Reference no: EM132664767

Question - Two auditing students, Ben and Gwen, were having a discussion about auditing. Ben made the following statement: "A CPA is a professional person who is licensed by the state for the purpose of providing an independent expert opinion on the fairness of financial statements. To maintain an attitude of mental independence and objectivity in all phases of audit work, it is advisable that the CPA not fraternize with client personnel. The CPA should be courteous but reserve and dignified at all times. Indulging in social contacts with clients outside business hours will make it more difficult to be firm and objective if the CPA finds evidence of fraud or of unsound accounting practices. "Gwen replied as follows: "You are 50 years behind times, Ben. An auditor and a client are both human beings. The auditor needs the cooperation of the client to carry out good job; you are much more likely to get cooperation if you are relaxed and friendly rather than being cold and impersonal. Having a few beers or going to a basketball game with a client won't keep the CPA from being independent. It will make the working relationship a lot more comfortable, and will probably cause the client to recommend the CPA to other business people who need auditing services. In other words, the approach you are recommending should be called "How to avoid friends and alienate clients." I will admit, though, that with so many women entering public accounting and other women holding executive positions in business, a few complications may arise when auditor - client relations get pretty relaxed."

Required - Evaluate and comment on the opposing views expressed by Ben and Gwen.