Category: Accounting

Week 5 – Discussion 1
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read
Chapters 14 and 15 in the course textbook.
The auditors may decide to confirm accounts payable on an
audit engagement. Address the following in your discussion post:
·        
Describe the audit
circumstances in which the auditors are likely to decide to confirm accounts
payable.
·        
Describe the types of
accounts payable the auditors are likely to select for confirmation.
·        
Describe why auditors
are concerned with the completeness of accounts payable.
·        
Describe three ways in
which the auditors establish the completeness of accounts payable.
In the audit of interest-bearing debt, auditors identify
audit objectives and then determine appropriate audit procedures. Address the
following in your discussion post, as well:
·        
List the audit
objectives for substantive tests of interest-bearing debt.
·        
List seven substantive
tests for interest-bearing debt to help the auditors meet the audit objectives.
Write: Make sure your response is more than
200 words and that you include an in-text citation or a brief quote from the
reading material where appropriate. You may find the Writing Center’s APA: Citing Within Your
PaperLinks to an external site. resource helpful in citing your
sources.
Week 5 – Discussion 2
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read
Chapters 14 and 15 in the course textbook.
To establish effective internal control over a
corporation’s stock transactions, the corporation should utilize the services
of an independent registrar and transfer agent. Address the following in your
discussion post:
·        
Describe the functions
performed by the stock registrar.
·        
Describe the functions
performed by the transfer agent.
·        
Describe the information
typically requested by the auditors in a confirmation sent to the registrar.
Write: Make sure your response is more than
200 words and that you include an in-text citation or a brief quote from the
reading material where appropriate. You may find the Writing Center’s APA: Citing Within Your
PaperLinks to an external site. resource helpful in citing your
sources.

Week 4 – Discussion 1
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read
Chapters 12 and 13 in the course textbook.
Observation of a client’s inventory is a mandatory audit
procedure. Address the following in your discussion post:
·        
What part should the
auditors play in planning the physical inventory?
·        
Describe the procedures
performed by the auditors during their observation of a client’s physical
inventory.
·        
Why do the auditors
document their inventory test counts in their working papers?
·        
Why are the auditors
concerned with detecting damaged and obsolete goods?
·        
How do the auditors test
for damaged goods in the client’s inventory?
·        
How do the auditors test
for obsolete goods in the client’s inventory?
Write: Make sure your response addressing the
following questions is more than 200 words and that you include an in-text
citation or a brief quote from the reading material where appropriate. You may
find the Writing Center’s APA: Citing Within Your
PaperLinks to an external site. resource helpful in citing your
sources.
Week 4 – Discussion 2
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read
Chapters 12 and 13 in the course textbook.
Plant and equipment are not as inherently risky as are
other assets, such as inventories and accounts receivable. However, a company
should still endeavor to maintain effective internal control over plant and
equipment.
Address the following in your discussion post:
·        
Describe the principal
purpose of internal controls relating to plant and equipment.
·        
List and describe four
major controls applicable to plant and equipment.
·        
Describe two ways that
the auditors obtain evidence that there are no significant amounts of
unrecorded retirements of property (land).
·        
Describe three ways that
the auditors obtain evidence that there are no significant amounts of
unrecorded retirements of equipment.
Write: Make sure your response addressing the
following questions is more than 200 words and that you include an in-text
citation or a brief quote from the reading material where appropriate. You may
find the Writing Center’s APA: Citing Within Your
PaperLinks to an external site. resource helpful in citing your
sources.

