Final Project
Final Project
They provide internal audit services of financial statements that are the review of
the financial statements of a company, whether or not those financial statements
are relevant, accurate, complete, and fairly presented. The goal is to determine
whether these statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP’s.
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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Finance is one of the most primary requisites of a business and the modern
management obviously depends largely on the efficient management of the
finance.
Financial statements are prepared primarily for decision making. They play a
dominant role in setting the frame work of managerial decisions. The finance
manager has to adhere to the five R’s with regard to money. This right quantity of
money for liquidity consideration of the right quality, whether owned or borrowed
funds at the right time to preserve solvency from the right sources and at the right
cost of capital.
The term, audit of financial statements is the review of the financial statements of a
company, whether or not those financial statements are relevant, accurate,
complete, and fairly presented.
The main purpose of audit of financial statements is to ascertain the validity and
reliability of the statements. Effective recording of financial transactions, deterring
and investigating fraud, safeguarding assets, whether statements are free from
material error and compliance with laws and regulations with the goal of
highlighting organizational problems and recommending solutions.
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NEED FOR THE STUDY
1. To analyze the different approaches used by a company to identify
inefficiencies, in order to evaluate the ways to overcome such issues in the
future financial statements.
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LITERATURE REVIEW
AUDIT IN ACCOUNTING
Audits are performed to ascertain the validity and reliability of information; also to
provide an assessment of a system's internal control. Audit seeks to provide only
reasonable assurance that the statements are free from material error.
The term ‘audit may be used to describe not only work done by accountants in
examining financial reports but also work done in reviewing (a) compliance with
applicable laws and regulations, (b) efficiency and economy of operations, and (c)
effectiveness in achieving program results.
INTERNAL AUDIT
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It is the process of reviewing business activities to identify inefficiencies, reduce
costs and achieve organizational objectives. Internal audits may investigate
potential theft or fraud and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and
policies. They also assist in risk management.
Internal auditors of internal control are employed by the organization they audit.
Internal auditors perform various audit procedures, primarily related to procedures
over the effectiveness of the company's internal controls over financial reporting.
The scope of internal auditing within an organization is broad and may involve
topics such as the efficacy of operations, the reliability of financial reporting,
deterring and investigating fraud, safeguarding assets, and compliance with laws
and regulations.
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Management is responsible for internal control. Managers establish policies and
processes to help the organization achieve these objectives. Internal auditors
perform audits to evaluate whether the policies and processes are designed and
operating effectively and provide recommendations for improvement.
Internal auditors may help companies establish and maintain Risk Management
processes and help identify emerging risks.
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THE INTERNAL AUDIT PROCESS: -
2. Describe the key risks facing the business activities within the scope of the
audit.
3. Identify control procedures used to ensure each key risk and transaction type
is properly controlled and monitored.
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INTERNAL AUDIT REPORTS
Internal auditors typically issue reports at the end of each audit that summarize
their findings, recommendations, and any responses or action plans to the
management and owners. Each audit finding within the body of the report may
contain five elements, sometimes called the "5 C's":
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AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
It determines (a) whether financial operations are properly conducted, (b) whether
the financial reports are presented fairly, and (c) whether the entity has complied
with applicable laws and regulations.
The audit is designed to reduce the possibility that a material misstatement is not
detected by audit procedures. A misstatement is defined as false or missing
information, whether caused by fraud or error. "Material" is very broadly defined
as being large enough or important enough to cause stakeholders to alter their
decisions.
Financial statement:
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For a business enterprise, all the relevant financial information, presented in a
structured manner and in a form easy to understand, are called the financial
statements.
For large corporations, these statements are often complex and may include an
extensive set of notes to the financial statements and management discussion and
analysis. The notes typically describe each item on the balance sheet, income
statement and cash flow statement in further detail. Notes to financial statements
are considered an integral part of the financial statements.
1. Balance sheet:
The difference between the assets and the liabilities is known as equity or the net
assets or the net worth or capital of the company and according to the accounting
equation, net worth must equal assets minus liabilities.
