Mitigating Inadequate Security Claims Through Effective Security Measures

Gaming and hospitality operators are currently facing a litigation crisis. Recent court decisions, such as Tailhook, have established that hospitality operators are responsible for foreseeable security problems. Because of the increased responsibility placed on gaming and hospitality operators to provide a safe and secure environment for their guests, patrons, and employees, companies must take a proactive stance regarding security. While the surveillance and security programs in place at most gaming establishments are often quite sophisticated, care must still be taken to remain current with technological advances in security and changing industry security standards. The implementation of security measures can help mitigate costs associated with inadequate security claims. A cost/benefit analysis can help quantify whether a proposed security measure is se

Systems Analysis And Design: Using Experiential Projects To Enhance Learning

This paper provides accounting information systems instructors with an in-depth look at utilizing experiential learning field projects in a systems analysis and design course.  Student groups were required to develop and implement fully functional systems for a real world client. We discuss project requirements, implementation issues, student feedback, and client feedback.  Student and client perceptions of the experiential projects are favorable

Accounting Software Selection And Satisfaction: A Comparative Analysis Of Vendor And User Perceptions

We comparatively analyze the accounting software selection, retention, and satisfaction perceptions of 43 accounting software vendors as compared to 57 accounting software users.  We identify key areas of agreement and disagreement between the groups. With respect to major factor categories, vendors rate vendor support significantly higher than users, while users rate functionality and compatibility significantly higher than vendors.  Key differences also exist with respect to vendor and user perceptions of the most important features present within the major categories. For instance, vendors and users rate ten of the fourteen components of functionality/capability significantly different.  Similar differences are found with respect to features in vendor stability and vendor support.  Vendors and users also differ in their perceptions as to why companies change software. By highlighting some of the key areas where vendors and users differ in their perceptions of important items, we hope to help bridge the gap between vendor efforts and user desires.  By knowing their customers better and focusing increased attention on areas that users value, we believe that vendors will be able to develop software that better fits user objectives and, in turn, improves user satisfaction

Building an Effective Internal Audit Function: Learning from SOX Section 404 Reports

In the wake of the major accounting scandals, internal auditing has emerged as a powerful force in promoting effective controls, risk management, and governance in U.S. companies. This article highlights recent internal audit-related problems that were revealed in SOX Section 404 reports and offers specific recommendations for building an effective, value-adding internal audit function

IT-Related Material Weaknesses In Internal Control: Initial Evidence From SOX Section 404 Reports

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) requires auditors and managers to assess public companies’ internal control over financial reporting.  Since some of the material weaknesses in internal control noted by auditors and management relate to IT issues, Section 404 reports offer a new opportunity to examine the types of IT-related control issues that public companies are struggling to address.  This study presents a summary of the most commonly cited IT-related material weaknesses in internal control described in recent Section 404 internal control reports and describes the characteristics of companies with IT-related weaknesses. We also provide insights into companies’ remedial actions to correct their IT control weaknesses

Remediation of Material Weaknesses Related to Employee Compensation

The article presents an analysis of the remedial efforts of U.S. companies with material weaknesses in internal control related to employee compensation. Despite the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), public companies have continued to experience accounting and control issues related to employee compensation. The results indicate the role of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and its committees in preventing and remediating material weaknesses concerning compensation

Information Technology in the Undergraduate Accounting Curriculum

This study examines the extent to which undergraduate accounting programs are integrating information technology (IT) across the curriculum. Based on responses from nearly 70 accounting programs, respondents believe that integrating IT into the curriculum is important, but (1) few departments have an IT policy, (2) coverage of general IT topics is minor to moderate, and (3) student usage of computer applications is fairly low. The main technical barriers to IT integration are inadequate lab personnel and continual changes in technology

Attracting African American Honor Students into Accounting

The percentage of minority professionals in the major accounting firms has risen only 2 percentage points since 1976. Black members of a national collegiate honor society were surveyed to see if their perceptions of the accounting profession lead them to select other majors. The nonaccounting students perceived the accounting profession very positively in providing long-term financial rewards and availability of employment. The nonfinancial characteristics of lifestyle, work environment, and nature of accounting work were perceived poorly by respondents. It is vital that black students gain a better understanding of the nonfinancial nature of accounting work and of the role of creative problem solving in the profession

Are America\u27s Top Business Students Steering Clear of Accounting?

Examines top business students\u27 perceptions of the accountancy profession and how these perceptions may influence the students\u27 career choices. Assertion that students choose accounting for financial reasons; Appeal of accounting work to nonaccounting students; Implications for the recruitment of top business students