THE ROLE OF AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR PROPER ACCOUNTABILITY OF COMPANY’S FUND (A CASE STUDY OF HAMDALA HOTEL, KADUNA)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

The dynamic nature of business environment growth and increasing complexity of business has made it imperative for management to seek for more avenues of control, which has resulted internal audit which serves as a control measure in both public and private sector.

It is now rare indeed to find an enterprise of any size which does not have an internal auditing function. In many cases internal has eclipse other management services to become efficiency, effectiveness and economy.  The need for internal auditing in business organization cannot be ruled out.

As business expands and the level of transaction increases there had been cases of frauds, misappropriation of cash and other irregularities, which if not checked will obviously not be interested of the organization, that is why internal auditing must be introduced in every form of business organization be it large or small to check such irregularities.

Internal audit functions are performed by employees of organizations functioning in a staff capacity and reporting to a high level officer in the organization. Internal audit is essentially an appraisal activity within organization for the review of accounting, financial and other operation as a basis for services to management.

Auditing is the examination of certain statement covering the company’s business transactions over a period of time and the financial position of an organization on a certain date in order that true auditor may issue a report on them. They also make sure that the final statement is true and fairly viewed. There are more involved definition, such as that issued by the consultative council of the accountancy bodies (CCAB). This body defined auditing as “The independent examination of an expression of opinion on the financial statement of an enterprise by an appointed auditor in pursuance of that appointment and in compliance with any relevant statutory obligation”.

The statement adds that the responsibility for the preparation of the financial statement and the presentation of the information included in rests with the management of the enterprise (in the case of a company the director).

The auditor responsibility is to report on the financial statement as presented by the management. The auditor’s duties do not require him specifically to search for fraud unless require by the statute or on the specific terms of his engagement. However, the auditor should recognize the possibility of material irregularities or fraud which could unless adequately be disclosed or state of affairs shown by the financial statement.

Auditor therefore examines the financial transaction to test they are in compliance with the generally acceptable accounting principles and that of the financial statement are true and fair.

Setting up an internal audit department to a large extent help in ensuring that operational activities comply with management policies and other related standards. These will give no room for any form of irregularities.                                                                                                                                                                

Setting up an internal audit department to a large extent help in ensuring that operational activities comply with management policies and other related standards. These will give no room for any form of irregularities.  The basis of this study is to inform the role of audit committee for proper accountability of company’s fund.

1.2       Statement of the Problems

Inspite of the existence of internal audit department/section in business organization, it is often argued that the rate of fraud in the organization of the economy is still on the increase.

By delaying payment vouchers, some people argue that the internal auditors are creating more problems than they are solving. Others even see internal auditors as mere tools to witch-hunt and therefore see them as unnecessary evils. An attempt would be made in this study to properly educate other operational managers (who see internal auditors as constituting a nuisance to them) on the proper functioning of internal audit department. The wrong impression held by non-audit staff will be eliminate, that internal auditors are merely to detect fraud and therefore must not be concerned with their normal operations.

The research questions therefore are in the problem of this research work which is restricted to the following: does internal auditing play a role in accomplishing true and fair presentation of statement of profit and loss account and balance sheet? Does internal auditing enhance internal control leading to efficient running of enterprise?

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The objective of the study is to determine the benefit that could accrue to business organization through auditing with specific reference to Hamdala Hotel Kaduna.

The study will further bring into highlight the importance attached to the auditing system adopted by business organization whether it satisfied their present and future needs.

It will also show whether the limited liability companies are among the beneficiaries of auditing system.

1.4       Research Hypothesis

This sub-chapter has an important attribute in any research work. In order to come out with a meaningful conclusion at the end of the research works, the researcher postulates the following hypothesis:

1)                 H1:     That audit committee is effective and efficient in business organization.

H0:     That audit committee