ACC 622 Full Course Discussions

Describe how the use of data flow diagrams and flowcharts can help the external auditor of a publicly traded company evaluate management’s assessment of the company’s internal control structure and attest to its accuracy in order to meet the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002, as updated by legislation.

Rather than running their information technology (IT) functions in-house, some companies choose to use cloud computing or outsource their IT functions.  Why would a company choose to use cloud computing or outsource its IT functions? In your explanation, be sure to include how the two alternatives differ and why a company might choose one alternative over the other. In your response, do not use the same reasons for outsourcing that have already been posted by a classmate.

Describe the differences between a data flow diagram and a system flowchart. Give an example of when and how each would be used. In your response, do not use the same differences between data flow and systems flowcharts that have already been posted by a classmate.

Discuss the differences between the revenue cycle activities and operations of a typical “brick and mortar” business as compared to an online business. In your response, do not use the same differences between data flow and system flowcharts that have already been posted by a classmate.

Describe a minimum of three ways AIS can help minimize or eliminate inaccurate time and attendance data in a typical company’s payroll activity. In your response, do not use the same three ways AIS can help a company’s payroll that have already been posted by a classmate.

Locate an article on a payroll-related fraud. Explain how the fraud was committed and indicate what controls could have been used to prevent this fraud from happening. The summary should describe the major points of the article, and the reaction should demonstrate your interpretation of the article and how you can apply that knowledge. Do not choose an article that one of your classmates has already posted. To participate in follow-up discussion, choose one of the articles that a classmate has posted and provide your own reaction to it.

Find a journal article online about lean manufacturing. Include the name of the article in the subject line of your post. Post a link to the article with your initial post, and provide a summary and a reaction to the article. The summary should be approximately 250 words and the reaction should be approximately 150 words. The summary should describe the major points of the article, and the reaction should demonstrate your interpretation of the article and how you can apply that knowledge. Do not choose an article that one of your classmates has already posted on. To participate in follow-up discussion, provide your own reaction to one of your classmates’ articles.

Explain how XBRL differs from HTML and how XBRL is being used in financial reporting. Do you believe that the use of XBRL improves transparency in financial reporting? Why or why not? For this discussion question, provide unique responses regarding differences between XBRL and HTML so that everyone posts something different.

Explain at least two risks associated with implementing an enterprise resource planning system. How can these risks be minimized? In your response, do not use the same risksas already posted by a classmate.

Explain how the increased use of e-commerce, including electronic data interchange (EDI), by businesses has affected the auditor or accountant. In your response, do not use the same reasons e-commerce has increased that have already been posted by a classmate.

When a new system is being considered, one of the questions is whether or not to survey the current system. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to surveying the current system. Also comment on another student’s response. The initial response should be at least 250 words. In your response, do not use the same advantages and disadvantages that have already been posted by a classmate.

The computer-aided software engineering (CASE) approach is often utilized in the system development process. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the CASE approach, and explain what the determining factor should be in deciding to use CASE in a development project. In your response, do not use the same advantages and disadvantages that have already been posted by a classmate.

Explain one way the external auditor’s responsibilities regarding a public company’s system of internal controls have changed since SAS 78 became effective in the late 1990s. Were these changes necessary? Do you believe the changes have been effective at reducing risk for the company and the users of the financial statements?  Explain your rationale. In your response, do not use the same reasoning that has already been posted by a classmate.

Explain two of the risks companies face when outsourcing the IT function. How can the risks you explained be overcome? In your response, do not use the same two risks associated with outsoucing IT that have already been posted by a classmate.

Select one method an auditor can use to audit through the computer system. Explain how the method works, any risks associated with the method, and how you would justify using the method from a cost-benefit perspective. In your response, do not use the same methodthat has already been posted by a classmate.

Many large companies use an electronic data interchange (EDI) to communicate with key customers and suppliers. Explain the benefits and risks involved when companies use EDI. Explain one way that the use of EDI affects internal controls and the auditor’s testing. In your response, do not use the same benefits and risks that have already been posted by a classmate.