Question

Niles believes that the reports are true and does not intend to deceive Prime Business, but does not check the reports before certifying them. Can Niles be held liable to Prime Business

Answer 1

The complete question is:

Niles, an accountant, certifies several audit reports on Optimal Operational Processes, Inc., Nile's client, knowing that the company intends to use the reports to borrow money from Prime Business Lending Company to buy new equipment. Niles believes that the reports are true and does not intend to deceive Prime Business, but does not check the reports before certifying them. Can Niles be held liable to Prime Business?

Answer:

Yes can be held liable

Explanation:

An accountant that certifies audits of a company is expected.to do his due diligence. In this scenario Niles believed that the reports are true without checking them.

This is an act of negligence on Nile's part and he can be held liable for damages resulting from the oversight.

The certified audit report is not only being used by Prime business but other third parties like investors and other stakeholders. Any of these can hold Mike's liable for any misleading information in the audit reports