Internal Control System In Manufacturing Industries

(A Case Study Of Life Breweries Limited Onitsha)

In manufacturing industries, an effective internal control system is essential for ensuring operational efficiency, safeguarding assets, and maintaining the reliability of financial reporting. This system encompasses a range of policies, procedures, and practices designed to mitigate risks associated with production processes, inventory management, and financial transactions. Key components may include segregation of duties to prevent fraud, regular monitoring of inventory levels to prevent stockouts or overages, stringent quality control measures to uphold product standards, and robust financial reporting mechanisms to accurately capture revenues and expenses. By implementing a comprehensive internal control system, manufacturing companies can enhance accountability, streamline operations, and uphold compliance with regulatory requirements, thereby fostering sustainable growth and mitigating risks.

ABSTRACT

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES (A CASE STUDY OF LIFE BREWERIES LTD ONITSHA)
There is a need for strong internal control system in manufacturing organization to make sure that organization assets are safe guarded.
Considering the importance of internal control to life Breweries limited Onitsha the researcher deems it necessary to study the effectiveness of internal control.
Officers of the organization were interviewed and their records were also examined related tools were also reviewed by the researcher.
The researcher revealed that the organization applies internal control measurers though weak, because of the nature of human beings.
The researcher recommends that the company should review their operation, measure applied and improve in their system of internal control by training their staffs and changing the corrupted ones.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page ii
Approval page iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgement v
Abstract vii
Table of content viii

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background of study 5
1.2 statement of problem 6
1.3 Purpose of the study 6
1.4 Significant of the study 7
1.5 Statement of hypothesis 7
1.6 Scope of the study 8
1.7 Limitation of the study 8
1.8 Definition of terms 9

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Review of related literature 11
2.1 Introduction 11
2.2 Internal cheek and internal audit 14
2.3 Internal control in manufacturing industries 24
2.4 Delegation of duties 29

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Research design and methodology 33
3.1 Sources of data 33
3.2 Sample population and size 34
3.3 Method of data collection 34
3.4 Sources of data 35
3.5 Description of questionnaires 36
3.6 Method of data analysis 37
3.7 Method of typing hypothesis 38

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data presentation and analysis 40
4.1 Data presentation 40
4.2 Interpretation of data 48
4.3 Analysis of data 50

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Summary of findings, conclusion and recommendation 55
5.1 Finding 55
5.2 Conclusions 56
5.3 Recommendation 56
Bibliography 58
Appendix (ices) 60

