ACC 675 2-1 Discussion

Mr X, head of the accounting department, conducted a meeting with a system professional, Miss Tiffany, to develop a new accounting information system. During this meeting, Miss Tiffany suggested that the best way to start is first to examine the old system, such as reviewing key documents and observing the workers perform their tasks. Then, it can be determined which aspects are working well and which should be preserved. Mr X disagrees with this suggestion. He argues that they have been through these types of projects before and what always ends up happening is that they do not get the new system they are promised; instead they get a modified version of the old system. Miss Tiffany assures him that it will not happen this time. Tiffany is of the view that she just wants a thorough understanding of what is working well and what is not. However, Mr X does not agree with this opinion. His stance is as follows: “I would feel more comfortable if we first started with a list of our…

Imagine that you realize that the firm you are working for does not have good documentation for its current AIS. You recommend that some system documentation be prepared to assist in developing the AS-IS model of the current system. Of the various documentation techniques covered this week, which ones do you recommend and which would you not recommend? Why?

You are currently working in a mid-tier accounting firm. In an engagement meeting with a client, the management of your client is concerned that the audit tests that you perform will disrupt operations. Your client has recently implemented a data warehouse and the management suggests that you draw the data for analytical reviews and substantive testing from the data warehouse instead of the operational database. The management points out that operational data are copied weekly into the data warehouse and all data you need are contained there. Outline your response to the management’s proposal and mention any concerns you might have. (maximum 300 words)