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Another way to look at the same equation is that assets equal liabilities plus
owner's equity. Looking at the equation in this way shows how assets were
financed: either by borrowing money (liability) or by using the owner's money
(owner's equity). Balance sheets are usually presented with assets in one section
and liabilities and net worth in the other section with the two sections "balancing.
2. Income statement:
Income statement, also referred as profit and loss statement (P&L), earnings
statement, operating statement or statement of operations, is a company's financial
statement that indicates how the revenue (money received from the sale of
products and services before expenses are taken out)is transformed into the net
income (the result after all revenues and expenses have been accounted for). It
displays the revenues recognized for a specific period, and the cost and expenses
charged against these revenues, including write-offs (e.g., depreciation and
amortization of various assets) and taxes. The purpose of the income statement is
to show managers and investors whether the company made or lost money during
the period being reported.
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Therefore, the statement of retained earnings uses information from the income
statement and provides information to the balance sheet. Retained earnings are part
of the balance sheet(another basic financial statement) under "stockholders equity,"
and is mostly affected by net income earned during a period of time by the
company less any dividends paid to the company's owners / stockholders. The
retained earnings account on the balance sheet is said to represent an
"accumulation of earnings" since net profits and losses are added/subtracted from
the account from period to period.
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Purpose of financial statements:-
Different countries have developed their own accounting principles over time,
making international comparisons of companies difficult. To ensure uniformity and
comparability between financial statements prepared by different companies, a set
of guidelines and rules are used. Commonly referred to as Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP), these set of guidelines provide the basis in the
preparation of financial statements.
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FINANCIAL RATIOS
Values used in calculating financial ratios are taken from the balance sheet, income
statement, statement of cash flows or (sometimes) the statement of retained
earnings. These comprise the firm's "accounting statements" or financial
statements. The statements' data is based on the accounting method and accounting
standards used by the organization.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF ANALYSING RATIOS IN AUDIT
Ratio analysis is a powerful tool of financial analysis useful for measuring the
performance of an organization. Ratio analysis is a process of comparison of one
accounting variable against the other, which makes a ratio to make proper analysis
about the strengths and weaknesses of the operations of an enterprise.
With the help of ratio analysis conclusion can be drawn regarding several aspects
such as financial health, profitability and operational efficiency of the undertaking.
Ratio points out the operating efficiency of the firm i.e. whether the management
has utilized the firm’s assets correctly, to increase the investor’s wealth. It ensures
a fair return to its owners and secures optimum utilization of firm’s assets.
The information given in the basic financial statements serves no useful Purpose
unless it s interrupted and analyzed in some comparable terms. The ratio analysis is
one of the tools in the hands of those who want to know something more from the
financial statements in the simplified manner.
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Ratio analysis facilitates the management to know whether the firm’s financial
position is improving or deteriorating or is constant over the years by setting a
trend with the help of ratios The analysis with the help of ratio analysis can know
the direction of the trend of strategic ratio may help the management in the task of
planning, forecasting and controlling.
Accounting ratios provide a reliable data, which can be compared, studied and
analyzed. These ratios provide sound footing for future prospectus. The ratios can
also serve as a basis for preparing budgeting future line of action.
Liquidity position:
With help of ratio analysis conclusions can be drawn regarding the Liquidity
position of a firm. The liquidity position of a firm would be satisfactory if it is able
to meet its current obligation when they become due. The ability to met short term
liabilities is reflected in the liquidity ratio of a firm.
Ratio analysis is equally for assessing the long term financial ability of the Firm.
The long term solvency is measured by the leverage or capital structure and
profitability ratio which shows the earning power and operating efficiency,
Solvency ratio shows relationship between total liability and total assets.
Operating efficiency:
Yet another dimension of usefulness or ratio analysis, relevant from the View point
of management is that it throws light on the degree efficiency in the various
activity ratios measures this kind of operational efficiency.
