Previously, we discussed about the objective of IAS 36- Impairment of Assets and all other related topics. We will proceed further on the accounting entries of impairment. Generally, upon recognition of impairment, the following entries should be passed:
Dr. Impairment Loss (Profit & Loss)
Cr. Provision for Dimunition in Value (Balance Sheet)
Provision for Dimunition in Value is a contra account to the existing asset account. For instance, the contra account of Stocks, in this case, is Provision for Stocks Obsolescence. The Provision for Dimunition in Value has properly disclosed the impact of impairment on the existing asset, that could be useful to financial statement users.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Singapore Fraud Cases- Fibrechem and Oriental Century
2 Singapore-listed China entities are reported to be involved in fraud scandals recently, namely: Fibrechem Technologies and Oriental Century.
Fibrechem Technologies' auditor, Ernst & Young Singapore have encountered difficulties in the firm final audit of ascertaining the Cash and Trade Debtor balance of the Group. Fibrechem Technologies is a China-based entity involved in producing chemical fibres and synthetic leather.
Whereas, Oriental Century's auditor, KPMG face a similar problem in ensuring the existence of cash and trade debtor balance. Oriental Century is a china-based education company, in which Raffles Education (SGX-listed education Group)holds 29.9% stake with cost of investment amounted to S$34.6mil. In worst case scenario, Raffles Education might have to write- off its investment in Oriental Century if Oriental Centruy could not operate on a going concern basis.
Similarly, in previously reported Satyam Fraud Case in India, Satyam's founder and CEO has mis-appropriated its cash balance in its balance sheet. How could the auditors being mis-led ?
Fibrechem Technologies' auditor, Ernst & Young Singapore have encountered difficulties in the firm final audit of ascertaining the Cash and Trade Debtor balance of the Group. Fibrechem Technologies is a China-based entity involved in producing chemical fibres and synthetic leather.
Whereas, Oriental Century's auditor, KPMG face a similar problem in ensuring the existence of cash and trade debtor balance. Oriental Century is a china-based education company, in which Raffles Education (SGX-listed education Group)holds 29.9% stake with cost of investment amounted to S$34.6mil. In worst case scenario, Raffles Education might have to write- off its investment in Oriental Century if Oriental Centruy could not operate on a going concern basis.
Similarly, in previously reported Satyam Fraud Case in India, Satyam's founder and CEO has mis-appropriated its cash balance in its balance sheet. How could the auditors being mis-led ?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
#73- Downgrading of Credit Rating
Media giant, Eastman Kodak Co. has recently received a downgrade on its credit rating to "B-" from "B". The downgrade was due to the company's high rate of cash consumption and concern that the cash balance will quickly be utilised. The outlooks are unfavorable for Eastman Kodak Co.
A credit rating defines the financial strength of borrowers and help inventor to determine the likelihood of repayment of bonds, etc. The credit rating is always used as a reference by the princaipal banker of the Company being rated.
The downgrading of credit rating has an direct impact on the Company's interest expense. The lower the rating, the higher the interest rate. As such, as the Company's auditors, we should always beware of the credit rating position of the Company we are auditing and form expecation and the interest expense of the Company.
A credit rating is also One OF THE TOOLS to evaluate the financial position (i.e. strength ) of the Company, and assist in forming going concern assumption for the Company.
A credit rating defines the financial strength of borrowers and help inventor to determine the likelihood of repayment of bonds, etc. The credit rating is always used as a reference by the princaipal banker of the Company being rated.
The downgrading of credit rating has an direct impact on the Company's interest expense. The lower the rating, the higher the interest rate. As such, as the Company's auditors, we should always beware of the credit rating position of the Company we are auditing and form expecation and the interest expense of the Company.
A credit rating is also One OF THE TOOLS to evaluate the financial position (i.e. strength ) of the Company, and assist in forming going concern assumption for the Company.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
#72 Debtors Turnover Analaysis
In auditing debtor balance, auditor will perform some analysis of the debtors turnover of the audit client, and compared the result to prior year to identify unusual fluctuations.
Debtors Turnover (day) is computed as below:
Average Debtor Balance / Sales x 365 days = Debtor Turnover (day)
Debtors turnover ratio indicates the velocity of debt collection of a firm. In simple words it indicates the number of times average debtors (receivable) are turned over during a year.
We will expecting a deteriorating debtor turnover (day) in this gloomy economy environment. To illustrate with an example, a customer of our audit client would take longer period to repay its outstanding balance due on time, and herein increase the number of day the receivable stays in the debtors balance.
Customers are squeezing their creditors by pro-longed their repayment period. Our audit client may, in another leg, delay the repayment to its (audit client's) suppliers.
A economy efficient would have been created, as the delaying in repayment has direct impact on the ultimate's suppliers decision on resource allocation. In afraid of selling items to doubtful customers, the ultimate suppliers might have cancel/ stop the supplies to our audit client.
