Question

To prepare for this discussion review the chapter reading assignments. While doing the reading think about your responses to the identified questions, AND respond to your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Tammy Potter, a new partner with the regional CPA firm of Tower & Tower, was recently appointed to the board of directors of a local civic organization. The chairman of the board of the civic organization is Lewis Edmond, who is also the owner of a real estate development firm Tiera Corporation.

Potter was quite excited when Edmond indicated that his corporation needed an audit and he wished to discuss the matter with her. During the discussion, Potter was told that Tiera Corporation needed the audit to obtain a substantial amount of additional financing to acquire another company. Presently, Tiera Corporation is successful, profitable, and committed to growth. The audit fee for the engagement should be substantial.

Since Tierra Corporation appeared to be a good client prospect. Potter tentatively indicated that Tower & Tower wanted to do the work. Potter then mentioned that Tower & owner’s quality control policies require an investigation of new clines and approved by the managing partner, Lee Tower.

Potter obtained the authorization of Edmond to make the necessary inquires for the new client investigation. Edmond was found to be a highly respected member of the community. Also, Tiera Corporation was highly regarded by tis banker and its attorney, and the Dun & Bradstreet report on the corporation reflected nothing negative.

As a final part of the investigation process, Potter contacted Edmond’s former tax accountant, Bill Tuner. Potter was reprised to discover that Turner did not share the others’ high opinion of Edmond. Turner related that on an IRS audit 10 years ago, Edmonds’ former tax accountant, Bill Turner. Potter was surprised to discover that Turner did not share the others’ high opinion of Edmond. Turner related that on an IRS audit 10 years ago. Edmond was questioned about the details of a large capital loss reported on the sale of a tract of land to a trust. Edmond told the IRS agent that he had lost all the supporting documentation for the transaction, and they had no way of finding out the names of the principals of the trust. A search by an IRS auditor revealed that the land was recorded in the name of Edmond’s married daughter and that Edmond himself was listed as the trustee. The IRS disallowed the loss and Edmond was assessed a civil fraud penalty. Potter was concerned about these findings, but eventually concluded that Edmond has probably matured to a point where he would not engage in such activities.

1. Present arguments supporting a decision to accept Tiera Corporation as an audit client.
2. Present arguments supporting a decision NOT to accept Tierra Corporation as an audit client.

Assuming that you are Lee Tower, set forth your decision regarding acceptance of the client, identifying those arguments from pat (a) or pat (b) that you found most persuasive.

Answer 1

Tower & Tower is a reputed CPA firm and Lee Tower is the managing partner of it.

In my opinion Lee should not accept Tierra Corporation as an audit client as Lewis Edmond chairman of Tierra as a whole solely responsible for the civil fraud penalty in the land case and should disclose his matter to Tammy at the time of discussion but it came to notice to him after having interaction with Turner (tax accountant).

Lewis previously had misused his capacity as a chairman and  done the transaction for his own benefits and not even bothered to disclose this as a matter of fact at a first business metting with Tammy and there is no evidence that now Lewis has changed his mindset and got matured to a point where he wouldn't let himself again in such kind of if gets any opportunity.

It will further impact reputation of Tower & Tower and might influence future clients and growth perspective of firm

Considering all above LEE should not accept this proposal.