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
Internal control is defined by the consultative committee of accounting bodies in the united kingdom as a whole system of controls, financial an do otherwise established by the management in order to carryon the business of the enterprise in an orderly and efficient manner, ensure adherence to management polices, safeguard the asset and secure as far as possible the completeness and accuracy of his records.
The individual components of an internal control system are known as “control” or internal control.
According to J.C Ezeh Apil 2001 he defined internal control system as a whole system of control financial and otherwise, established by the management in order to carry on the business of the enterprise in an orderly and efficient manner, ensure adherence to management policies, safe guard the asset and secure as far as possible the completeness and accuracy of the records. The individual components of an internal control system are known as “control or internal controls”.
Internal control by J.C. Ezeh can also be seen in the following definitions they are:
i. As a whole system
ii. Established by the management
iii. Ensure Adherence to management policies
iv. Safeguard the assets
v. Secure completeness
vi. Accuracy of the records
i. Internal control as a whole system, can be seen as a single procedure (e.g a clerical officer Y, check the calculations done by a clerical officer z) or as a whole system. The whole system should be more than some of the parts.
ii. Internal control system are established by the management, either directly or by means of external consultants, internal audit or accounting personnel external auditors may be asked to advice on the establishment of system.
Finally by J. C. Ezeh internal control refutes to the entire system of controls in an enterprise and is not limited to accounting information.
Millichamp A.H of 1991 defined internal control as a whole system of control finance and otherwise established by the management in order to carry on the business of the enterprise in an orderly and efficient manner ensure adherence of management policies and completeness and accuracy of records.
Oknowko I. E of 1994 in his own definition of internal control he defined it as that which comprise the plan of an organization and all of the coordinated methods and measure adopted, within a business to safeguarded its assets, checking accuracy and reliability of the accounting records, promotes operation efficiency and encourage adherence to management policies.
Control is necessary to assure that management policies and directives are properly adherence to.
Management is far removed from the scene of operation in the typical large industry and personal supervision of employers is an impossibility. As a substitute, management must rely on various control techniques to implements its decision and goals.
The responsibility for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control lies with management to decide the extent of the internal control system which is appropriate to the enterprises. It depends on nature size and volume of the enterprise and the geographical distribution of the enterprise and many other factors. Management has recognized internal control as a valuable tool in effectively carrying out its responsibilities and auditors have pressed for improvement in internal control to their effects to be of assistance to management as well as to permit education in audit work made possible by the concomitant increase in the creditability of the accounting records.
Internal control comprises the whole system of financial and other controls established and operating within an organization including internal check, internal audit and all other control established.
What is to be noted about internal control is that it is established by management and it relates to the entire system of controls in an organization not limited to accounting matters.
Therefore within an organization, a control is seen as any action taken by management to enhance the likelihood that established objective and goals will be achieved.
Therefore different types of internal control producers such as in organization which should defined and allocate responsibility and identify lines of reporting segregating of audits, physical custody of assets, authorization and approval automatically and management through these area of control a kind of internal audit and internal check is maintained.
Evaluation of internal control is carried out by management in a way of test such as compliance test and substantive test.
Internal control has been of important to any management because of its objective in any organization for organization to suicide the management needs consistency and effectiveness of internal control producers.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Life Breweries company limited Ontisha is a private limited liability company with above forty (40) shareholders including some separates partners.
It is a joint venture between Nigeria owning 70% and 30% Cofrica (French company based in France) having 30%. The company was incorporated on March, 8 1974 of the factory block took of immediately after incorporated and was almost completed in 1982. By 1983, the office block’s were completed and handed over to the company on August 3rd 1983.
The company is located at the head Bridge Industrial Area Fegga Layout Onitsha.
The share capital has since been increased to 22 million. The company is a Brewery and other drinks are producing like Life Continental Lager Beer, 60cl contents, Gimtonic 20cl content and Pineapple Savannah 30cl content

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The need for proper system of internal control in manufacturing organization cannot be over emphasized but most manufacturing organization have neglected this, result to poor performance of organization. The system of internal control needs to be properly organized and maintained.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
1. To find out whether there are internal control measures in Life Breweries Limited Ontisha.
2. To find out whether there are strong internal control procedures
3. To examine the method of internal control procedures
4. To make useful recommendation on how management can source internal control problem.
5. To identify various problems encountered by the organization in applying their internal control producer.

1.4 SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY
It is a known fact that the company cannot exist or perform well without internal control. The researcher deems it necessary to study the effective consistency and efficient internal control system and measures in manufacturing organization. Organization such as life Breweries ltd Onitsha will achieve the organizational goals. Further researcher will also benefit from this work and also the public in general.

1.5 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis may be defined as declaration state of a relationship between two variable used for better understanding of the problem of study.
Ho: Weak internal control system of life Breweries Onitsha has resuited in law profit ability of the organization.
Hi: Weak internal control system of life Breweries Onitsha has not resuited in low profitability of the organization.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this study is limited to what is obtain at life Breweries limited Onitsha it does not cover all manufacturing organization.
The researcher studies the system of internal control in the areas of the organization assets.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
In this project the researcher encountered some problems which limited the researcher work.
Such problems are time factor and difficulty in terms of finance.
In terms of time the researcher did not have enough time, the time in which he is expected to end his work is too short which did not enable him to do thorough study and analysis of the study.
Another limitation factor which the researcher had was difficulty in terms of finance, knowing difficult for the researcher to pay constant visit to the organization finally the researcher was unable to interview some of the organization staff before concluding this work.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
ASSETS: Asset can be defined (fixed) as those items that cannot be easily comrade into cash but used in the company for a longer period.
Current assets are those items which can be commented to cash within an accounting fear or within the operating cycle.
INTERNAL AUDIT: This is an independent appraised activity within the organization for the review of operation as a service to management. It is a management control which functions by measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of the other controls.
INTERNAL CHECK: It is management control tools which ensure that the same individual does not write up a book of account and balance it.
COMPLIANCE TEST: This is a test which seeks to provide audit evidence that internal control procedures are being applied as prescribed. The main aim of this is to discover whether there are any deviation from the prescribed system which many have material effect on the reliability of the records as a basis for the accounts compliance test are also known as procedure test.
SUSTAINING TESTS: These are tests of transactions and balances and other procedure such as analytical review, which seek to provide audit evidence as to completeness, accuracy and validity if the information contained in the accounting records or in the financial statement. Sustenance test are also known as weakness test.
ADULT: The independent examination of and expression of opinion on, the financial statement of an enterprise by an appointed auditor in pursuance of the appointing and in compliance with any recurrent statutory obligation.