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CLASSIFICATION OF RATIOS:
Financial ratios quantify many aspects of a business and are an integral part of
financial statement analysis. Financial ratios are categorized according to the
financial aspect of the business which the ratio measures. Different ratios are used
for different purpose these ratios can be grouped into various classes according to
the financial activity. Ratios are classified into four broad categories:-
1. Liquidity Ratio
2. Leverage Ratio
3. Profitability Ratio
4. Activity Ratio
1. Liquidity Ratio: Liquidity ratio measures the firm’s ability to meet its
current obligations i.e. ability to pay its obligations and when they become
due. Commonly used ratios are:
Current ratio:
Current ratio is the ratio, which express relationship between current asset and
current liabilities. Current asset are those which can be converted into cash within
a short period of time, normally not exceeding one year. The current liabilities
which are short- term maturing to be met.
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Current Assets
Current Ratio =
Current liabilities
Quick asset
Quick liabilities
Debt -equity ratio which expresses the relationship between debt and
equity. This ratio explains how far owned funds are sufficient to pay outside
liabilities. It is calculated by following formula:
Net worth
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3. Profitability ratio: Profitability ratio are the best indicators of overall
efficiency of the business concern, because they compare return of value
over and above the value put into business with sales or service carried on
by the firm with the help of assets employed. Profitability ratio can be
determined on the basis of:
Sales
Investment
The gross profit to sales ratio establishes relationship between gross profit and
sales to measure the relative operating efficiency of the firm to reflect pricing
policy.
Gross Profit
Net Sales
The net margin indicates the management’s ability to earn sufficient profit on sales
to earn sufficient profit on sales not only to cover all revenue operating expenses of
the business, the cost of borrowed funds and the cost of goods or servicing, but
also to have sufficient margin to pay reasonable comparison to shareholders on
their contributions to the firm.
Net Sales
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2. Profitability ratios related to investments of capital employed:
The profitability ratio here measures the relationship between net profit and the
total capital employed/ investment.
Capital employed
Average stock
This ratio shows how quick debtors are converted into cash.
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Total sales
Debtors
Days in a year
Debtor’s turnover
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
THE RESEARCH PROCESS
1.Define the Research
Objectives
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The research process involves the six steps:
2. To find the difference between external and internal audit and their relation.
6. To find out the most common issues or errors occurring while auditing the
financial statements of small scale industries and the ways to solve them.
DATA SOURCES
RESEARCH APPROACHES
RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
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The instrument used for the collection of Primary Data was through
Questionnaires. The questionnaire was carefully developed and tested before
administering on a large scale. The questionnaire consisted of 6 questions. The
questions were formed choosing an appropriate form, wording and sequence.
These questions are all open-ended questions.
SAMPLING PLAN
After deciding the Research Approach and Instrument, the Sampling Plan was
designed. While designing a Sampling Plan following decisions were made:
1. Sampling Size:
The Research target sample was the chartered accountants in the Jain & Vaidya
Associates. The Research was conducted on 4 chartered accountants, mainly the
two partners of the company, Mr. Lalit P. Jain and Mr. Vaidya. The two
assistant chartered accountants: Mr. Bhushan and Mr. Vishal working for the
company.
CONTACT METHODS
Once the sampling plan was determined, it was decided that the respondents be
contacted by an arranged personal interview, because it is the most versatile
method. Where we can ask more questions and make observations of the
respondents.
The questionnaire was filled and collected in few hours. After collecting the
questionnaire it was immediately checked so that no questions were left
incomplete.
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STEP 4: ANALYZE THE INFORMATION
The next step in the process was to analyze the findings from the collected data.
The last step was to present the findings that are relevant to the major decisions
facing management.
Mr. Lalit P. Jain : ‘Internal auditing bridges the gap between the company’s
financial statements and the standards set i.e. GAAP, assesses the ethical climate
and the effectiveness and efficiency of transactions, and serves as an organization’s
safety for compliance with rules, regulations, and overall best business practices’.
Mr. Vaidya: A dedicated and effective internal audit activity assists the
management in fulfilling their responsibilities by bringing a systematic disciplined
approach to assessing the effectiveness of the design and execution of the system
of internal controls and risk management processes.
