Ethics Case 19–3
Discussion should include these elements:
Facts:
The choice of method will affect earnings. FIFO will increase reported net
income.
FIFO will cause an increase in taxes paid.
Company managers stand to benefit from the change.
The auditor risks negative consequences if the change is challenged.
Ethical Dilemma:
Is the auditor’s obligation to challenge the questionable change in methods
greater than the obligation to the financial interests of the CPA firm and its
client?
Who is affected?
You, the auditor
Managers
CPA firm (lost fees? reputation? legal action?)
Shareholders
Potential shareholders
The employees
The creditors
[From research performed in this area, it is not clear that accounting changes
that increase earnings without any real economic (cash flow) effect will have the
desired effect of increasing share price. In fact, the preponderance of such
research indicates that the market “sees through” cosmetic accounting changes.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of evidence, at least anecdotal, that managers
attempt to fool the market. Some efforts to manage earnings may not be an
attempt to affect share prices, but to avoid violating terms of contracts based on
earnings or related balance sheet items. Some may be to favorably affect terms
of compensation agreements.]