in particular, those with expertise in particular aspects of accounting. If you can improve your accounting skills over time then you will be richly rewarded for them.

Some of the benefits of being an accountant include:

- Constant work and little chance of losing your job - Plenty of opportunity for career advancement and pay rises - Many areas of expertise to choose from - Ongoing study options - Great salary - Ability to understand finance in detail which can benefit your own personal finances - Option to become self employed

Self Employed Accountant vs Employed Accountant

Accountants are fortunate in that they can either choose to work for themselves or work for someone else. In general, a self employed accountant will deal mainly with personal income tax and possibly corporate tax. They can also become auditors and other roles. In general, self employed accountants are limited in the work they can do unless they have extensive experience in a corporate environment before undertaking self employment.

The employed accountant on the other hand has many options and a great capacity to gain more skills and experience. It is not uncommon for accountants to be both employed and self employed at the same time, meaning income is increased. They key is to be able to balance the work load of both roles.

All accountants must become certified by undertaking an accounting degree at a university or college. Here you will learn all the skills required to be good at your job as well as life skills like communication and attention to detail. You can choose to focus on one aspect of accounting after you have been studying for some time. This could be tax accounting, auditing, corporate accounts, payroll and many more fields.

Anyone can become an accountant but it helps to have an interest in finance and numbers. Analytical skills are vital as is a high attention to detail, as mistakes in accounting can often cause major problems for companies. You can choose to work in the public or private sector, with there being benefits in both. Does a career in accounting sound interesting to you? Learn everything from the types of accounting careers to where to get accounting career training. It?s all available at http://www.careertoolkits.com/

#64 Introduction to Auditing

What is auditing? More specifically, what is financial auditing?

In big corporate entities ( Multinational- Companies, listed companies), small-to-meidum businesses, sole proprietor,etc, the entities are, required by law, to keep accounting records of the business on a timely basis. Hence, the entities hire accountants to keep the accounting records, that reflect the day-to-day business acitivities of the Company, as well as financial position of the Company.

The financial results are summarized and presented in what we called: Statutory Account ( Financial Statements/ Annual report for listed Company). How do we ensure that the financial results presented are accurate?

The auditors, independent party, are engaged to audit the financial results prepared by the entities. The auditors provide an independent check on the accounting policies, method of estimation, mathematical accuracy on the financial results presented.

The tasks are not as easy as other people would thought, as auditing involve a lot of professional judgement to ensure that the accounting policies adopted are not materially deviated from the local financial reporting standard.

In short, auditing provide and independent check on the financial results, and publish an opinion on the financial results of the entity: to give opinion on if the financial results are fairly stated.

#63 Impact of client's Key Performance Indicator on audit

During current credit crunch climate, auditors must be aware and gain an understanding of the management's Key Performance Indicator, as it represents the risky areas, where the management is likely to manipulate the results in order to meet the Key Performance Indicator.

Meeting a Key Performance Indicator means that the management might receive higher remunerations / incentive, and the jobs are highly secured with low risk of being retrenched.

#62 Deliveries without Billings

In construction industry and service industry (that involved installation service), there are instances that goods are delivered to customer, while billings have not been done. Can the Company, who delivered the goods, recognize revenue upon deliveries of the goods? Can the Company recognize revenue even if the installation services have not been done?

It depends on the term of the contract. In industry norm, the deliveries of goods to client’s location do not constitute a probable ground to recognize revenue.

Then, how should we record the goods delivered to client’s location?

The answer is: the items delivered are stocks in nature. As such, it should be recorded as part of the inventory recorded in the Company’s balance sheet.

#61- Stock Take Procedure 4

Proper segregation of duties must exist during stocktake.

As an auditor, we need to observe that the stock take team consist of:
1) Counter (Warehouse personnel)
2) Checker (Staffs from department other than warehouse department)

Warehouse personnels are the people who has direct access to the Company's stocks. Why should the warehouse personnel (counter) accompanied with a checker during stock take? This is to prevent potential fraud case and observe the normal inventory management procedures of the client. Warehouse personnel are the people who has day-to-day access to the warehouse. Assuming, they steal one and reported one stock lesser during stock take, nobody will not realize the fraud case, unless the inventory system capture the daily movement.

To illustrate with an example. Company XYZ does not has proper inventory system that keep track on goods in and goods issued. The Company will not know the exact quantity of the inventory item, until the physical stock take, which is done on a monthly basis. The employee could have just steal one item and without letting people realize.

Hence, stock take team must consist of at least one people from other department to check that the quantity counted and reported is as what have been counted physically.

Accounting as a Career - The Skills You Need in Order to Pursue Accounting as a Career

Are you good with numbers, have a keen interest in business management, meticulous, analytical and organized? Then, you might be one of the possible candidates pursuing accounting as a career in your near future. However, simply being good with numbers is not exactly the only requirement to succeed as an accountant.

So what are the other skills you need in order to pursue accounting as a career?

One of the common responses that most employers will look out for candidates applying for accounting as a career will be 'having a strong motivation and the right attitude for the job'.

Besides that, someone who is keen on taking on accounting as a career also need to take into consideration that interpersonal and team working skills are vital on the job. Both oral and written and communication skills are also rated as very important.

You will also need to show that you are able to learn new skills and be an analytical problem solver. The role of an accountant today has far progressed beyond the traditional and stereotypical image of accountants as 'bean-counters'. As such, pursuing accounting as a career will also mean that you have to update yourself in the technology surrounding the business management world.

Although having a high mathematical ability is a plus, however it is not critical that you are highly proficient in mathematical concepts such as trigonometry, calculus and such. It is fairly important to note that you have to be comfortable working with numbers if you decide to pursue accounting as a career.

