A client of yours, a rapidly growing retailer in New Jersey, is seeking a loan at the bank. The bank has informed the client that in order for the loan to be considered, the company will need a certified audit. For several years your CPA firm has been providing tax services and financial statements for this rapidly growing retailer.
At the present time, there are two office personnel that handle the accounting. One, Jill, handles accounts receivables, cash and other related matters. Rita, the second office employee, performs the inventory and accounts payable functions. The cash deposits are made by Rita. If Rita cannot make the deposit due to her absence, Jill is glad to help out and take the money to the bank. Each person has been doing the same functions for many years. Both individuals are considered to be competent in their positions.
The owner has not bonded either employee and has complete trust in their honesty.
The financial information is summarized each month by the company's owner and sent to the CPA firm for the preparation of financial statements and tax returns.
The company's owner is not an accountant, but prides himself on obtaining an "A" in his high school bookkeeping class that he took before personal computers were invented.
Discuss in two paragraphs if internal controls in this scenario are adequate for the rendering of a certified opinion? What recommendations would you make in order to increase the use of internal controls in this area?
Assuming that internal controls are not adequate in this area, comment on what the auditor should tell the client?