Locate and read through Form 8867, Paid Preparer’s Due Diligence Checklist, found in the Supporting Materials section. You will be asked to specifically address items on the form and to expand on the expectations of the tax preparer in meeting the due diligence requirements outlined in Form 8867.
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Introduction
Describe the requirements of tax practitioners relating to due diligence in 1–2 paragraphs.
Knowledge Requirement
Explain how a tax practitioner can satisfy the knowledge requirement discussed on Form 8867.
Document Retention Record Keeping Requirement
Describe the type of documentation relied upon to complete Form 8867 and any accompany worksheets relating to applicable tax credits or HOH filing status.
Inquiry Level – Reasonable Inquiries
Explain the types of inquiries that should be made to complete Form 8867 with proper due diligence.
Consider discussing the credit-specific (and filing status-specific) questions noted on Form 8867.
Consequences
Explain the potential consequences of not meeting due diligence requirements.
Discuss any monetary or nonmonetary consequences.
Conclusion
Discuss the importance of Form 8867 and due diligence required of tax practitioner in 1–2 paragraphs.
What to Submit
Submit your short paper as a 3- to 5-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Use the Module Three Assignment Template. Sources should be cited according to APA style.
Resources
https://www.eitc.irs.gov/tax-preparer-toolkit/preparer-due-diligence/what-is-form-8867/what-is-form-8867
https://www.eitc.irs.gov/
https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/office-of-professional-responsibility-and-circular-230

For this assignment you will be investigating the changes in several tax credits, forms, and schedules over time. (The form or schedule number will remain constant, but the form or schedule title may change based on changes to tax credits and what is required to be reported.) In your research you will be comparing these forms from different tax years to find any significant changes. Evaluating tax credits and supplemental forms requires an ability to search proficiently.
Compare Tax Credits and Corresponding Forms
Please follow this process for each of the forms and schedules required in this assignment:
Follow the example provided for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in the Project One Milestone One template.
Pull up the form you are investigating from both the current and previous tax years (for instance, 2021 and 2020).
Search for any IRS publications that discuss changes in this tax credit.
Note any changes mentioned in the publication that impact the current year or may impact future years. It takes attention to detail to uncover these changes.
Compare the current tax year with the prior tax year.
Research the forms required for the respective tax years using the search terms below in the Supporting Materials section.
Complete the table for each type of tax credit.
Add a list of documentation and citations to the template provided.
This is the process a paid professional tax preparer uses each year as part of due diligence. As a professional tax preparer you will be responsible for knowing and applying changes from year to year. Consider what needs to be reviewed every tax year for each tax credit category. Check other qualifications or requirements for the credit. Consider how things might change in the future that impact tax planning.
Hint: Changes in requirement and parameter may include the following areas: amount of credit, income thresholds, qualified dependents, and/or filing status.
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Form 8863 Education Tax Credit – American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Specify changes past, present, and future if applicable to this form.
Example of when this AOTC tax credit may apply using professional terms to describe client’s scenario
Changes to the form from year A to year B
Changes to areas to consider from year to year
Possible new developments and why they may occur
Form 8863 Education Tax Credit – Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC): Specify changes past, present, and future if applicable to this form.
Example of when this LLC tax credit may apply using professional terms to describe client’s scenario
Changes to the form from year A to year B
Changes to areas to consider from year to year
Possible new developments and why they may occur
Schedule 8812 Child Tax Credit: Specify changes past, present future if applicable to this form.
Example of when this child tax credit may apply using professional terms to describe client’s scenario
Changes to the form from year A to year B
Changes to areas to consider from year to year
Possible new developments and why they may occur
Schedule 8812 Other Dependent Credit: Specify changes past, present future if applicable to this form.
Example of when this other dependent credit may apply using professional terms to describe client’s scenario
Changes to the form from year A to year B
Changes to areas to consider from year to year
Possible new developments and why they may occur
Form 2441 Child and Dependent Care Credit: Specify changes past, present future if applicable to this form.
Example of when this Child and Dependent Care Credit may apply using professional terms to describe client’s scenario
Changes to the form from year A to year B
Changes to areas to consider from year to year
Possible new developments and why they may occur
Identify applicable documentation for each of the tax credit categories.
Document retention is part of form 8867 for due diligence
Different types of forms or documents depend on the type of tax credit
What to Submit
Submit a completed Project One Milestone One template. Sources should be cited and linked according to APA style.
forms and documents 
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8863.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8863#:~:text=Use%20Form%208863%20to%20figure,Learning%20Credit%2C%20which%20is%20nonrefundable.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s8.pdf
https://www.usa.gov/child-disaster-tax
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2441.pdf

i will attach the questions that need to be answered if you have any questons please reach out to me 

