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RISK ANALYSIS AND INTERNAL CONTROL Review the following description of a purchas

ID: 2336564 • Letter: R

Question

RISK ANALYSIS AND INTERNAL CONTROL Review the following description of a purchases system and answer the questions at the end. The purchasing agent periodically checks inventory levels from a computer terminal, which is connected to a central accounting system. The agent searches the inventory file for items that need to be ordered. He then selects a supplier, prints a hard copy of the purchase order, and mails it to the vendor. The clerk files one copy of the PO in the department and sends a second copy to the AP Clerk. When the inventories arrive at the receiving department, a receiving clerk reconciles the items with the packing slip, inspects them for condition, and manually prepares a three-part receiving report. The clerk sends one copy to the purchasing department to close out the open PO, files one copy along with the packing slip in the receiving department, and sends one copy with the inventory to the warehouse. When the accounts payable clerk receives a hardcopy invoice from the vendor, she reconciles the invoice with the purchase order, records the liability in the AP Subsidiary Ledger from the terminal in her office, and assigns a due date for payment. The warehouse clerk receives the inventory, reconciles it with the receiving report, and updates the inventory subsidiary ledger from a terminal in the warehouse. Required a. Create a system flowchart of the system. b. Describe the uncontrolled risks in the system. c. Describe the physical controls needed to reduce the risks identified in (b).

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

Risk analysis and internal control:

1)

Risk Analysis :

We don't need purchase items, purchase, stock outputs from unapproved vendors.

Internal Control:

Should identify the inventory needs and Inventory control function shold incorporate with a valid vendor file.

2)

Risk of incorrect quantities or item not ordered.

Controling Method:

Independent verification.

Clerks who receiving shold use Purchase order to count and inspect instead of using Packing slips.

3)

Risk of paying for not received items:

Controlling by the independent verification and AP clerk should do a 3-way match.

the clerk only only reconcilling the PO and Invoice.

No proof that the items were actually received.

4)

Risk for misappropriation of inventory:

Clerk should not also have responsibilty for updating inventory sub ledger.

Control for segregation of duties.