Accounting as a career can prove to be one of the better career choices for youths to be adaptable to the volatile nature of business management. With a solid accounting background, you will encounter more opportunities to move your career forward in different directions.

Don't let yourself be stuck with a JOB that you hate! Find out how thousands of others like you have benefited from our amazing report on How to Prepare and Plan Your Career Change in Just 7 Days. Click here http://FindYourDreamCareer.info for our FREE Step-by-Step Checklist to better manage your career change now!

You can also find out more resourceful information and the latest news on Accounting as a Career by visiting our Career Guide website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Baron

Tips To Start Your Accounting Career

What are the best ways for you to get your accounting career started? When I started my career, I know I was a little intimidated by the process. However, once you know what you are doing and how to go about lining everything up, you can actually you're your accounting career up and running in no time.
The first step to getting your accounting career up and running is to make sure you have the proper education. In order to have an accounting career you will want to make sure you have some sort of accounting education. Check on line and you may be able to find a school or program that can help you with getting your degree. If, though, you already have your accounting degree, you are one step closer to getting your accounting career off the ground.
Once you have your education completed, the next step in getting an accounting career going is to figure out what you want to do, exactly. For instance, you can choose a corporate accounting career, you can work for individuals, or you could even work for a non-profit organization of some kind. In other words, before you get your accounting rolling you will need to figure out what exactly your accounting career is going to be.
Once you figure out what type of accounting career you want to get started, you can begin your search for a job. There are three good places to look for jobs that can get your accounting career off the ground: the internet, newspaper, and through a headhunter. Check online job sites to see what types of accounting jobs are available in your area. Finding an entry-level job can be just the boost you need to get your accounting career going.
Another way to find that local job is through one of the local newspapers. Check the classifieds in the paper under accounting. There you can find accounting career entry level jobs that may help you. You can also contact a headhunter in the area. A headhunter specializes in placing people in jobs for their clients. If you have the education required to get into an accounting career, a headhunter may be able to place you with one of his or her clients.
Getting any career off the ground is a little bit of a challenge for most anyone. You want to get your accounting career going, and that is something that can be done as long as you know how to go about it. First, make sure you have the education required of someone with an accounting career. Next, figure out exactly what type of accounting career you would like to have, whether it be corporate, private, or non-profit. Finally, it is time for you to get a job and get your accounting career rolling. If you want to build a career, get yourself started by following these simple tips and you will be going before you know it.

If you would like to view more of my articles on accounting jobs, please feel free to visit my accounting careers website!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Luck

#60 Implication of Internal Control- Impact of Credit Crunch on New Customers

In the current environment, where credit crunch impacts are prevailing, there are increasing credit risks of the Company. With the eagerness to obtain new customers, the strict credit risk assessments ( of new customers) should not be compromised.

The entity ( that are directly and severely affected by the credit crunch) should evaluate creditworthiness of new customers cautiously. Complete information needed to be obtained, for instance:
- Financial results of the Company
- Inquiries with market peers/ industrial person
- Shareholders' fund of the Company
- Reasons for purchasing from the entity

The entity can discuss with the new customer on the reason to purchase from them, as the supplies customer might have been discontinued from other supplies, due to credit risk concern.

Hence, a complete understanding and proper approval process need to be undertaken to prevent doubtful debt issue.

#59 Accounting treatment for bad debt provision

What would be the accounting entries while the collectibility receivable from a customer is deemed to be in doubt:

Dr. Bad Debt Expense (P/L)
Cr. Provision for Doubtful Debt (B/S)
Being provision for doubtful debt on receivable from XYZ

Provision for doubtful debt (B/S) relates to a contra account to Account Receivable. As such, the provision amount will be off-set against Account Receivable. Whereas, bad debt expense is generally classified as administrative expense in Profit & Loss statement.

Why Financial Accounting is Neither Simple Nor Precise

Financial accounting strives to answer two basic questions: how did the business do last year, and what did the business own and owe at the end of the year? The answers to these questions are summarized in two basic statements, the income statement and the balance sheet.

If you have even a passing knowledge of business and economics, answering these questions might not seem that difficult. In fact, determining a firm's economic performance and condition often is very difficult. Unfortunately, financial statements rarely are able to give completely definitive and precise answers to what seem to be simple economic questions. Why would this be so?

Accounting's measurement problems derive primarily from three factors. First, it is difficult to pin down exact criteria for measuring economic performance and economic condition. Second, accounting uses money as its fundamental measurement unit, and money's unit value is not stable over time. Third, accounting rule makers have to allow for the fact that business managers often are motivated to distort economic reality rather than reflect it accurately.

What is Economic Performance and Economic Condition?

In terms of economic performance, our simplest criterion for doing well surely involves looking at cash flows. A business does well if it brings in more cash than it spends and vice versa. But for all but the very simplest of businesses such a measurement approach can be very problematic. Negative cash flow is not necessarily equivalent to poor economic performance and vice versa. Because of these problems, accountants have had to develop a more abstract concept of economic profitability, which creates its own problems.

Accounting encounters even more difficulty in trying to pin down a firm's economic condition. To determine economic condition we want to find out about a firm's assets and their values. But there is more than one standard of value. Should accountants use current market values for assets owned or the original cost incurred to acquire them? Rarely are these values the same and there are advantages and disadvantages to both standards.

There also is legitimate controversy about what should be counted as assets on the balance sheet. For example, should the value of personnel or intangible assets, such as patents, trademarks and goodwill, be measured and included? If so, how do we measure their value?

