Behind closed doors: what company audit is really about

'The case studies give you more idea of how companies really work on the inside than a mile-high pile of management books ever could. They also show for the first time what the realities of audit politics, fee pressures, integrity and independence, and the myth of non-audit services affecting j...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Beattie, Vivien.
Group Author: Brandt, Richard.; Fearnley, Stella.
Published:
Literature type: Electronic Software eBook
Language: English
Subjects:
Online Access: http://www.palgraveconnect.com/doifinder/10.1057/9780230599413
Summary: 'The case studies give you more idea of how companies really work on the inside than a mile-high pile of management books ever could. They also show for the first time what the realities of audit politics, fee pressures, integrity and independence, and the myth of non-audit services affecting judgement, really are. Many people will have to change their views as a result of the findings.' - Robert Bruce, Accountancy Editor, The Times 'The individual case studies are fascinating reading. The book reminds us that good auditing and good financial reporting is in the hands of human beings in both audit firms and their client companies. The quality of auditing and financial reporting is thus subject to the normal human frailties and understanding this is one of the keys to ensuring high quality. The book makes some practical recommendations for improvement as well as highlighting areas for more research, including the impact of non-audit services on auditor independence - thankfully given a clean bill of health by this study.' - The Baroness Noakes, DBE, Immediate Past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales 'This book is a very convincing description of the heart of the audit process. The case studies bring into play the important influence of third parties, above all, the audit committee whose skill can so clearly make a difference to the company's report. I would recommend the book highly for reading by potential audit partners and by non-executive directors, particularly audit committee members. The case studies show that you don't have to be dealing with Maxwell for your mettle to be tested. This is a research book and, for the lay reader, the real value is obtained by reading the case studies. The detailed analysis that develops a grounded theory analysis of auditor-client interactions will be of more interest to academic researchers. - Ian Hay Davison, FCA and former chairman of the Cadbury-Schweppes Audit Committee '...the book presents a number of interesting stories about the interplay between auditors and clients as financial statements are about to be finalized. The book is likely to be of interest for both auditing students and academic scholars.' - International Journal of Accounting Winner of the Deloitte Foundation and American Accounting Association Wildman Medal 2007. For more information, see http://www.socialfunds.com/news/release.cgi/9306.html.
Item Description: Electronic book text.
Epublication based on: 9780333747841, 2001.
Carrier Form: 336 p.
ISBN: 9780333747841
9780230599413 :
0230599419 :
CLC: F275
Contents: PART I Introduction and Regulatory Framework The Auditor-Client Relationship Questionnaire Stage of Study PART II Introduction to the Case Studies 'In the Top Five of the Highest Risk Clients': Nick and Simon (NS plc) 'You Can't Eat an Elephant': Thomas and James (TJ plc) 'Paul's Job is Not to Win Friends, it's to Protect Our Shareholders, and That's My Job as Well': Michael and Paul (MP plc) 'Cushions and Pillows': Colin, Richard and Andrew (CRA plc) 'They Don't Challenge Me Enough': Robert and Charles (RC plc) 'They're Almost Part of the Management Team': Dennis and Alan (DA plc) PART III The Grounded Theory Process Cross-case Analysis and Theory Development Conclusions.