Quizz On Internal Controls - Em Lyon - Prof. Idriss Elasri
-
Which of the following is not a true statement ?
-
Putting controls in place will always cost more money
-
Controls help to ensure compliance with policies
-
Controls will help the organization achieve its mission
-
Controls will help protect the organization's assets
-
This quiz, crafted by Prof. Idriss Elasri at EM Lyon, assesses knowledge in internal controls. It covers the importance of employee integrity, roles in internal control, and segregation of duties, emphasizing the necessity of controls in any organizational setup.
Quiz Preview
- 2.
The most important component of internal controls is
-
Segregation of duties
-
Following policies
-
The integrity, ethical values, and competence of an organization’s employees
-
Theft prevention
Correct Answer
A. The integrity, ethical values, and competence of an organization’s employeesExplanation
The most important component of internal controls is the integrity, ethical values, and competence of an organization’s employees. This is because employees with high integrity and ethical values are more likely to follow policies and procedures, which are crucial for effective internal controls. Additionally, competent employees are better equipped to understand and implement internal controls, reducing the risk of errors and fraud. While segregation of duties and theft prevention are important aspects of internal controls, they rely on the trustworthiness and capabilities of the employees involved. Therefore, the integrity, ethical values, and competence of employees are the foundation for a strong internal control system.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Who has the primary responsibility for internal controls in a company ?
-
The CEO / Managing director
-
Business Managers
-
The Internal Audit department
-
Accounting Services
Correct Answer
A. The CEO / Managing directorExplanation
The CEO/Managing director has the primary responsibility for internal controls in a company because they are the highest-ranking executive and have overall authority and accountability for the organization. They are responsible for setting the tone at the top, establishing a culture of ethical behavior, and ensuring that effective internal controls are in place to mitigate risks and safeguard company assets. The CEO/Managing director is also responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of internal controls throughout the organization and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
Segregating duties is important because
-
An employee should not be put in a position where they are able to “steal and conceal”
-
Having too many duties overburdens an employee
-
Required by company policy in processing payroll
-
The auditors may write you up if you don’t do it
Correct Answer(s)
A. An employee should not be put in a position where they are able to “steal and conceal”
A. Having too many duties overburdens an employee
A. Required by company policy in processing payroll
A. The auditors may write you up if you don’t do itExplanation
Segregating duties is important because it helps prevent fraud and theft within an organization. By ensuring that no single employee has complete control over a process, such as handling cash or approving transactions, the risk of "steal and conceal" is minimized. Additionally, having too many duties can overburden an employee, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Company policies often require the segregation of duties, particularly in processing payroll, to maintain internal controls and safeguard assets. Failing to segregate duties may result in negative consequences, such as being written up by auditors for non-compliance.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Which of the following is not an example of internal controls?
-
Maintain adequate records
-
Combine recordkeeping and custody of assets
-
Apply technological controls
-
Make deposits daily or per policy
Correct Answer
A. Combine recordkeeping and custody of assetsExplanation
Combining recordkeeping and custody of assets is not an example of internal controls because it violates the principle of segregation of duties. Internal controls aim to prevent fraud and errors by separating the responsibilities of recording transactions and handling assets. When recordkeeping and custody of assets are combined, there is a higher risk of misappropriation or manipulation of assets without detection. Therefore, this practice goes against the concept of internal controls.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Which of the following is true regarding internal controls?
-
Are only needed to keep dishonest people from stealing
-
Are not needed in a small office where everyone knows each other
-
Are not needed if the staff is honest
-
Are always necessary regardless of the staff involved
-
Are only required in situations when the Business Manager is located away from the office
Correct Answer
A. Are always necessary regardless of the staff involvedExplanation
Internal controls are always necessary regardless of the staff involved because they are designed to safeguard assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and promote operational efficiency. Internal controls help prevent errors, fraud, and misuse of resources, regardless of the honesty or integrity of the staff. They provide checks and balances, establish clear procedures and guidelines, and help detect and correct any irregularities. Internal controls are essential for maintaining the trust of stakeholders, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and promoting the overall effectiveness and success of an organization.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Which is not an example of internal controls ?
-
Approval of documents by the Business Manager (or delegate)
-
Training in various systems: SRM, SAP…
-
Protecting office and lab equipment in secured areas
-
Creating and communicating to staff policies and operating procedures
-
Requiring one person to handle all payroll to minimize exposure to confidential information
Correct Answer
A. Requiring one person to handle all payroll to minimize exposure to confidential informationExplanation
Requiring one person to handle all payroll to minimize exposure to confidential information is not an example of internal controls because it violates the principle of segregation of duties. Internal controls are designed to ensure that no single individual has complete control over a process, as this increases the risk of fraud or errors going undetected. By having one person handle all payroll, there is a lack of checks and balances, making it easier for fraudulent activities to occur without detection.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
The Business Manager of the School of DeArts wants to make sure the controls that were implemented are still effective. The Business Manager should:
-
Ask all of the other school Business Managers if they have had any money stolen
-
Change the locks on the doors
-
Spot-check transactions, records, and reconciliations to ensure they meet expectations
-
Ask for an Internal Audit of the school’s internal controls
-
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Ask for an Internal Audit of the school’s internal controlsExplanation
The Business Manager should ask for an Internal Audit of the school's internal controls to ensure that the implemented controls are still effective. This is the most comprehensive and thorough approach to assess the effectiveness of controls. Asking other school Business Managers about money stolen may not provide a complete picture of the controls' effectiveness. Changing locks on the doors is a security measure but does not directly address the effectiveness of controls. Spot-checking transactions, records, and reconciliations is a good practice, but it may not capture all aspects of control effectiveness. Therefore, asking for an Internal Audit is the best option.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
No matter how well designed and executed, internal controls can fail because:
-
Employees can make mistakes or exercise poor judgment
-
There can be collusion – where two or more individuals work together to steal
-
Management may override established policies or procedures
Correct Answer(s)
A. Employees can make mistakes or exercise poor judgment
A. There can be collusion – where two or more individuals work together to steal
A. Management may override established policies or proceduresExplanation
Internal controls are put in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, safeguard assets, and prevent fraud. However, they are not foolproof and can fail due to various reasons. One reason is that employees can make mistakes or exercise poor judgment, leading to errors or omissions in financial records. Another reason is collusion, where two or more individuals conspire to steal or manipulate financial information. Lastly, management may override established policies or procedures, bypassing the internal controls and potentially engaging in fraudulent activities. These factors highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation of internal controls to minimize the risk of control failures.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
You have accepted a position whose duties include the role of Business Manager for several departments. One of your first decisions is to delegate your signature authority and the review of the payroll voucher reports for fiscal transactions to a fiscal approver for one of the departments. Of the list of potential candidates, who should you not chose to be a fiscal approver?
-
The account manager for the department
-
Administrative support staff who have no payroll processing duties
-
Administrative support staff who are payroll processors
-
Administrative support staff who have no payroll processing duties but who are outside of the department
-
You would not choose: a, c, or d from above
Correct Answer
A. You would not choose: a, c, or d from aboveExplanation
The correct answer is that you would not choose the account manager for the department, administrative support staff who are payroll processors, or administrative support staff who have no payroll processing duties but who are outside of the department. These individuals may have conflicts of interest or lack the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively review and approve fiscal transactions and payroll vouchers.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Oct 02, 2018Quiz Created by
Idriss
Back to top