Money: Accounting's Unstable Measurement Unit

In accounting the unit of measurement is money. Money is a medium of exchange that has value only to the extent that it can be traded for goods and services. But, money is not a stable unit of measurement, because its exchange value varies with time. What one dollar buys today in goods and services is almost never the same as what that same dollar purchased last year or will purchase two years from now.

The practical ramifications of this instability of money as a measuring unit are pervasive. If a company had net income last year of $100,000, was its economic performance the same as it was five years ago when its income statement also showed a $100,000 net income? Decidedly not, if the purchasing power of the dollar changed significantly in the intervening five years.

Questions about economic condition are also affected by the instability of money as a measurement unit. For example, consider two companies each with $800,000 of assets and $500,000 of liabilities. In the case of one company, all its debt must be repaid within one year, while the other company's debt does not have to be repaid for ten years. Are the economic conditions of the companies the same? Again, decidedly not, because the purchasing power of the dollar will change over the next ten years.

Accounting rule makers have struggled greatly with the questions of how and when these changes in the value of money should be reflected.

Measurement Error: Management's Motivation for Mendacity

Measurement error is unavoidable. But it would be nice if we could assume that almost everybody involved in the accounting measurement process was highly motivated to avoid errors. Sadly, this is not the case, because business managers often wish to avoid accurate measurements if such accuracy would lead to significant damage to their career and finances. Facing such ruin, managers will be strongly tempted to avoid fair and accurate measurements. Managers will seek to "cook the books".

There are two important ramifications for accounting stemming from this motivational bias. First, in order for financial reports to have any credibility at all, they have to be verified by independent auditors. This is an expensive and often imperfect process. Second, in formulating accounting rules, the rule makers have to carefully consider how any proposed measurement procedures might be subverted by managers intent on providing a skewed view of economic performance or condition. The practical consequence is that the accounting rules that might be most logical and simple are often not adopted because these rules also tend to be the easiest ones for managers to distort.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

About the Author

Michael Sack Elmaleh is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst. His book, "Financial Accounting: A Mercifully Brief Introduction", has received wide critical acclaim. He has nearly 30 years of accounting and 10 years of teaching experience.His web site is understand-accounting.net

#58 Inter-company Confirmation (cont'd)

If there are balances cannot be reconciled properly, while the difference are not material / not significant to the Financial Statement. The balance can be 'dumped' into trade receivable/ trade payable a/c balance. This is because, amount due from / amount due to inter-company should be nil at Group level Financial Statement.

Un-reconciled inter-company balance can result in inter-company balance not fully eliminated. In practice, the un-reconciled would be written off or classified as trade receivable/ payable (while the difference is not material) to the Group account.

#57 Fixed Asset Acquisition

What are the accounting entries for fixed asset acquisition:

Dr. Fixed Asset
Cr. Cash / Creditors
( Being fixed asset purchased)

What if the fixed asset acquisition is financed via Hire Purchase, what would be the entries then:

D. Fixed Asset
Cr. Creditors

Dr. Creditors
Cr. Hire Purchase Liability

#56 Inter-company confirmation

Intercompany confirmation have to be sent out to respective inter-company in order to confirm the outstanding balance due from/ due to inter-company. Discrepancies have to be reconciled immediately.

Discrepancies on inter-company balance could impact the Group figure during group consolidation. To illustrate, difference on inter-company balance on respective inter-company's book could resulted in inter-company balance not fully eliminated at Group level. If the discrepancies are significant, the Group account is likely to be eliminated.

Hence, it is important to ensure that inter-company balances are reconciled properly.

#55 Unrecorded Liabilities

Generally, unrecorded liabilities could be due to:

- Timing difference
- Management's intention do delay the recognition of liabilities
- Management not aware of the liabilities

Hence, a nencessary steps need to be taken to ensure the completeness of liabilities.

#54 Credit Crunch- Implication of Impairment on Machinery

The economy is slowing down and hit heavily by the current credit crunch crisis. What would be the implication on our auditing?

Based on the prevailing research and information, manufacturing sector is likely to be affected severely. For instance, there might be cancelled sales orders. This would leave some of the machines or fixed assets of the Company become idle. Utilisation rate of the machinery is likely to drop tremendously.

The lower utilisation rate has implication on impairment of machinery, given that some of the machineries will be idle and not involved in generating cash flow to the Company. Non-cash generating unit is an indication on impairment. Because, return on asset ( i.e. machinery) is almost nil in idle condition.

#53- General Provision on Doubtful Debt

In some instances, general provision for doubtful debt is provided for accoridng to the age of the outstanding debt. However, General provision for doubtful receivable is no longer allowed subsequent to the implementation of IAS 39.

IAS 39 states that:

“A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.”

As such, impairment loss should be recognized when, subsequent to the initial recognition of the receivable, an event has happened which causes the receivable to be impaired. General provision provided according to age of the outstanding is no longer allowed. A financial asset should be impaired if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment.

Choosing Your Dream Career

The path to finding the career of your dreams can sometimes feel so daunting. To make matters worse, it can seem that while you struggle to figure out just what it is you want to do, others have the good fortune of recognizing and living out their dreams everyday.

But rest assured that these people are by far in the minority. So if you're a part of the majority and are trying to figure out how to do what you absolutely love - or even figure out what you love - there are ways you can get this done. Let's look at ways you can move toward settling into your dream career ...

Look at What Sparks Your Interests

Okay, this is going to take a lot of nerve on your part, but if you want to find your dream career, you're going to have to go after what you like. Scary, right? You've spent so much of your life doing what others have wanted you to do that it's hard to believe that you are actually allowed to do what is interesting to you. But you are.

