Question

XYZ, CPA, has been engaged to examine the financial statements of ABC Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the year, ABC obtained a long-term loan from a local bank pursuant to a financing agreement that provided that 1. The loan was to be secured by the company's inventory and accounts receivable. 2. The company was not to pay dividends without permission from the bank. 3. Monthly instalment payments were to commence July 1, 2015. In addition, during the year, the company borrowed various short-term amounts from the president of the company, including substantial amounts just prior to year-end. Required: a. For purposes of the audit of the financial statements of ABC Corporation, what procedures should XYZ employ in examining the described loans? b. The loans from the president represent a related-party transaction. What financial statement disclosures do you believe would be appropriate for the loans from the president?

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Analytical review of loan agreement.

Inquiry from management about the loans and its covenants.

Observing the management behavior towards covenants.

Inspecting the effects of each covenant on business activities.

b. According to IAS 24, related party transactions the loan from president should be disclosed.

Explanation:

Loans are a source of funding to a business. Many organizations prefers high debt funding as it is a cheap source of finance. On the other hand high debt companies are considered as risky. When an auditor analyses the loan covenants he must ensure that he reads the complete agreement and analyses the effects that each covenant has on the company's performance. Loan covenants are always considered as flagged as this is an important area which requires detailed audit. In the given scenario the loans are taken against company's inventory and receivable accounts which is a threat to company's working capital. There are covenants imposed not to distribute any dividend to shareholders. These will create a liquidity position for a company if the loan is not paid on time and company will not have sufficient amount of working capital to fund its routine expenses and business operations.

b. IAS 24 provides detailed guidance on discloses for transaction involving related party. The president of a company has provided loan to the company this should be disclosed in the notes. The transaction should be in the arms length and disclosures should be made for every transaction.