CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Banks occupy a critical position in a complex financial system that supplies the money and credit needs of the economy. The unique characteristic of a commercial bank is that it also creates money, and it is this particular feature of the commercial banks which distinguishes them from non-banking financial institution. Banks’ ability to promote growth and development depends on the extent to which financial transactions are conducted with trust and less risk. If the foundation on which a bank(s) are built lack institutional, government and above all public confidence, such a bank may collapse. So therefore, it is essential that every single bank must have an internal control system were the internal audit department makes sure that their accounting principles provide an effective means of recording and reporting monetary transactions, providing organisation information and securing the company’s asset from fraud and misappropriation (Achibong, 1993).
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY A system of effective internal control is a critical component of all banks management and a foundation for the safe and sound operation of banking organizations system. Strong internal controls can help to certify that the aims and purposes of banking organisations will be met; the banks will achieve lasting cost-effective goals and keep dependable monetary and administrative reporting systems. Such a structure can also help to make sure that the bank will act in
The chances of failures can be decreased by executing the checks on the systems. These keep an eye on the systems preventing risks from occurring, and these checks are avoided as the interior controls. The motivation behind the inner controls is to keep the organization safe from risks associated with the modernized accounting-system risks. Organizations change their manual accounting systems to computerized accounting systems for different reasons, this incorporates the points of interest, and the explanation behind utilizing electronic accounting information is instinct. The organizations embrace the policies of their
1. To have a strong internal control system, a business must have good administrative controls. Administrative controls include: A. B. C. D. the reconciliation of the bank statement. the accuracy of the recording procedures. assessing compliance with company policies. maintenance of accurate inventory records.
The banking industry has over the years evolved from simple to large and complex organization. They have grown from one street building into having multiple branches some of which are international. Their clients range from individual and institutions to governments and other banks. Banks do not manufacture physical things. Their work is simply services for money (Koch & MacDonald 2010). Such services include storing, lending and managing money. All people and institutions, as well as governments, need money to operate accordingly.
Banks are institutions in which people put their money for safekeeping, to save, to use to pay their bills, or to earn interest on. Banks are allowed to use that money to make loans and earn interest for the bank's’ owners. Different types of banks offer different types of services. For example, commercial banks originally just served businesses, and savings banks and credit unions were used by individuals, especially those who couldn’t qualify for loans at regular banks. This is no longer the case. Although commercial banks and thrift institutions used to serve different purposes, today they all offer many of the same types of services including bank accounts, loans, credit, certificates of deposits (CDs), and much more.
There are many rules companies must follow whenever documenting financial information or any other data which is gather during any business transactions. In order for said companies to report financial information internal controls have to be put in place as companies have to adhere to certain laws and regulations. Internal controls can be defined as a process which companies follow in order to ensure all financial reporting is done in a reliable and lawful manner. Some think of it as a system which works within a system as it plays a major role on the success of a company’s accounting system. At the organizational level, internal control objectives relate to the reliability of financial
The internal control structure that can be installed in a new accounting system will help eliminate security risks through mechanics and procedures rather than expensive people ("Accounting - Basic Accounting Components of the Accounting System", 2003).
Internal controls are vital to any company’s business and financial sustainability. Internal controls consist of measures taken by a company safeguarding against fraud, and theft. Internal controls ensure accuracy and reliability in accounting data, and secure policies within the organization. Further, internal controls evaluate all levels of performance. These are addressed with five principles
In order to be successful in business, a company must be able to track their assets. This tracking system is typically done by a bookkeeper and must be reliable in order to be effective. The way a company ensures their financial records are reliable is by setting up a system of internal controls. Internal controls allow a company to protect its assets from fraud and theft as well as ensuring records are kept accurately by reducing errors and irregularities (Keisco, Kimmel and Weygandt, 2008). Internal controls work by assigning responsibility, separating duties to provide checks and balances, hiring an independent verification agent and through the use of technology and physical controls. In many instances, internal controls are
This means that the main goals of the act in enhancing auditor independence in preventing fraud in future are faced with pressures regarding its efficiency. Case 3 Effective fraud control depends on prevention of the following three weaknesses in the internal control system. First is the static nature of internal controls. This means that internal controls might not be fluid in terms of evolution with the changes experienced in technology, business and the fraud environment. Second is the immunity of the internal control systems. For instance, if a company’s internal control system has weak control policies for its procedures and processes, then the company becomes a target for both internal and external criminal activities. Thirdly, are unclear definitions of the roles and responsibilities of ownership. By this it means that if the internal control system is not well defined to the employees, then there will be an assumption that the role of the internal controls is to only perform audits hence they would not be interested in preventing fraudulent
An effective system of internal control limits the probability that fraud will take place. Within an effective system on internal control an organization will safeguard their assets, encourage employees to follow company policy, promote operational efficiency, strive towards the most accurate and reliable accounting records, and complies with all legal requirements. Internal controls not only helps to eliminate fraud but also waste and inefficiency.
Therefore, money handling duties are separated from the record keeping duties when internal control of cash is needed (Averkamp, n.d.). In a typical setting, there should be a mailroom clerk who retrieves the mail, which is sent to the accounting department, who records the cash payment, then sent over to a controller, who finally and should immediately place into the bank for safekeeping. Internal control consists of methods and measures adopted within an organization to safeguard its assets, encourage employees to follow company policy, promote operational efficiency, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of its accounting records (Nobles, Mattison, & Matsumura, 2014). There are five components of Internal Control CRIME: Control procedures, Risk assessment, Information system, Monitoring of controls, and Environment. Control procedures are the policies enforced in company’s infrastructure. Risk assessment deals with the company’s ability to process and analyze their data. Information system is the technology that limits individuals from falsifying data records. Monitoring controls is simply supervising that financial data are accurately being recorded. Control procedures are those that set the tone of the organization such as values and best practices (Mercer University,
Does the Board or audit committee understands and exercises oversight responsibility over financial reporting and internal control?
A business can not work out without an account system, which includes internal. Internal controls are used by companies to make sure financial information is accurate and valid. Strong internal controls are signs of a financially healthy company and protect the company’s integrity. Strong internal controls can also increase a company’s profitability. There are several types of internal controls that companies used to protect themselves such as: Segregation of duties, asset purchases, supervisor review, internal audits and adequate documents and records. This paper will discuss several topics from a case study about And the Fraud
Effective internal controls protect a company’s assets, maintain compliance, improve operations, prevent fraud, and promote accuracy in financial reporting. In 1992 the
Data captured for this study, were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The descriptive analysis involves the use of percentage, tabulation presentation. While the inferential statistical method involved the used of the chi-square. The functions of fraud prevention, detection and control are interwoven, as the three works together to eliminate fraud and fraudulent tendencies. Therefore, internal control is highly significant in fraud detection and preventions in banking sector.