Think about it, there are people making a living playing their favorite instrument, dressing up in makeup and "clowning around" or going the traditional route of joining the ranks of Corporate America - and you can do it too. The main way for you to accomplish this goal is to take note of the projects you absolutely love then explore ways to turn that love into a tangible career.

Take Personality Tests

This may sound like an unorthodox route to take, but if you really want to tap into a career that suites you specifically, there are tests you can take to help you determine, based on your interests, what careers would be best suited for you. Two tests you can take online are the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and Ansir Self-Perception tests.

The Keirsey Temperament Sorter is the most widely-used personality test in the world. By looking at your temperament, communication and action characteristics, it helps you determine your organization, career, and personal development attributes. The Ansir Self-Perception test is another personality test that is widely used. It was created to help you identify your dominant strengths and innate potential so that you can quickly move toward what best suits your personality. Both of these tests work well to give you insight into aspects of your personality that you may not have been aware of. But most importantly, they help you correlate those personality traits with various career options, helping to make finding your dream career a little easier.

Try Temporary Work

A third way that you can make strides toward your dream career is by taking on temporary work. Whether you're linking up with the traditional temporary agency for clerical work, or one that focuses on specific professions, this is a great way to test the waters of different careers without having to commit permanently to any.

The more you're willing to get out there and search, the more likely you are to find what it is you really love. So don't be afraid to go after your dream job. You may find it to be the best decision you've ever made.

About the Author:
Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer who is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Need a resume service? Check out reviews of the top resume services in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

Explanation of T-account, Debit and Credit, and Double-entry Accounting System

All accountants know several terms that create basis for any accounting system. Such terms are T-account, debit and credit, and double-entry accounting system. Of course, these terms are studied by accounting students all over the world. However, any business person, whether an investment banker or a small business owner

, will benefit from knowing them as well. They are easy to grasp and will be helpful in most business situations. Let us take a closer look at these accounting terms.

T-Account

Accounting records about events and transactions are recorded in accounts. An account is an individual record of increases and decreases in a specific asset, liability, or owner’s equity item. Look at accounts as a place for recording numbers related to a certain item or class of transactions. Examples of accounts may be Cash, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, Accounts Payable, Accrued Payroll, Sales, Rent Expenses and so on.

An account consists of three parts:

- title of the account

- left side (known as debit)

- right side (known as credit)

Because the alignment of these parts of an account resembles the letter T, it is referred to as a T account. You could draw T accounts on a piece of paper and use it to maintain your accounting records. However, nowadays, instead of having to draw T accounts, accountants use accounting software (i.e., QuickBooks, Microsoft Accounting, Peachtree, JD Edwards, Oracle, and SAP, among others).

Debit, Credit and Account Balance

In account, the term debit means left side, and credit means right side. These are abbreviated as Dr for debit and Cr for credit. Debit and credit indicate on which side of a T account numbers will be recorded.

An account balance is the difference between the debit and credit amounts. For some types of accounts debit means an increase in the account balance, while for others debit means a decrease in the account balance. See below for a list of accounts and what a debit to such account means:

Asset – Increase
Contra Assets – Decrease
Liability – Decrease
Equity – Decrease
Contribution Capital – Decrease
Revenue – Decrease
Expenses – Increase
Distributions – Increase

Credits to the above account types will mean an opposite result.

Double-entry Accounting System

A double-entry accounting system requires that any amount entered into the accounting records is shown at least on two different accounts. For example, when a customer pays cash for your product, an account would show the cash received in the Cash account (as a debit) and in the Sales account (as a credit). All debit amounts equal all credit amounts provided the double-entry accounting was properly followed.

Having a double-entry accounting system has benefits over regular, one-sided systems. One of such benefits is that the double-entry system helps identify recording errors. As I mentioned, if one amount is entered only once in error, then debits and credits won’t balance and the accountant will know that one or more entries were not posted fully. Note, however, that this check will help spot errors, but will not identify all cases of errors. For example, equal debits and credits will not identify an error when an amount was posted twice, but was posted to wrong accounts. Keep this in mind when analyzing causes of errors in accounting records.

About the Author:

Igor Voytsekhivskyy is a CPA and CIA working in public accounting. He maintains a website SimpleStudies.com devoted to helping people learn accounting online for free.

How To Applicants Master Degree In Accounting

Applicants with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree

in business administration with a concentration in accounting are increasingly valued. Strayer's online masters degrees are in education, business administration, public administration, health services administration, professional accounting, communications technology, and management information systems. Some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in accounting, or with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

A master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting is most desirable among employers. A master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting is highly desirable among employers. Many employers prefer those with a masters degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Some employers prefer hiring individuals with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Stark received a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1959 and a master's degree in administration in 1966, both from K-State. Some employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in accounting, or with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

The Master of Accounting degree program is a general program of study that exposes students to accounting research and theory. The program assumes a reasonable institutional background in accounting, equivalent to an undergraduate or master's degree in accounting. The Professional Program in Accounting is designed to fulfill these requirements and allow the simultaneous granting of a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. With a master's degree from URI's accounting program, your professional opportunities are unlimited. The Master's degree program includes studies in corporate accounting, corporate taxation, and accounting information systems. program, must be completed prior to being awarded a Master of Accounting degree. The master of tax accounting (M.T.A.) degree program is a multidimensional approach to the education of the modern tax specialist. A Link Program, available in the summer prior to beginning the master's degree, provides the requisite accounting background.

