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Atlanta Home Loan - Case Study Essay

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Question 5 Atlanta Home Loan – control failure Date: October 29, 2013 To: Mr. Al Fiorini Founder of Atlanta Home Loan (“AHL”) From: PT Consultant Subject: Strategies and the Importance of Setting-up Controls for Your Business Thank you for providing the background information of your company. Based on the information provided, there appears to be deficiencies in the control systems implemented within the operation. These control deficiencies were one of the main causes that allowed unintended individuals to gain unlawful control over Atlanta Home Loan. In order to prevent this from happening again, it is important to identify the main issues that caused the company to fall, generate alternatives to apply in the …show more content…

Action controls heavily rely on your personal effort in monitoring the behaviors of your employees; it does not promote goal congruence within the firm. Result controls provide autonomy or motivation for employees to strive better as a team, but the linkage between results and actions may not always be perfect. In the case of AHL, action and result controls are susceptible to fraudulent acts as they are evaluated based on the observation or outcome the company; they are more of reactive than proactive control systems. For example, there is a lack of monitoring of loan applications once they are past the loan officer level. In addition, there was a lack of segregation of duties within the departments of your firm. Wilbur had the use and privileges of AHL, as well, he was able to conduct human resources function at the same time have the authority to pay any office expenses. Further, signed blank checks were made available to the company management during your absence. These are control deficiencies that are visible for staff and are easy targets for misappropriations. Besides several weaknesses in controls, AHL does not have a sound company strategy. It is important to develop a corporate-level strategy by establishing a functional organizational structure as well as strengthen your business unit strategy by setting up a mission statement or a vision for your employees to realize.

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