Discussion 1: Better Days Ahead, a charitable organization, has a standing agreement with First National Bank. The agreement allows Better Days Ahead to overdraw its cash balance at the bank when donations are running low. In the past, Better Days Ahead managed funds wisely and rarely used this privilege. Jacob Henson has recently become the manager of Better Days. To expand operations, Henson acquired office equipment and spent large amounts on fundraising. During Henson's tenure, Better Days Ahead has maintained a negative bank balance of approximately $10,000.
What accounts do you see being affected as a result of Jacob Henson's actions? Which accounts do you think would experience a debit? Which accounts do you think would experience a credit? How would a negative bank balance be listed in a Trial Balance? Is there an ethical issue in this situation? Do you approve or disapprove of Jason Henson's management of Better Days Ahead's funds? (150 Words)
Discussion 2: The net income of Steinbach & Sons, a department store, decreased sharply during 2009. Mort Steinbach, owner of the store, anticipates the need for a bank loan in 2010. Late in 2009, Steinbach instructs the store's accountant to record a $2,000 sale of furniture to the Steinbach family, even though the goods will not be shipped from the manufacturer until January 2010. Steinbach also tells the accountant to make the following December 31, 2009, adjusting entries:
Salaries owed to employees............................$900
Prepaid insurance that has expired..................$400
What will the effects be of the overall transactions on reported income for 2009? Why would Steinbach take these actions? Is this ethical? Why or why not? What advice would you give this accountant? Why? Is there an alternative action that is ethical to help the situation? Is there an alternative action that is not ethical that would help the situation? (150 Words)