You must inform the hiring agency of this experience or possession of master's degree in accounting at time of interview. Some employers prefer hiring individuals with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. You must inform the hiring agency of this experience or possession of master's degree in Accounting at time of interview. Strayer's online masters degrees are in education, business administration, public administration, health services administration, professional accounting, communications technology, and management information systems.

This conversion master's programme aims to provide business degree holders with an intensive education in accounting and accounting-related knowledge and skills. The master of tax accounting (M.T.A.) degree program is a multidimensional approach to the education of the modern tax specialist. The master of tax accounting (M.T.A.) degree is designed for students who are interested in careers in taxation. Hall, Ph.D., the new master's degree will combine technical training in accounting with a focus on research, taxation, finance, communication and business ethics. The Master's degree program includes studies in corporate accounting, corporate taxation, and accounting information systems.

The program assumes a reasonable institutional background in accounting, equivalent to an undergraduate or master's degree in accounting. A Link Program, available in the summer prior to beginning the master's degree, provides the requisite accounting background. Cannot be taken for credit for the master of accounting degree. Cannot be taken for credit to apply to the master of accounting degree. Get an accredited high school diploma, accounting, master, or bachelor degree. Candidates with an honours degree in accounting or the Graduate Diploma in Accounting proceed directly into the second year of the master's degree. The Master of Accounting program admits students with undergraduate business degrees or the equivalent from accredited schools.

While you can work in accounting without a graduate degree, many find that it makes good sense to invest in a master's degree. The Master of Accounting degree program is a general program of study that exposes students to accounting research and theory. As a result, many schools have been forced to limit enrollment to their Masters of Accounting degree programs. A master's degree in Accounting or Chemistry, or closely related fields, and three years teaching experience and/or related work experience is preferred. Stark received a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1959 and a master's degree in administration in 1966, both from K-State. program, must be completed prior to being awarded a Master of Accounting degree. Open only to master's degree students in Accounting, MBA students, or approval of the department.

However, employers looking to fill entry level positions requiring an advanced degree often hire master in accounting graduates over MBA's. She is currently working on her master's degree in accounting. However, competition for jobs with prestigious accounting firms will remain keen; a master's degree in accounting should be an asset. in accounting and the Master of Professional Accountancy degree upon completion of the course of study. Annual awards are given to outstanding Accounting graduates at both the bachelor's and master's degree level. http://www.accounting-master-degree.com/

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#52 Tax Refund

What are the accounting entries for tax refund?

Dr. Cash
Cr. Provision for Taxation (B/S)
Being recognition of tax refund receipt

Dr. Provision for Taxation
Cr. Taxation Expense (P/L)
Being recognition of tax refund in Profit & Loss statement (upon finalization of YA)

As noted above, a tax refund is offset against the taxation recorded in P/L ( as evident from crediting taxation). Be noted that, a tax refund is potential indicating that the tax computation is at its final stage ( more or less finalized). Hence, any excess provision with respect to the particular Year of Assessment should be re-assessed / reversed out accordingly.

Hedge Fund Accounting Software

Disclaimer: this is not an advertorial thread

We came across a very powerful hedge fund accounting software, whereby all the computations are computed automatically, including analysis report, graph, charts, internal reporting purpose. The advanced technology avaialable in the market has resulted in the substantial change in the role of accountant, espeically fund accountant.

Hedge fund is a high-end area, where sophisticated accounting software have been developed to make the accounting process easier and faster. Imagine this: by inputing the details (e.g. share price), the reports, charts, entries are automatically generated.

However, a hedge accounting software should not disable a fund accountant ability to understand the concept, the journal entries, the accounting framework, and the relevant accounting standard, espeically IAS 39.

#51- Bank Reconciliation

Is bank reconciliation prepared by an account executive considered a control in the financial preparation process?

The answer to this question is very ambiguous. As there are risk that Account Executive set aside one balancing figure, in order to tally the total reconciling items. Hence, preparation of bank reconcilition itself does not form part of the control. However, if there are a superior review the bank reconciliation prepared, the above-mentioned risks can be mitigated.

Hence, reviewing bank reconciliation is considered a control.

# Auditing Tools

Someone ask me a question over the tea-break:

" What are the common software used by auditors?"

No doubts, the answer is spreadsheet ( e.g. Microsoft Excel) and text documents ( e.g. Microsoft Words). Thanks to the fabulous spreadsheet function contructed by the programmers. If not, I can't imagine the time you need to spend when you need to cast more than 100 balances.

To illustrate further, some of the audit firms have developed their own auditing software, which was used for their audit engagements. Everything was properly linked up (e.g. associate risk to an account assertion) in the software application. In our opinion, the software helps to develop and strengthen the auditing concept if efforts have been spent on understand the audit concept.

For instance, Ernst & Young has developed its auditing & assurance tools, GAMx for its audit engagement, as described in Ernst & Young Website

http://www.ey.com/global/content.nsf/International/Assurance_-_Tools_and_Resources

#50- Search for Unrecorded Liabilities (Post 2)

A search for unrecorded liabilites is to check for the completeness of the information disclosed by management / balances disclosed on the management account. However, the work is always the trickiest and toughest. A substantial amount of informations are required to fulfill the audit's satisfactory level.

How can we ensure completeness of contingent liabilities?

- Inquire with management on the status of the on-going project, analyzed the circumstances and identify potential commitments and contingencies which might have been made by managment, but not disclosed.

- Sending bank confirmation to obtain external evidence on potential bills payable, letter of credit, etc.

- Examine all the agreements of the Company to identify potential liabilities, such as: corporate guarantee given to bank for guarantee over subsidiaries' loan.

