Auditing As An Instrument For Organizational Success
(A Case Study Of Anamco ltd. Enugu)
Auditing serves as a critical instrument for organizational success by providing a systematic and objective evaluation of an organization’s processes, systems, and controls. Through audits, companies can identify inefficiencies, weaknesses, and areas of improvement within their operations, finances, and compliance frameworks. By conducting regular audits, organizations can mitigate risks, ensure compliance with regulations, enhance operational efficiency, and safeguard assets. Furthermore, audits provide valuable insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making, fostering continuous improvement and driving overall organizational performance. As a result, auditing not only helps organizations maintain transparency and accountability but also strengthens their competitive edge in an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.
Auditing is continually changing and developing to meet the needs of the business environment it serves. The role of auditing towards organizational success have attracted comment on the front pages of national newspapers, rather than in just the financial pages have even led on occasion to question and statement in parliament.
This coverage has not always been good news for the auditing profession, but it does indicate a heightened awareness in society of the potential importance of what auditors do. It also reflects the way in which auditing practice and the activities of audit firms have developed and expanded business especially Anamco Ltd. Enugu.
While at one time auditing was generally regarded as a procedural activity involving the application of mechanical techniques, there is now greater realization that both the purpose an the execution of an audit are far from simple matters. In view of the above fact the study was designed to examine Auditing as an instrument for organizational success in Anamco Ltd. Enugu. In the course of the research oral interview and questionnaire were adopted as the main instruments for collecting data for the study. The data collected were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. From the analysis some revelations were made. Base on the revelations some recommendations were made to eliminate or ameliorate Audit department of the corporation.
Title Page ii
Approval Page iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgement v
Abstract vii
Table of Content ix
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Statement of Problem 4
1.2 Purpose of the Study 4
1.3 Significance of the Study 4
1.4 Statement of Hypotheses 5
1.5 Scope of the Study 6
1.6 Limitation of the Study 6
1.7 Definition of Terms 7
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Definition of Auditing 8
2.1 Objective of Auditing 11
2.2 Types of Auditing 11
2.3 Reliance of Internal Auditing to External Auditors 17
2.4 Auditing as a measure for Controlling Fraud 19
2.5 The Future of Auditing 22
2.6 Auditors Liability 23
2.7 Audit Report 30
Reference 32
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research Design and Methodology 33
3.1 Selection of population 33
3.2 Sample Used 33
3.3 Method of Investigation 34
3.4 Techniques of data collection 35
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Presentation and Analysis 36
4.1 Questions, Presentation and Analysis 36
4.2 Test of Hypothesis 49
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations 52
5.1 Summary of Findings 52
5.2 Conclusion 55
5.3 Recommendations 56
5.4 Suggestion for further study 57
Bibliography 58
Appendix (Questionnaire) 60
INTRODUCTION
The practice of auditing in the primitive form can be traced back to ancient times where the receipts and payments of an estate or a manor were read to the head or proprietor, or the Lord of a manor. The word auditing originated fr4om the Latin word Audire (meaning to hear). The business of this period was characterised by sole proprietorship.
But with industrial revolution, there was an increase in business transactions and there emerge partnership and joint stock companies. The evolution of mechanised industries involved the provision of finance far in excess of what it used to be. Business become more complex and required more formal and improved accountability.
Under the company form of organisation, the shareholders as a body delegated the management of the undertaking to a board of directors and periodically the board submittes to the shareholders accounts of the company in order that the members might be able to see a true and fair view of the financial position and the profit or loss of the undertaking in which they were interested.
Because of these circumstances the need arose for some means by which the shareholders as a body might be satisfied that the accounts, presented to them by their board of directors, did in fact show a true and fair view of the financial position and earnings of the company. It was for this reason therefore that the practice developed of appointing auditors whose duty it was to verify on behalf of the shareholders the accounts of the directors and to report there on to the shareholders.
Under the early British companies Acts, the auditors appointed were one or two of the shareholders of the company. As however, the chosen auditors commonly had insufficient technical qualifications, there were probably not able to carry out a very effective audit nor were there paid anything for the work they did although a later Act did provide for them to employ a clerk to do some work, whose remuneration should be provided by the company.
It was the British companies Act, 1900, which first made it legally compulsory for every company to appoint independent auditors, as we now know them, and provided for their remuneration. It was undoubtedly the rapid increase in the number of joint – stock companies that took place at this time, and the compulsory professional audit thus provided for in the companies Act, 1900, that gave the great impetus to the development of the accountancy profession. In Nigeria today the accounts of every company and the majority of partnerships are audited by professional accountants and in recent years the accountancy profession has expanded greatly in many other directions.
1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
This study entitled “Auditing as an instrument for organisational success” attempts to determine the importance of auditing to an organisational growth.
