Introduction
Ethical dilemmas in the field of accounting often arise when professionals are faced with situations that test their commitment to integrity, objectivity, and professional skepticism. Tana Thorne, an aspiring partner in a public accounting firm, is confronted with such a dilemma when Allnet Company’s management proposes an audit fee arrangement that ties the fee to the reported profit of the company (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2019). This essay explores the parties potentially affected by this audit fee plan, identifies the ethical factors at play, and provides a recommendation for Thorne while considering the ethical considerations.
Parties Potentially Affected
Tana Thorne and Her Firm: Thorne’s firm stands to benefit from this arrangement as higher profits at Allnet would lead to a higher audit fee (Weygandt et al., 2019). However, this creates a potential conflict of interest, as the firm’s financial gain is tied to the financial reporting of the client.
Allnet Company: Allnet’s financial statements would be subjected to an audit where the audit fee depends on reported profits (Weygandt et al., 2019). This arrangement may raise concerns about the independence and objectivity of the audit.
Shareholders and Investors: Shareholders and investors rely on audited financial statements for making informed investment decisions (Weygandt et al., 2019). An audit fee arrangement linked to profits may affect the quality and reliability of financial reporting, potentially misleading stakeholders.
Regulatory Bodies and the Public: Regulatory bodies, such as the SEC, have a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of financial reporting (QuickMBA, 2019). The public, too, relies on accurate financial information for economic decision-making.
Ethical Factors
Several ethical factors come into play in this scenario
Independence and Objectivity: The independence of auditors is paramount to ensure the integrity of financial statements (Weygandt et al., 2019). An audit fee arrangement linked to profits could compromise this independence as auditors may be inclined to overlook issues to secure a higher fee.
Conflicts of Interest: The arrangement creates a conflict of interest for Thorne’s firm, as their financial gain is directly tied to Allnet’s profits (Weygandt et al., 2019). This raises concerns about their ability to remain impartial.
Transparency and Accountability: Ethical accounting practices require transparency and accountability (QuickMBA, 2019). Tying audit fees to profits may lead to financial manipulations to inflate reported profits, undermining these principles.
Stakeholder Trust: Maintaining trust with stakeholders is essential for both Thorne’s firm and Allnet (QuickMBA, 2019). Any perception of unethical behavior could erode this trust, potentially harming both parties’ long-term interests.
Recommendation
In light of the ethical factors at play, I would recommend that Tana Thorne does not accept the audit fee arrangement proposed by Allnet’s management. This recommendation is guided by the following ethical considerations:
Independence: Maintaining independence and objectivity is a fundamental ethical principle in auditing (Weygandt et al., 2019). Accepting an arrangement that ties the audit fee to reported profits could compromise this independence.
Conflicts of Interest: Ethical accountants should avoid situations that create conflicts of interest (Weygandt et al., 2019). The fee arrangement creates a clear conflict for Thorne’s firm, potentially clouding their judgment.
Integrity of Financial Reporting: Auditors have a duty to ensure the integrity of financial reporting (QuickMBA, 2019). Tying the audit fee to profits introduces a risk of financial manipulation and compromises the quality of reporting.
Long-term Reputation: Upholding ethical standards is crucial for building and maintaining a good reputation in the accounting profession (Weygandt et al., 2019). Acting ethically in this situation will contribute to Thorne’s firm’s long-term success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas like the one faced by Tana Thorne are not uncommon in the field of accounting. The parties potentially affected by this audit fee arrangement include Thorne and her firm, Allnet Company, shareholders, investors, regulatory bodies, and the public. The ethical factors involved revolve around independence, conflicts of interest, transparency, and stakeholder trust. To maintain ethical integrity, it is recommended that Thorne decline the audit fee arrangement proposed by Allnet’s management, prioritizing the principles of independence and the integrity of financial reporting. Upholding ethical standards is not only a moral obligation but also essential for the long-term success and reputation of accounting professionals and their firms.
References
Weygandt, J. J., Kimmel, P. D., & Kieso, D. E. (2019). Accounting Principles (13th ed.). Wiley.
QuickMBA. (2019). Accounting.
FREQUENT ASK QUESTION (FAQ)
Q1: What is the ethical dilemma faced by Tana Thorne in the scenario involving Allnet Company’s audit fee proposal?
A1: Tana Thorne’s ethical dilemma revolves around the proposed audit fee arrangement that ties the fee to Allnet Company’s reported profits. This creates a potential conflict of interest and raises questions about the independence and objectivity of the audit.
Q2: Who are the parties potentially affected by the audit fee plan proposed by Allnet Company’s management?
A2: The parties potentially affected by the audit fee plan include Tana Thorne and her accounting firm, Allnet Company, shareholders and investors, regulatory bodies, and the general public.
Q3: What are the ethical factors at play in this audit fee arrangement?
A3: The ethical factors include maintaining independence and objectivity in auditing, avoiding conflicts of interest, upholding transparency and accountability in financial reporting, and preserving stakeholder trust.
Q4: Should Tana Thorne accept the audit fee arrangement proposed by Allnet’s management?
A4: It is recommended that Tana Thorne does not accept the audit fee arrangement due to the potential ethical risks involved, such as compromising independence and objectivity, creating conflicts of interest, and undermining the integrity of financial reporting.
Q5: Why is independence crucial in the field of auditing, and how does the proposed fee arrangement affect it?
A5: Independence is essential in auditing to ensure unbiased and objective evaluations of financial statements. The proposed fee arrangement, which ties the audit fee to reported profits, could compromise independence as it creates a financial incentive that may influence the auditor’s judgment.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|