- Examine minutes & resolutions to identify on-going activities which might require commitments and contingencies

#49- Impairment on Property

We received the following query from our reader:

".. other than an independent valuation, what other alternative method can we use to test for impairment on property.."

Before we proceed to answer the following question, let's assume that the property above relates to building, land or any other commercial related building employed by the Company in the course of doing ordinary busines..

To answer your question, if the property is involved in the ordinary course of business ( e.g. shophouse where a business do its trading), then the alternative method includes:
1) Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
2) Profitability forecast for the next 5 years
3) Obtained market price of the similar property in the area nearby

To elaborate on point 1 and 2 above, if the business is able to generate sufficient cash flow and be in profit position. The auditor can conclude that there is no indcation of impairment on the property. As the asset employed is sufficient to sustain the business operations of the Company, and hence no impairment.

Besides that, the auditor could obtained the last transation price of the similar property in nearby area to compare the market price to book value of the property, in order to assess the existence of indication of impairment.

Announcement: Launching of SME Blog

Announcement:

Dear Auditing & Accounting Blog readers, we would like to, formally, announce the launching of our sister's blog:

Small and Medium Enterprises Blog @ the following URL:

http://mysme.blogspot.com

After countering numerous Small and Medium Enterprises, and meeting with all the SME' market leader, we would like to share our expertise in discussing contermporary issues facing SMEs in the global market. SMEs play a vital role in contributing the business growth of the global, and it should not be ignored. Hence, the SME blog is launched to share our expertise in SME.

Please visit the blog and leave some comment to us at: mysmeblog@gmail.com

Thanks.

Sex in Auditing & Accounting Industry

Let's make a guess on which is the majority sex group ( male / female) in auditing industry?

From an overall perspective, the majority of sex group tends to be female. This is consistent with the circumstances of more females are studying accounting degree.

However, examination of sex group at executive level ( in the auditing / accounting industry) reveals that the % of male start increasing. Probably, due to family commitments/ hectic working style, the female decided to left the industry.

Singapore Job Market

After enjoying years of economy europhia, the financial market collapse of Lehman Brother, Merrill Lynch and Bear Sterns are spilled-over and affecting the current Singapore job market.

The labour supply is definitedly more than the labour demand, and the job market turn to be extermely competitive. Some of the foreign banks are retrenching their staffs, and resulted in the increase number of people in labour supply pool.

Hence, it is extremely not easy to land a job immediately. Will accountant job be affected ? Definitely. There are accoutants in the bank too. If they got retrenched from the bank, they might join the commercial line.

# Auditor Joke

#1
What do you call an accountant without a functional spreadsheet?
Lost

#2
What would Economics be without assumptions?
Accounting.

Work Places For Accountants

Public Accounting Firms: Public Accountants work in partnerships which provide accounting services to individuals, businesses and governments. The largest, high-profile public accounting firms are known as the Bix Six and dominate the field of accounting. This field offers advancement potential to audit manager, tax manager or partner reached by only two to three percent of new hires.
Government: Government accountants may work at the local/state level or the federal level and administer and formulate budgets, track costs and analyze programs. This work can have high impact on the public good but can also get political and is subject to bureaucratic obstruction. Government accounting offers advancement in most organizations to controller and possibly to higher administrative positions. Places which hire heavily at the federal level include the Department of Defense, the General Accounting Office and the Internal Revenue Service.
Corporations: Corporations big and small typically have an accounting group which prepares financial statements, tracks costs, handles tax issues, works on international transactions. The work is exciting and offers tracks to audit manager, tax manager, cost accounting manager and controller on the accounting side or to manager of financial planning and analysis and Treasurer on the finance side.
Solo: A time-honored form of employment is to become a CPA and hang out your own shingle. This form of work requires you to generate your own business, but has the benefits of offering close customer contact, a high degree of independence and, depending on how good you are, high financial rewards. This work can be risky but puts you in the midst of community affairs.

Job Options in Accounting Career

Audit: Work in audit involves checking accounting ledgers and financial statements within corporations and government. This work is becoming increasingly computerized and can rely on sophisticated random sampling methods. Audit is the bread and butter work of accounting. This work can involve significant travel and allows you to really understand how money is being made in the company that you are analyzing. It's great background!
Budget Analysis: Budget analysts are responsible for developing and managing an organizations financial plans. There are plentiful jobs in this area in government and private industry. Besides quantitative skills many budget analyst jobs require good people skills because of negotiations involved in the work.
Financial: Financial accountants prepare financial statements based on general ledgers and participate in important financial decisions involvingmergers & acquisitionsitions, benefits/ERISA planning and long-term financial projections. The work can be varied over time. One day you may be running spreadsheets. The next day you may be visiting a customer or supplier to set up a new account and discuss business. This work requires a good understanding of both accounting and finance.
Management Accounting: Management accountants work in companies and participate in decisions about capital budgeting and line of business analysis. Major functions include cost analysis, analysis of new contracts and participation in efforts to control expenses efficiently. This work often involves the analysis of the structure of organizations. Is responsibility to spend money in a company at the right level of our organization? Are goals and objectives to control costs being communicated effectively? Historically, many management accountants have been derided as "bean counters". This mentality has undergone major change as managemnet accountants now often work side by side with marketing and finance to develop new business.
Tax: Tax accountants prepare corporate and personal income tax statements and formulate tax strategies involving issues such as financial choice, how to best treat a merger or acquisition, deferral of taxes, when to expense items and the like. This work requires a thorough understanding of economics and the tax code. Increasingly, large corporations are looking for persons with both an accounting and a legal background in tax. A person, for example, with a JD and an CPA would be especially desirable to many firms.

