An international comparison of audit time-budget pressures: the United States and New Zealand

Article Abstract:

The increasing use of competitive bidding for audit services in New Zealand and the US has increased time-budget pressures. Many clients feel that an audit opinion is a homogeneous commodity, so accounting firms are responding by differentiating themselves on the basis of price. Lower prices, however, tend to leave less time budgeted for audits, which may affect the quality of auditors' work. A study of time-budget pressures was conducted by surveying 123 auditors in New Zealand and 73 auditors in the US. The results indicated that auditors in both countries felt that time-budget pressure was a problem. The causes of time-budget pressures included competition, unrealistic budgets resulting from poor planning practices, and unexpected problems during audits. Methods of solving problems related to time-budget pressures include recognizing that a problem exists, asking for budget increases, and communicating more effectively with clients.

United States, Finance, International aspects, New Zealand, Business budgets

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Expert systems for audit planning: strategies for local accounting firms

Article Abstract:

Expert systems technology provides a competitive advantage to large national accounting firms using it as a decision aid for audit planning. Local firms must develop a strategy to keep up with advances in the technology even though its usage is not as yet cost-effective. The organization of an expert system team to create a prototype system is recommended. The team should consider whether an expert system is appropriate for the firm, what level of expertise would be needed by each auditor, and whether a system should use a vendor program or have a program developed in-house. The team staffers having acquired the experience necessary to plan could then evaluate and modify the firm's expert systems strategy as technologies advance.

Planning, Usage, Evaluation, Information management, Expert systems, Cost (Economics), Costs (Economics)

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Female accountants & association management companies: allies in need?

Article Abstract:

Female accountants wishing to manage the fiscal operations, but not the general management operations, of a professional association can form a cooperative relationship with an association management company. The association management company can concentrate on the daily administrative needs of the association, while the accountant can provide financial services. A cooperative relationship is not necessary if the services required by the association are within the normal range of services provided by the accounting firm.

Accounting and auditing, Contracts, Associations, institutions, etc., Associations, Business consultants, Management consultants, Women accountants

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