The Vice President of Finance called you into a meeting to discuss the overall vision and future of your company. He states that he has always admired International Business Machines (IBM) since he studied the company in college. The VP has not followed the company as of late and would like you to prepare an update as to how IBM is doing over last three years and the top line outlook for next year. The VP would like you to use similar techniques that you have used in writing your previous reports.
INSTRUCTIONSUsing the financial statements of International Business Machines Corporation:
Prepare an income statement vertical and horizontal analysis of International Business Machines Corporation using three years of data. Use Mergent Online (https://www.mergentonline.com/basicsearch.php)to download income statement to Excel.
Be sure to search for International Business Machines Corp, and choose the United States entity.FAQ for accessing and downloading income statements
Using the line item descriptions from the income statement, create a new tab and identify which expenses (costs) are likely fixed, variable, product, and period costs.
Using Mergent Online, in a new tab create a ratio analysis report showing International Business Machines Corporation and its largest 4 competitors based on total revenue
Download the following ratios and peer average into Excel. Format and arrange the data in a professional manner:
Current Ratio
Gross Margin
Inventory % of TA
Inventory Turnover
Debt/Equity Ratio
Net Current Assets % TA
Net PPE % TA
Net Profit Margin %
Operating Margin %
R + D % TR
ROA %
ROE %
ROI %
Selling and General Admin % TR
Total Asset Turnover
Note: Not all of the above ratios are available in Mergent Online, some will require your calculations.
4.Using the historical income statement data, in a new tab prepare a sales (revenue) forecast for the upcoming year including your assumptions, calculations, and rationale.
5.Using the SEC.gov website, find articles on of International Business Machines Corporation and comment in a Word document on any recent accounting standards or ethical considerations that affect the company.

Topic 1:
Last week, we learned about revenue recognition. We have also explored the process for how FASB Standards are set. Using the FASB Codification (ASC) as your source (there is a link and password in Getting Started), review the standard on revenue recognition. Discuss how you would apply this standard to the income statement of your current, past, or future job and if you think these rules need any revisions. Be sure to cite your source, you can use ASC xxx-xx-xx-x.
Topic 2:
Using the FASB Codification as your reference, describe the benefits and weaknesses of requiring estimates for bad debts. As part of your explanation, also discuss alternative methods for accounting for bad debts. Are they appropriate? Why or why not? Is one preferred over the other? Discuss any ethical considerations.

Assignment details attached.
Format also attached. Note that this assignment should be completed in IRAC format.
Issue Statement, Rule statement, Analysis Statement and Conclusion Example attached.

Corporate valuation and performance reports provide key metrics for determining shareholder value. An analysis of cash flow and income statements reveals important information related to valuation and performance. In this learning activity, you explain the areas or indicators found in the income and cash flow statements that are most important for determining corporate valuation and performance.
Instructions
Provide a 1-page explanation of the areas or indicators in the income and cash flow statements that are most important for determining corporate valuation and performance. Provide specific examples.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all support. Check with your professor for any additional instructio