Key Areas for Accounting Careers

Audit: Audit is at the core of accounting work. Accounting auditing careers involve checking accounting ledgers and financial statements within businesses, public and not-for-profit organizations. Being increasingly computerized, this work can rely on random sampling methods. This provides a solid foundation to future specialist work, as it really enables you to understand how an organization makes money.
Budget Analysis: A budget analyst develops and manages an organization’s financial plans. Many jobs exist in government and private industry. You’ll require strong quantitative skills for this work, along with good people skills, because you’ll be involved in negotiations.
Financial: Financial accountants draw information from the general ledgers to prepare financial statements. They also take part in the business’s important financial decisions involving mergers and acquisitions, employee benefits planning and long-term financial projections. This work can very from week to week, so needs a combined understanding of accounting and finance.
Management Accounting: Management accountants work in companies and contribute to decisions about capital budgeting and business analysis. Major activities include cost analysis, contracts analysis, and participation in efforts to control expenses. Management accountants are now major contributors to business decisions, working alongside marketing and financial managers to develop new business.
Tax: Tax accountants prepare corporate and personal income tax statements. They also prepare strategies for deferring taxes, when to expense items, how to approach a merger or acquisition, etc. You need to have a thorough understanding of economics and the tax code. Many large firms now also look for legal knowledge.

#48- Internal Control of Small Companies

The Accounting & Auditing blog found an interesting findings on small companies' internal control on the website. Plz follow the link from CFO.com:
http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/12202253?f=home_featured
( Note: pasting the link in this blog is not intended to infringe the copyright of CFO.com, but to share the knowledge with the blog' reader)
Small companies always struggling in the designation and implementation of internal controls due to:
- high cost involving in initiating internal control
- high monitoring and implementation costs
- time-consuming
- insufficient personnel
- unfavorable cost vs benefit analysis
The benefits brought from implementing internal control by the small companies is always lesser than the costs. And yet, internal control is considered the foundation and fundamental for future organic growth.

#47- Arms Length Transactions

Let's illustrate transfer pricing issue among 2 inter-company within the same Group.
Company A is incorporated in British Virgin Island and is not subject to tax.
Company B, which is Company A's subsidiary incorporated in USA, and is subjected to USA corporate tax.

Company B is making profit this financial year, and has a taxable profit of US$100million subjected to USA corporate tax. Company A might illegally 'transfer' the taxable profit of Company B to Company A, who is residing as a tax heaven, where no tax is payable on profits earned. To illustrate, Company A might charge Company B a lump sum of 'management fees', 'IT support fees' 'royalty fees', etc and resulted in the decrease in Company B' taxable profit.

Hence, while performing audit, we need to be aware of the nature of the inter-company transactions, and to test that the transactions are within arms length (it often requires expert to perform arms length test). This is to counter strike the transfer pricing issues mentioned above.

#46- Disadvantage of Hedge Accounting

Implementation of hedge accounting is aimed to reduce the earning volatility of the Company and to comply with the matching of the principle. However, there are some disadvantages in associated with Hedge Accounting:
- the hedge relationship has to be highly effective in order to qualify for hedge accounting
- high monitoring costs incurred from closely and constant moniotoring
- high documentation costs ( substantive documentations are required to support the hedge)
These factors are discouraging the Company from adopting hedge accounting.

#45- Timing of accruing expenses

We got the following query from the reader:

" ...Could you please tell me when the accrued expenses should be accounted for in system (AP)? is it at the beginning of each month? and once accounted should it be reversed immdiately after entering the corresponding expense for the accrual or should it be done in one go at the end of each month"

Before answering the question, we need to find out the nature of accruals, which is:
- to account for service received but billing not received from suppliers
- to account for expenses incurred ( e.g. montly provision for bonus)

Hence, practially, accruing for expenses should be done at the end of each month while doing month end closing. Yes, the amount should be reversed out immediately upon receiving the billing / payout the expenses. To illustrate with the following example:
Company XYZ has received repair & maintenance services from a service provider. The service amount has been agreed at US$500. However, at the end of the month, no billing has been received and the following entry have to be passed:
Dr. Repair Expenses
Cr. Accrued Expenses

Upon receiving the billing from service provider, the following entry should be passed to reverse the accruals:
Dr. Accrued Expenses
Cr. Trade Creditors

#44 Lower of Cost or Net Realizable Value

We received an email from our blog reader with respect to the valuation of inventory.

Should inventory be valued at

(I) Lower of cost or Net Realizable Value
or
(II) Lower of cost and Net Realizable Value

What is your answer then ? (I) or (II)?

Let's explain the question by using a sample, assuming Mobile phone distributor bought 10 pcs of iPhone at USD $ 150, and the selling price per pcs are USD $ 200. Should the inventory valued at USD $ 150 per pcs or USD $ 200 per pcs?

Before answering the questions, let's find out the meaning of 'Net Realizable Value'. 'Net Relizable Value' represents the amount 'realized'/ 'received' in an open market upon selling the goods. Hence, it is the selling price of the goods.

In this case, note (II) appears to be in conflict, as we can't valued the cost at USD $150 AND USD $ 200 at the same time. However, we should valued the iPhone at lower of cost or net realizable value, which is USD $ 150 per pcs.

#43- Trade Creditors confirmation

We received a questions from our blog reader with respect to the trade creditors' confirmation, as the following:

"... I realised one of my client have many creditors. And most balances are very healthy with 0 balance at year end. Their transactions is quite material ranging from RM300,000 to RM500,000 mostly. Do I need to send confirmations to these 0 balances too or just pick randomly. Thanks lots! :).."

