Reference no: EM133496451
Question 1: Given the scenario below, specify what/which aspects of the golf course operations that can be changed immediately by George as the owner of the golf club to reduce the amount of fraud that is currently occurring? Given, for example, the following areas :
- purchase orders to suppliers
- payments to suppliers
- the monthly operating bank statement and the monthly bank reconciliation for the golf course (which right now is performed by the accountant)
- for the golf shop, maintaining perpetual inventory records
-Specify the use of various types of basic technology within the golf course operations to help control for the risk of fraud.
- check signing authority
- any other areas, based upon the scenario below in this case study
1b: Describe some factors in detail related to creating a culture of honesty within the golf course operation, starting at the beginning.
Question 2: Specify some basic factors or steps to take with regards to ensuring there is a culture of honesty and integrity within the golf course operation? Carefully explain at least 4-5 items to recommend the owner to implement immediately to stop losses the golf course has suffered due to internal fraud. Each of the items should be different from the items described in question one above.
CASE STUDY
George is the owner of a privately-owned, small golf course in the city of Butte, Montana. His father gave him the land for the golf course over 25 years ago, when the farm he had been operating went out of business.
The golf course has done well since it was first built and includes a small shop that sells golf equipment, golf accessories, and golf clothing from the major golf manufacturers. In addition, there is a very small restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch to golfers. Revenues and profits from the golf course have grown significantly, especially in recent years with the growth of the golf as a sport in Montana. George's bookkeeping is done by a local accounting firm; they also prepare the annual tax returns for the business.
The accountant assigned to George's account prepares the books and monthly financial statements. She estimates that the business loses up to 10 percent of its profit each year to internal fraud. Her estimates are based upon profits and operating margins at other golf courses, which are also her clients. Fortunately, George's business can afford this loss, but perhaps the day will come when the business cannot afford to continue losing money to internal fraud. All payroll-related functions are outsourced to ADP; George approves all weekly payroll online before checks are written to employees.
The golf course has 4 employees. One manages the golf shop; one manages the restaurant, and the other two perform the daily maintenance required to operate a golf course during the season. George has tried to put adequate internal controls in place. For example, he implemented internal controls for placing orders for supplies required for the golf shop, for the restaurant, and for golf course maintenance. Since George travel often, during his absence he allows the employees to do what is required to keep the business running as smoothly as possible. Thus, he has given permission for employees to sign checks to pay vendors for purchases.
In the past, George has caught employees participating in fraudulent activities. Since Butte is such a small town, he has never pursued prosecution of these fraudsters because he is afraid of the negative publicity it would cause his business and possibly their former employers.