As such, working capital need to be analyzed by auditor to identify unusual circumstances that might occur.
Debtors Turnover (day) is computed as below:
Average Debtor Balance / Sales x 365 days = Debtor Turnover (day)
Debtors turnover ratio indicates the velocity of debt collection of a firm. In simple words it indicates the number of times average debtors (receivable) are turned over during a year.
We will expecting a deteriorating debtor turnover (day) in this gloomy economy environment. To illustrate with an example, a customer of our audit client would take longer period to repay its outstanding balance due on time, and herein increase the number of day the receivable stays in the debtors balance.
Customers are squeezing their creditors by pro-longed their repayment period. Our audit client may, in another leg, delay the repayment to its (audit client's) suppliers.
A economy efficient would have been created, as the delaying in repayment has direct impact on the ultimate's suppliers decision on resource allocation. In afraid of selling items to doubtful customers, the ultimate suppliers might have cancel/ stop the supplies to our audit client.
As such, working capital need to be analyzed by auditor to identify unusual circumstances that might occur.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Small Business Accounting - Prepayment
In practice, small business made one lump sum prepayment or downpayment for purchases or services accross a certain period. For instance, the business may entered into insurance contract to insure its asset for a period of 12 months.
From accounting perspective, the amount prepaid should be expensed over the period of servie covered. To illustrate, the 12-month insurance premium paid should be expensed off over a period of 12 months. What would be the accounting treatment then?
Assuming Company XYZ entered into insurance contract to insure its inventory. Total insurance premium paid is US$12,000.
Upon payment of insurance, the Company passed the following entries:
Dr. Prepayment (B/S- Asset)12,000
Cr. Cash 12,000
(Being prepayment to insurer for insurance contract)
At month end, the following entry will be passed to recognise the insurance expense
Dr. Insurance expense (P/L)1,000 (12,000/ 12)
Cr. Prepayment 1,000
(Being utilisation of monthly insurance expense)
At the end of 12 months, the prepayment accounted will be fully utilised.
From accounting perspective, the amount prepaid should be expensed over the period of servie covered. To illustrate, the 12-month insurance premium paid should be expensed off over a period of 12 months. What would be the accounting treatment then?
Assuming Company XYZ entered into insurance contract to insure its inventory. Total insurance premium paid is US$12,000.
Upon payment of insurance, the Company passed the following entries:
Dr. Prepayment (B/S- Asset)12,000
Cr. Cash 12,000
(Being prepayment to insurer for insurance contract)
At month end, the following entry will be passed to recognise the insurance expense
Dr. Insurance expense (P/L)1,000 (12,000/ 12)
Cr. Prepayment 1,000
(Being utilisation of monthly insurance expense)
At the end of 12 months, the prepayment accounted will be fully utilised.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Ernst & Young Australia sacked nearly 100 staffs
The Big 4 accounting firms, once considered resilient to global economy slow down and credit crunch, have started to laid off its staffs. Apparently, it's not only the bankers are affected, but also the auditors/ consultants.
It's reported that Ersnt & Young Australia has sacked nearly 100 staffs recently.
Just yesterday, Treasuer of Australia Wayne Swan reported that Australia economy fell in to a recession trap, as evidenced by GDP shrank by 0.5 percent in 4th Quarter 2008. The economy is contracting for the first time in 8 years.
What about other Big 4 ( namely: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, KPMG, Deloitte & Touche)? Are they retrenching ?
Please feel free to comment on the blog, or drop us an email at myauditing@gmail.com.
It's reported that Ersnt & Young Australia has sacked nearly 100 staffs recently.
Just yesterday, Treasuer of Australia Wayne Swan reported that Australia economy fell in to a recession trap, as evidenced by GDP shrank by 0.5 percent in 4th Quarter 2008. The economy is contracting for the first time in 8 years.
What about other Big 4 ( namely: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, KPMG, Deloitte & Touche)? Are they retrenching ?
Please feel free to comment on the blog, or drop us an email at myauditing@gmail.com.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
#71- Automotive Giant, General Motor- Going Concern Issue
America automotive giant, General Motor has highlighted in its earning release section that the Company anticipates receiving a “going concern” opinion from its auditor, Deloitte & Touche. The General Motor’s management has to determine whether there is substantial doubt about General Motor’s ability to continue as a going concern.
IAS 1 states that: “when preparing financial statements, management shall make an assessment of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Financial statements shall be prepared on a going concern basis unless management either intends to liquidate the entity or to cease trading, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. When management is aware, in making its assessment, of material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, those uncertainties shall be disclosed. When financial statements are not prepared on a going concern basis, that fact shall be disclosed, together with the basis on which the financial statements are prepared and the reason why the entity is not regarded as a going concern.”