Mr. Lalit P. Jain: Accounting standards vary from country to country. In India the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has formed Accounting
Standards Board (ASB) in 1977, upon which the responsibility was set to develop
accounting standards to be issued and revised in the country from time to time.
They developed GAAP which refers to Generally Accepted Accounting
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Principles. There are total 32 accounting standards. These are guidelines or set of
rules for financial accounting and reporting, encompassing conventions, traditions
and procedures followed in accounting industry. ASB also provides explanation
and guidance on issues arising from standards.
Mr. Lalit P. Jain: ERM deals with risks and opportunities affecting the creation or
preservation of organizational value. Management has the primary responsibility
for identifying and managing risk and for implementing ERM in a structured,
consistent, and coordinated approach.
Q. 5. How do internal and external auditors differ and how should they
relate?
Mr. Lalit P. Jain: Internal auditors are integral to the organization and provide
ongoing monitoring and assessment of all activities. On the contrary, external
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auditors are independent of the organization, and provide an annual opinion on the
financial statements. The work of the internal and external auditors should be
coordinated for optimal effectiveness and efficiency.
Mr. Bhushan: Internal and external auditors have mutual interests regarding the
effectiveness of internal financial controls. Both professions adhere to codes of
ethics and professional standards set by the professional associations. There are,
however, major differences with regard to their relationships to the organization,
and to their scope of work and objectives.
The internal auditors focus on future events as a result of their continuous review
and evaluation of controls and processes. They also are concerned with the
prevention of fraud in any form.
Q. 6. What are the most common issues or errors occurring while auditing the
financial statements of small scale industries and the ways to solve them?
Mr. Vishal: There are many such issues, but the most common issues or errors are:
2. Ledgers scrutiny: Comparing and matching the sales figures with the
debtors and purchase figures with the creditors in order to tally the closing
balance.
3. Vat audit: VAT (Value added tax) is a sales tax levied on the sale of goods
and services. We have to check whether 12.5% VAT on Sales is being paid
to the government.
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4. Sales return: Most of the times there is return of sales due to defective or
damaged goods. To set off the return goods amount we make credit note on
the debtors A/c.
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Profit & loss A/c (09-10)
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Balance sheet (08-09)
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Balance sheet (09-10)
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PRINCIPAL RATIOS:
2008-09 2009-10
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COMMENTS ON RATIO ANALYSIS
1. The current ratio is increased from 0.66:1 to 1.03:1. Its shows efficiency in
order to meet the standard ratio and indicates stronger financial position. The
standard ratio should be 2:1 but now a day’s even 1.33:1 is considered.
2. The quick ratio is increased from 0.15:1 to 0.94:1. The standard ratio should
be 1:1. It shows efficiency and stronger financial position.
4. Gross profit ratio has increased from 16.26% to 19.03%. It indicates the
efficiency of production and operations.
5. Net profit ratio has increased from 3.41% to 15.09%. It indicates the overall
efficiency of the business.
7. Debt collection period has increased from 7.24 days to 207.08 days. It
indicates the company’s inefficiency in recovery of debts from debtors.
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CONCLUSION
1. The conduct of internal audit of financial statements helps the organization
prepare financial statements in compliance with the rules and regulations set
by the ICAI.
2. Internal audit helps to identify the errors in the financial statements and
applies different approaches to solve them.
3. It helps to eliminate the inefficiencies in the financial statements in order to
get an adequate financial report.
4. It also helps the organization to identify the emerging risks key risks
involved in its future events and recommends solutions to manage the risks.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Name of the book: Financial management
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WEBLIOGRAPHY
www.google.co.in
www.wikipedia.com
www.icai.com
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APPENDIX
UNIVERSITY 100 MARKS PROJECT QUESTIONNAIRE
MMS 2009-2011
Q. 4. What is Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and what role in it does internal
auditing play?
Q. 5. How do internal and external auditors differ and how should they relate?
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Q. 6. What are the most common issues or errors which come across in Auditing of
small scale industries and the ways to solve them?
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