Unfortunately, in recent times, we have seen a number of examples of unethical b

Question

Unfortunately, in recent times, we have seen a number of examples of unethical behavior in organizations, often tied to the organization's handling of finances. Discuss ethical issues facing the top leadership or financial managers in today's corporate environment regarding their approach to the financial matters of the firm. What pressures exist that might encourage unethical behavior, particularly as it pertains to the firm's financial reporting or situation? How might these be mitigated? (You might want to conduct a search to identify examples or to examine actions suggested or taken to help mitigate these instances.)

What is the most important segment of a cash flow statement? Why?   Can the cash flow statement be manipulated? If so, how? If not, why not? Are most investors sophisticated enough to interpret a cash flow statement? Should they be?

Explanation / Answer

The cash flow statement is the newest of the three financial statements; companies have only been required to furnish investors with it since 1988. The cash flow statement is similar to the income statement, except that it dispenses with some of the abstract items found on the income statement (such as depreciation) and focuses on actual cash. Most of the information found on the cash flow statement is contained in either the income statement or the balance sheet, but here it is organized in such a way that it is difficult for companies to use accounting tricks to obscure the facts. The cash flow statement is broken down into three parts:

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