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Internal Control System In Manufacturing Industries:

Internal control systems play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of manufacturing industries. These systems are designed to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, ensure compliance with regulations, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Here are key components and considerations for implementing internal control systems in manufacturing industries:

  1. Segregation of Duties (SoD): This is a fundamental principle in internal control. It involves dividing tasks and responsibilities among different individuals or departments to prevent any one person from having too much control over a process. For example, the person who approves purchase orders should be different from the person who handles payments.
  2. Physical Controls: Manufacturing often involves valuable physical assets. Controls like locks, access cards, and surveillance systems can help prevent unauthorized access and theft.
  3. Inventory Controls: Manufacturing industries typically have significant inventory levels. Implement controls like regular cycle counts, reconciliations, and use of technology (such as barcoding and RFID) to track and manage inventory accurately.
  4. Documented Policies and Procedures: Clearly defined policies and procedures should be in place for all critical processes, including procurement, production, quality control, and shipping. Employees should be trained on these procedures, and deviations should be documented and reviewed.
  5. Financial Controls: Manufacturing companies deal with financial transactions like revenue recognition, cost allocation, and budgeting. Robust financial controls, such as reconciliation of financial records, can ensure the accuracy of financial statements.
  6. Quality Control and Assurance: Internal controls should be in place to ensure the quality of the products being manufactured. This can include inspection processes, quality assurance teams, and standardized testing procedures.
  7. Technology Controls: Manufacturing often relies on computerized systems for production, inventory management, and financial transactions. Controls like user access controls, encryption, and regular system audits are essential to protect against cyber threats.
  8. Management Oversight: Senior management should be actively involved in monitoring internal controls. They should review reports, address control deficiencies, and set the tone for a culture of compliance.
  9. Risk Assessment: Regularly assess risks to the manufacturing process. This includes identifying potential threats to the supply chain, production disruptions, and compliance issues.
  10. Auditing and Monitoring: Regular internal and external audits can help identify control weaknesses and areas for improvement. Monitoring should be ongoing and include real-time data analysis where possible.
  11. Compliance with Regulations: Manufacturing industries are subject to various regulations, such as environmental, safety, and labor laws. Ensure that controls are in place to comply with these regulations and that employees are trained accordingly.
  12. Reporting and Communication: Establish a reporting mechanism for employees to report concerns or irregularities. Encourage open communication about control issues and resolutions.
  13. Supplier and Vendor Controls: Assess and monitor the controls of suppliers and vendors who provide critical components or services to the manufacturing process. Weaknesses in their controls can impact your operations.
  14. Emergency and Contingency Planning: Develop and test contingency plans for emergencies like equipment failures, natural disasters, and supply chain disruptions. These plans should include backup systems and alternative suppliers.
  15. Employee Training and Awareness: Educate employees about the importance of internal controls, their roles in maintaining them, and the consequences of control failures.
  16. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update internal controls as the business environment changes. Lessons learned from control failures should inform improvements.

Effective internal control systems in manufacturing industries not only mitigate risks but also contribute to the overall efficiency and profitability of the organization. Tailor these controls to your specific manufacturing processes and risks to create a robust internal control framework.