21-52 Intermediate Accounting, 8/e
5. Ethical Dilemma
The chapter includes the following ethical dilemma.
ETHICAL DILEMMA
"We must get it," Courtney Lowell, president of Industrial Fasteners, roared. "Without it
we're in big trouble." The "it" Mr. Lowell referred to is the renewal of a $14 million loan with
Community First Bank. The "big trouble" he fears is the lack of funds necessary to repay the
existing debt and few, if any, prospects for raising the funds elsewhere.
Mr. Lowell had just hung up the phone after a conversation with a bank vice-president in
which it was made clear that this year‘s statement of cash flows must look better than last year‘s.
Mr. Lowell knows that improvements are not on course to happen. In fact, cash flow projections
were dismal.
Later that day, Tim Cratchet, assistant controller, was summoned to Mr. Lowell’s office.
“Cratchet,” Lowell barked, “I’ve looked at our accounts receivable. I think we can generate quite
a bit of cash by selling or factoring most of those receivables. I know it will cost us more than if
we collect them ourselves, but it sure will make our cash flow picture look better.”
Is there an ethical question facing Cratchet?
You may wish to discuss this in class. If so, discussion should include these elements.
Step 1 - The Facts:
Industrial Fasteners needs the renewal of a $14 million loan with Community First Bank.
Prospects for currently repaying the debt are poor. The bank has required an improved statement of
Step 2 - The Ethical Issue and the Stakeholders:
The ethical issue or dilemma is whether the assistant controller’s obligation to the president and
the company is greater than an obligation to appropriately advise the president in making a sound