Forensic Accounting and Fraud： Capability and Competence Requirements in Malaysia

The 2011 Global Economic Crime Survey instituted by PricewaterhouseCoopers （PwC） confirms the economic crime in Malaysia to be on the increase and, therefore, requires immediate attention to stem the tides. In anticipation of the challenges occasioned due to a shift from the modified cash basis to the accrual basis of accounting, the Malaysian State＇s determination to move from a developing nation to a developed nation, and to be ranked among the first 10 in 2020, this paper presents the need for forensic accountant and auditor capability （i.e., mindset and skills） on forensic accountant and auditor competence （i.e., task performance fraud risk assessment （TPFRA）） in the Malaysian public sector. It also draws the attention of the users of public sector accountants and auditors to the understanding of fraud mechanisms and how to deal with fraudsters. The population of this study comprised the accountants and auditors in the office of the Accountant General and Auditor General of Malaysia. The objective of this paper is to investigate the competence requirements of accountants and auditors in the effective and efficient utilization of capability requirements, which have the potentials to usher in the best global practices in fighting fraud in the Malaysian public sector.     

Annual risk reporting of listed companies in Malaysia

This study examines risk reporting in annual reports of Malaysian listed companies. The mandatory and voluntary disclosures of risk information are analyzed and the authors examine whether a relationship exists between company size, leverage, and industry type and risk disclosure levels. 150 listed companies from five industries are selected as sample. Content analysis and risk disclosure index of dichotomous measurement are used in data collection. Overall the results indicate that level of risk information disclosed in the annual reports is still minimal. OLS （Ordinary least squares） regression analysis indicates that the level of risk information disclosure is positively associated with size and not with leverage. However, a mixed result has been found for industry type; where only property industry shows a significant relationship with level of risk disclosure, and not for the other industries. This study contributes to financial reporting literature in relation to risk reporting, particularly the practice of Malaysian companies. Findings from this study are also useful to regulators and accounting standard setting body to assess the level of compliance to regulations and standards relating to risk reporting by these companies. More studies are required to further understand the importance of risk information disclosure, such as risk disclosure within specific industry, cross-country studies and usefulness of risk information disclosure from the stakeholders＇ perspectives.     

The Relationship Among Ethical Climate,Job Satisfaction,Organizational Commitment,and External Auditor＇s Turnover Intention

This study attempts to examine the relationship among ethical climate, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention in the context of the Malaysian external auditor＇s work environment. The questionnaire is sent to a sample of external auditors from Malaysian Big Four （Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler （KPMG）, Ernst and Young, Deloitte KassimChan, and PricewaterhouseCoopers （PwC）） main offices. There are 167 useable responses. The regression results have provided evidence that ethical climate is directly, significantly, and positively associated with job satisfaction. In contrast, ethical climate appeared not to be directly related with external auditor＇s turnover intention. Both job satisfaction and organizational commitment were identified as significant predictors in explaining turnover intention, since they had a significant and negative effect on external auditor＇s turnover intention. This study also implied that job satisfaction had a significant effect on organizational commitment. Furthermore, the findings revealed that organizational commitment partially mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and turnover intention. The results extend the literature on external auditor＇s turnover intention and provide insights for human resource management in accurately assessing employee＇s turnover intention in order to improve retention and reduce actual turnover particularly in audit firms.     

Risk signal, financial derivatives transactions and the Indonesian GAAP

Motivated by the accounting events of firm＇s default related to derivatives and other financial instruments transactions, this study is aimed to investigate the capability of accounting information to signal the risks associated with the use of financial derivatives for hedging. Hypothesis are developed based on the theory and empirical evidences of manager＇s motive to use derivatives for hedging （Berkman ＆ Bradbury, 1968; Dune, et al., 2003） as well as signaling theory of accounting information （Ball ＆ Brown, 1968; Beaver ＆ Dukes, 1972; Jensen ＆ Meckling, 1976; Megginson, 1997）. The hypotheses are formulated in the Ordinary Least Square model. The study uses Statistical Product and Service Solutions （SPSS） version 14 as software to conduct the statistical tests. Non-bank and non-financial institutions firms with financial derivatives transactions listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange during 2001 to 2006 are chosen as the sample. Determinations of the time frame has considered the timing of introduction of revisions of accounting standard on derivatives and other financial instruments in Indonesia PSAK 50 Financial Instruments： Presentations and Disclosures which was published in July, 1998, as well as PSAK 55 Financial Instruments： Recognition and Measurements which was published in 1998. Based on the sample selections procedure and the completeness of the data required by the model, 24 firms listed during 2001-2006 or equal to 66 firm-years observations were identified as the data to be tested. Empirical evidences suggests that Indonesian GAAP is capable of providing signal associated with： （1） Fair value exposures related to manager＇s motive to reduce the cost of financial distress; （2） Cash flow exposures related to manager＇s motive to practice tax arbitrage as well as to overcome underinvestment problems; （3） Interest rate risks related to manager＇s motive to avoid the risk default due to limitations of debt covenants; （4） Forex risk related to manager＇s motive to control forex exposures caused by foreign operations as well as foreign sales.     