Part 1:
Submission Format: You will submit a report to demonstrate how financial accounting should be done and the functions of it.
Vocational scenario:
Organisation
Multiple organizations are presented in the assignment brief.
Role
You are the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer of a company and your team is responsible for the preparation of financial statements. 
Assignment activity and guidance:
You have been invited to make a report to a management board. In your report, your aim is to explain to the board of the value of financial & management accounting and the accounting techniques in informing decisions, maximising performance and helping to ensure long-term sustainable growth.
Your report will cover:
1. 1 Examining the purpose and scope of accounting in complex operating environments.
1. 2 Critically evaluating the role of accounting in informing decision making, as well as meeting stakeholder and societal needs & expectations.
1. 3 Assessing the accounting function within the organisation in the context of regulatory and ethical constraints.
Part 2:
Submission Format: You are the Accounting Manager of Happyland Company, a trading company, will prepare a report enclosing the 2023 annual financial statements.
Transferable skills and competencies developed:
– Managing financial data
Written communication using a range of media
Effective communication of relevant information across the organisation and to appropriate stakeholders
Application of accounting principles, conventions and standards and is able to deliver high-quality, accurate data and information in a timely fashion.
Assignment activity and guidance:
The following balances are taken from books of Happyland Co. Ltd. at the end of the first year trading on 31 December 2023.
Debit Credit
$ $
Sales 85,000
Purchases 43000
Wages and salaries 5200
Repairs and maintenance 2300
Heating and lighting 500
General expenses 1000
Insurance 1200
Cash at bank 7200
Cash in hand 8900
Trade receivables 900
Trade payables 5600
Premises 13000
Fixtures and fittings 9800
Motor vehicles 10000
Capital at 1 January 2020 20400
Drawings   8000
111000 111000
** There is $16,000 inventory by the end of the year.
Prepare the financial statements of Happyland Co. Ltd. for the first trading year, i.e. 
1) a profit and loss statement (income statement) and 
2) balance sheet (statement of financial position, based on the information from above 
trial balance.
Recommended Resources
Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your research – the list is not definitive
Textbooks & Accounting Standards
Atrill, P. and McLaney, E. (2021) Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists.
12th Ed. Harlow: Pearson
International Accounting Standards, IASB
Part 3:
Submission Format: You, as the Accounting Manager of the ABC Company, need to provide analysis of company performances based on financial statements. 
Assignment activity and guidance:
Calculate and present the following financial ratios using the financial reports of ABC and XYZ Co. Ltd. (refer to page 11) for the years 2023. Round all answers to 2 decimal places.
Gross Profit Margin
Return on Equity
Net Profit Margin
Debt-to-Equity
Quick Ratio
Compare the performance of ABC and XYZ Co. Ltd. using the financial ratios.
Discuss the limitations of using financial ratios as performance measures.
Recommended Resources
Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your research – the list is not definitive.
Textbooks & Accounting Standards
Atrill, P. and McLaney, E. (2021) Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists.
12th Ed. Harlow: Pearson
International Accounting Standards, IASB
Part 4:
Submission Format: As the Management Accounting Manager of the Topgun Company, you are required to submit a cash budget for the first six months (Jan – Jun) 2024.
Assignment activity and guidance:
The following sales figures are for the months of November 2023 to June 2024. The figures from January 2024 onward are estimated:
$
Actual sales:
November 2023 24000
December 2023 36000
Forecast sales:
January 2024 42000
February 2024 54000
March 2024 60000
April 2024 60000
May 2024 57600
June 2024 57600
50% of the sales are normally paid for in the month in which they occur and the customers are rewarded with a 10% cash discount. The remaining sales are paid for net in the month following the sale.
Goods are sold at a mark-up of 20% on the goods purchased one month before sale. Half of the purchases are paid for in the month of purchase and a 5% prompt settlement discount is received. 
The remainder is paid in full in the following month.Rent of $8,000 per month are paid in the month in which they are earned. 
It is expected that the rent will be increased by 10% from 1 April 2024.The company has to repay a bank loan of $10,000 in March 2024.
The half-yearly interest on $200000, 10% debentures of $1 each is due to be paid on 5 February 2024.
The ordinary dividend of $25,000 for the year 2023 will be paid in March 2024.The bank balance at 31 December 2023 is $52,000.
Questions:
Prepare a cash budget for the four months ending 30 April 2024. Give your answers to the nearest dollar ($).
Discuss the benefits and limitations of budgets and budgetary planning, and control for Topgun Co. Ltd. Evaluate the extent to which using budgets can help to identify problems and corrective actions.
Justify budgetary control solutions and their impact on organisational decision making to ensure efficient and effective deployment of resources.