General Motor's businesses are severely affected by the recent market downturn and its financial results have dropped drastically. The outlook for the global automotive industry remains gloomy and pessimistic. The Company is actively looking for funding, including request for additional fund from Treasury department of United States.
IAS 1 further required that: “In assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, management takes into account all available information about the future, which is at least, but is not limited to, twelve months from the balance sheet date. The degree of consideration depends on the facts in each case. When an entity has a history of profitable operations and ready access to financial resources, a conclusion that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate may be reached without detailed analysis. In other cases, management may need to consider a wide range of factors relating to current and expected profitability, debt repayment schedules and potential sources of replacement financing before it can satisfy itself that the going concern basis is appropriate.”
IAS 1 states that: “when preparing financial statements, management shall make an assessment of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Financial statements shall be prepared on a going concern basis unless management either intends to liquidate the entity or to cease trading, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. When management is aware, in making its assessment, of material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt upon the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, those uncertainties shall be disclosed. When financial statements are not prepared on a going concern basis, that fact shall be disclosed, together with the basis on which the financial statements are prepared and the reason why the entity is not regarded as a going concern.”
General Motor's businesses are severely affected by the recent market downturn and its financial results have dropped drastically. The outlook for the global automotive industry remains gloomy and pessimistic. The Company is actively looking for funding, including request for additional fund from Treasury department of United States.
IAS 1 further required that: “In assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, management takes into account all available information about the future, which is at least, but is not limited to, twelve months from the balance sheet date. The degree of consideration depends on the facts in each case. When an entity has a history of profitable operations and ready access to financial resources, a conclusion that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate may be reached without detailed analysis. In other cases, management may need to consider a wide range of factors relating to current and expected profitability, debt repayment schedules and potential sources of replacement financing before it can satisfy itself that the going concern basis is appropriate.”
Small business accounting- Cash
Generally, the small business comprises:
- Cash on Hand
- Cash in Bank
Generally, the cash on hand amounts are not material, while significant amount of the businesses’ cash are kept in bank. What will be the accounting entries for cash receipt and cash disbursement (i.e. payment).
Upon receiving of cash from debtors:
Dr. Cash in Bank
Cr. Trade Debtors
Upon disbursement of cash (i.e. outflow of cash) for expenses
Dr. Trade Creditors/ Expenses
Cr. Cash in Bank
For bank charges on the bank account deducted from bank account directly:
Dr. Bank charges
Cr. Cash in Bank
It’s important to note that: a online bank account enable the small business to track the transaction on a real time basis. Conventionally, small business is required to check the cash inflow and outflow while they have received the monthly bank statement from the bank. With online banking account, the small business is allowed to view the transactions on a timely basis.
- Cash on Hand
- Cash in Bank
Generally, the cash on hand amounts are not material, while significant amount of the businesses’ cash are kept in bank. What will be the accounting entries for cash receipt and cash disbursement (i.e. payment).
Upon receiving of cash from debtors:
Dr. Cash in Bank
Cr. Trade Debtors
Upon disbursement of cash (i.e. outflow of cash) for expenses
Dr. Trade Creditors/ Expenses
Cr. Cash in Bank
For bank charges on the bank account deducted from bank account directly:
Dr. Bank charges
Cr. Cash in Bank
It’s important to note that: a online bank account enable the small business to track the transaction on a real time basis. Conventionally, small business is required to check the cash inflow and outflow while they have received the monthly bank statement from the bank. With online banking account, the small business is allowed to view the transactions on a timely basis.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Small Business Accounting
Small business accouting, in general, are non-complex and straight forward. The fundamental is that the owner of the small business must develop certain level of undertanding of accounting before they could really appreciate the value and necessities of accounting.
Our blog has specially dedicated a separate section to educate our blog readers on basic accounting entries, specifically suits for small business.
Prior to introduction on accounting entries, we would like to highlight to business owner that it's important, convenient and cost-effective to use accounting software to perform daily book-keeping. There are already a few accounting softwares in the market, e.g. Microsoft Office Accounting Express, SAP small business accounting software.
An accounting software is considered imperative in today business environment.It reduces the time spent on book-keeping, prevent 'un-balance' entries, and provide the business owner an effective insight of the Company's financial position and results on a timely basis.
Our blog has specially dedicated a separate section to educate our blog readers on basic accounting entries, specifically suits for small business.
Prior to introduction on accounting entries, we would like to highlight to business owner that it's important, convenient and cost-effective to use accounting software to perform daily book-keeping. There are already a few accounting softwares in the market, e.g. Microsoft Office Accounting Express, SAP small business accounting software.
An accounting software is considered imperative in today business environment.It reduces the time spent on book-keeping, prevent 'un-balance' entries, and provide the business owner an effective insight of the Company's financial position and results on a timely basis.
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