Ican 2022 Corporate Reporting Question 7

Femmy PLC operates in a city where a major insurance company has just announced a restructuring that will lay off 4,000 employees. For Femmy PLC, accounts receivable represents one of the major assets of the company. Although the company’s annual uncollectible accounts are not out of line, they are material in size. The company is about to submit its application for a bank loan. Sales and net income have declined in the past year and some customers are falling behind in settling their accounts. A steady financial performance is necessary to be able to secure the anticipated bank loan. Therefore, management felt there is the need to underestimate the uncollectible accounts this year to show a small growth in earnings. They believe that future successful years will average out the losses. More so, since the company has a history of success, the adjustments are seen as mere accounting measures and estimates. The Chief Accountant viewed management’s action as unethical.