The purpose of sending trade creditors confirmation is to obtain external evidence that the risk of liabilities not recorded are minimal. Although all the trade creditors might appear to be material, some of the balances might be made up of one single transactions and the volume of trading might be low.

Hence, to answer your queries, trade creditors confirmation should be sent to 'Major' trade creditors, with whom the Company has high volume of transactions. Amount might be immaterial as at the balance sheet date, due to recent repayment before year end. However, the risk of liabilities not recorded are usually associated with trade creditors, with whom the Company has high volume of transactions.

Besides, you could rely on statement of accounts forwarded from suppliers as an external evidence.

A Career in Accounting: Tips on How You Can be Successful

In any type of businesses, an accountant is needed. You have to consider that accounting is basically the language in business and having enough knowledge about accountancy is essential for businessmen and women to know how their business is doing. This is why accounting professionals are very much in demand today. And, a lot of certified accountants have become quite successful in their field and some have even started their own business.

The great thing about this career is that it will enable you to interact with all levels of business and you will also learn a lot from it.

So, just what does it take to become an accountant and follow this career?

First of all, you need to know about the eligibility in becoming an accountant.

You need to be a graduate in a 4 year bachelor's degree in accountancy or any related field. Aside from this, an accountant should be able to have good analytical and technical expertise in business systems. Good mathematical aptitude is also a must-have for accountants. And, because computers are now one of the most used medium in computing, you should also have knowledge and the operating skills of a computer.

Another requirement is that you will need a bachelor's degree with a minor in another subject. This should be taken from an accredited college or university in order for you to apply for Master's in accounting.

You can also pursue this career if you had your course in accounting over distance learning programs or through the internet.

Also, you will need an accreditation or license of certain organization, such as being a CPA should have a license by the STA or the State Board of Accountancy.

Most companies also require that you should complete a number of semester hours as well as work hours, which are considered for a 4-year bachelor's degree. If you become a public accountant, you will be taken as a trainee. You will usually start your career as a junior internal auditor or as cost accountant.

It is recommended that you should have a master's degree in business administration or an MBA because it is preferred by more companies who are looking for accountants as part of their employees

The great thing about pursuing accountancy as a career is that it presents a lot of career opportunities. For example, you can get a job as auditors or accountants in government offices or in private companies even if you do not have any license.

During the course of your career, you can even get promoted to a position, such as the chief financial officer position which presents a lot more great opportunities for your career.

You can also work in the legal office. You can work as an auditor, a financial officer, a budget analyst, a management accountant, and even as a tax accountant. Most companies that are looking for tax accountants will prefer accountants with legal background.

Forensic accounting is another promising career for accountants. Here, you will investigate crimes, such as fraud in company's finances.

If you have a knack for teaching, you can teach a subject related to accountancy in college. This is a great career option and many accountants feel that this job is really fulfilling.

Just remember that in this profession, you have to start slow. If you are just beginning a career as an accountant, try to start as a trainee and work your way up to the career path that you want to take.

Accounting or accountancy career is a very promising career that presents a lot of great opportunities. You can be sure that you will find the right career that you want if you take this type of career.

Accounting

Are you very much interested in accounting? Well, if you are, you should take up accounting education. By doing so, you will gain systematic knowledge about the different practices and skills involved in accountancy and business.

What is the meaning of accounting? It is defined as the art of systematic recording and analyzing of financial business transactions. The history of acounting dates back many years ago. Accounting is already an essential part of modern education. Every nation needs accounting because it is the key to economic development.

If you want to pursue an accounting course, you should first choose a university or college. There are local universities and colleges that you can enroll in for an accounting course. If you prefer attending college abroad, you may do so. But make sure that you choose the university or college wisely. You also have to determine where you will stay when you’re already there; you can either stay at the dormitory or you can rent an apartment. Expenses are a great consideration as well.

Accounting has four general areas, namely – public, government, internal auditing, and management accounting. If you choose an accounting course, you will learn how to prepare and organize financial reports that include collation or calculation of a range of figures, analyses, tax, and even projections.

Traditionally, the study of accounting focused mainly in the technical skills. The traditional methods in the study of accounting include teaching the basic principles and concepts of accounting. The present accounting practices haven’t adapted yet to the various changes in business, regulatory environment, and economics. There are now modern methodologies used in accounting education. These methodologies are based mainly on accounting communication, decision-making, ethics, analytical skills, and the internal auditing principles.

Educational programs in accounting have the same objectives and one is to teach the students about the various accounting principles. Aside from that, the students will also learn to develop their skills through various accounting practices. Professional accountants today have greatly benefited from modern accounting education. Accounting education also functions as an effective management tool for business executives.

The educational components of an accounting education are specialized accounting, general accounting, and professional accounting. These days, accounting students can also take advantage of doctoral programs and other continuing educational programs.

Is accounting education right for you? Before you finally enroll in an accounting course, you have to be very sure that you like business matters. You see, accounting is more on business matters and mathematical computations. It also involves a lot of analyzing tasks.

Once you’ve decided that an accounting course if the best for you, find a university or college now; you can either go to college abroad or you can attend school locally. Every step involves making decisions. So make sure that you make the best decisions because your future lies with it.

Once you start your accounting classes, you have to study all your lessons and know them by heart. This is the only way to become a successful professional someday. And of course, you need to pass all your exams so that you will soon hold your diploma.

There are many career opportunities for accounting graduates. Again, if you think that an accounting course is the best for you, enroll now. Study hard and master the principles and concepts of accounting. Only by then can you say that you’re an effective and efficient accountant.