It is also meant to discover the:
Objective of Auditing
Types of auditing
Relevance of internal auditing to external auditors
Auditing as a means for fraud control
The future of auditing, Auditors liability and report.
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The objective of this study is to identify the need for every organisation to know the importance of auditing in an organisation.
The researcher also wish to put across how auditing enhances organisational success and growth.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study is to highlight the importance of auditing to the growth and success of a manufacturing company.
This study will also add to the advancement of knowledge in the field of auditing in an organisation. Future researcher in this areas will also benefit from the study.
1.4 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESES
This study is required to test among other things the following:
Ho: Internal auditing as a part of internal control system is not useful to external auditor.
Hi: Internal auditing as a part of internal control system is useful to external auditor.
Ho: Poor and inefficient internal control and Auditing does not encourage fraud.
Hi: Poor and inefficient internal control and Auditing encourages fraud and mismanagement.
Ho: Growth and survival of Anamco Ltd. does not depend on Auditing and internal control.
Hi: Growth and survival of Anamco Ltd. depends on Auditing and internal control.
Ho: Auditing and internal control does not contribute to the smooth implementation of management policies.
Ho: Auditing and internal control contributes to the smooth implementation of management policies.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This study concentrates solely on a manufacturing company in Enugu state, with special reference to the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMCO) Enugu. The organisation undertakes business in motor manufacturing especially Mercedes Benze products. Particular attention will be paid to the methods and procedures employed by the accounting department in performing its duties.
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Time factor imposes a big constraint on this study as a research of this scope can hardly be completed within the two months time limit set for it. This factor no doubt made some aspects that would have been included to be left out. Such aspects include inter-company comparison and the corporation to the industry.
Another big constraint on the research is finance. Financial problems to a great extent hampered the gathering of data (information) for the study. This is more so when are considers the cost of moving from the school to the site of the organisation used as a case study. One also had to face the difficulty of conviction of the officials taken as specimen, a lot of explanation and persecution to get the co-operation of such respondent.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
To ensure a proper understanding of what the study is all about some unfamiliar words to those who are not in the same field are explained as they appear in the project.
AUDIT – An independent examination of, and expression of an opinion on, the financial statements of an enterprise.
INTERNAL AUDIT – The act of ensuring that control measures set up by management are complied with.
Auditing As An Instrument For Organizational Success:
Auditing is an essential instrument for organizational success for several reasons. Auditing refers to the systematic examination and evaluation of an organization’s financial records, internal controls, operational processes, and compliance with laws and regulations. While auditing is often associated with financial matters, it can extend to various aspects of an organization, including operations, quality, safety, and environmental performance. Here’s how auditing contributes to organizational success:
- Financial Accountability: Financial audits ensure that an organization’s financial statements are accurate and reliable. This is crucial for gaining the trust of investors, creditors, and stakeholders. When financial data is accurate and transparent, it helps in securing investments and loans, which can be critical for growth and expansion.
- Risk Mitigation: Auditing helps identify and assess risks within an organization. This includes financial risks, operational risks, compliance risks, and more. By identifying potential risks early, organizations can take proactive measures to mitigate them, thus protecting their reputation and financial stability.
- Operational Efficiency: Operational audits assess the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization’s processes and procedures. This can lead to process improvements, cost reductions, and increased productivity. Streamlining operations can have a direct impact on the bottom line.
- Compliance: Compliance audits ensure that an organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Non-compliance can result in fines, legal issues, and damage to the organization’s reputation. Auditing helps identify compliance gaps and provides recommendations for addressing them.
- Quality Assurance: Quality audits focus on ensuring that products or services meet established quality standards. By maintaining high-quality standards, organizations can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and brand reputation.
- Resource Allocation: Audits can help organizations allocate resources more efficiently. By analyzing budgets, expenses, and resource utilization, organizations can make informed decisions about where to invest resources for maximum impact.
- Transparency and Accountability: Auditing promotes transparency and accountability within an organization. When employees know that their actions and decisions will be subject to scrutiny, they are more likely to act responsibly and ethically.
- Continuous Improvement: Auditing is not just about finding problems; it’s also about identifying opportunities for improvement. Regular audits can lead to a culture of continuous improvement where employees are encouraged to suggest and implement changes that enhance organizational performance.
- Investor and Stakeholder Confidence: Audited financial statements and reports provide external stakeholders, such as investors and customers, with confidence in an organization’s financial health and operational integrity. This can lead to increased investments, partnerships, and customer loyalty.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have strict regulations and reporting requirements. Auditing ensures that an organization complies with these regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and associated costs.
In summary, auditing serves as a critical tool for ensuring the financial health, operational efficiency, and overall success of an organization. It helps identify weaknesses, manage risks, and seize opportunities for improvement, ultimately contributing to the achievement of organizational goals and long-term success.