Corporate governance and financing decisions by Saudi companies

This paper aims to contribute to the corporate governance literature in emerging economies by examining the effect of some corporate governance mechanisms on financing decisions in Saudi Arabian listed companies. A multiple regression model is used to examine the association between financing decisions and corporate governance mechanisms for a sample of 37 listed Saudi companies. In particular, we examine the effect of board size, ownership concentration and corporate governance reporting on the debt-to-equity ratio. Corporate governance reporting is measured by the content analysis approach. After controlling for companies＇ profitability and their growth opportunities, we found that both board size and ownership concentration are positively associated with debt-to-equity ratio. We limit our analysis to a small sample of firms that use the internet to communicate corporate governance information between October 2005 and January 2006. The findings suggest that managers are likely to choose higher financial leverage when they have stronger corporate governance （large number of directors on the board and higher ownership concentration）. However, we did not find any statistical association between corporate governance disclosure and debt-to-equity ratio. This suggests that firm＇s asymmetric information is not an important driver of the financing decision of Saudi Arabian companies. This might be due to the nature of the Saudi business environment. We strongly believe that this paper provides a novel contribution to the existing literature as we are the first to examine this issue in Saudi Arabia.     

From Consolidation to Segment Reporting in Local Government： Accountability Needs,Accounting Standards,and the Effect on Decision-Makers

Consolidated Financial Statements （CFSs） in the public sector represent useful financial tools to improve transparency and accountability toward internal and external users. This aggregate view is only a part of the information needed in order to give politicians, managers, employees, financial institutions, rating agencies, and citizens a whole view of a local government＇s financial performance. It emerges the need to have segment information, covering specific policy areas for which it is appropriate to separately report financial and non-financial information. This paper, after having discussed the need for accountability and decision-making in a theoretical framework, gives account of a pilot project realized by the municipality of Reggio Emilia, which introduced CFSs and segment reporting. The empirical study is based on an action research as a methodological approach to solving practical problems. Finally, the paper also offers some practical suggestions to contribute to the applicability of the segment reporting in the public sector.     

Introductory course in accounting-Factors affecting the choice of students＇ consideration

This study attempts to investigate if and how students＇ perceptions regarding the first accounting course related with the selection of accounting as a major. Moreover, it examines students＇ initial perceptions and course performance regarding the introductory accounting course. Participants in this study were 120 students from Technological Educational Institute of Kavala, School of Business and Economics （3 departments）, who were asked to complete a survey instrument. The instrument used eleven statements regarding students＇ perceptions （such as difficulty and motivation of the course） of the first accounting course. The main factors affect students＇ decisions to follow accounting and seem to be similar with other researchers＇ findings （Geiger ＆ Ogilby, 2000）. Future research could be used larger sample from different countries and the survey could also be used for a longer time period.     

Chinese accounting reform： It will be a continuous process

Based on a thorough review, this paper points out that there is still two types of problems in the newly formulated China Accounting Standards 2006 （CAS 2006） which were enacted on Jan. 1, 2007. The first type is that some economic events have been accounted for incorrectly, and the second is confusion and misunderstanding have been caused in the practical world when some guidelines of CAS 2006 are carded out to converge to the International Financial Reporting Standards （IFRS）. In my opinion, it is a great leap to establish a set of accounting standards that harmonize with the IFRS, but China＇s accounting reform is a continuously improving process. During the process, the accounting standards setting departments shoulder heavy burden, face a dilemma, and meet some challenges. After all, China＇s accounting reform will be a long way.     

Financial statements in less developed countries： What do preparers demand？

This study reports on an empirical investigation of the characteristics, attitudes, and beliefs of preparers of external financial reports in a less developed country. The basic research instrument consisted of a questionnaire in two parts： the first addressing attitudes of professional accountants toward annual financial reports generally; the second, more specifically measuring the importance of the information items to preparers. Our results suggest that the independent auditor is the most influential group in decision-making processes. As in many developed countries, the auditor＇s report and the regulatory framework are considered to have a major influence on financial reporting practices. Preparers believe that a lack of knowledge of external users＇ needs and lack of reporting standards and accepted accounting principles are the main concerns with corporate financial reports in Iran. The results showed that the balance sheet, auditors＇ report, and income statement in that order are the three most important parts of the annual reports.     

A Study of the Awareness Level of Takaful Products Among Micro Enterprises in Malaysia

The small- and medium-sized enterprises （SMEs） play a vital role in the development of the Malaysian economy through its contribution of 32% of the country＇s growth domestic product （GDP）. However, the recent global financial crisis has exposed these enterprises to plausible risks that have resulted in some businesses being shuttered. Such predicament shows how crucial it is for SMEs to be prepared with some form of protection or Takaful to mitigate impending risks. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which micro enterprises are aware of Takaful and the benefits of its products. The study was conducted on respondents who fall into micro enterprise category located in Johor, Malaysia, and the research process involves a case study method which is in-depth interviews. The results of the current study provide an insight into how Takaful is regarded among SMEs and the need for these enterprises to be protected.     

Corporate Reporting： An Integrated Approach to Legitimacy Claims

With the increasing pressure on companies to engage in corporate social responsibility （CSR）, it is paramount for businesses and organizations to gain social legitimacy through building trust and credibility towards their stakeholders. Corporate reporting is a major tool whereby they can demonstrate their transparency and their will to contribute to society. However, reporting is often addressed as a narrow and restricted discipline based on specific areas of communication like financial and CSR communication, which potentially can lead to ＂disconnected reporting＂. The aim of this paper is to address reporting within a framework of corporate communication, introducing the concept of corporate reporting as ＂an issue of integration＂ and to discuss the opportunities and challenges of corporate reporting as a driver for gaining social legitimacy. Recent research in corporate reporting and the development of standards by distinguished reporting agencies （e.g., Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler （KPMG）, A4S, PricewaterhouseCoopers （PwC）） seem to support this position, arguing that integrated reporting is ＂the way forward＂. Accordingly, the authors conclude that there is a need to include a broader range of aspects in the corporate reporting literature applying a strategic integrated approach by which corporate reporting may more explicitly help businesses and organizations gain social legitimacy towards their internal and external stakeholders.     

Financial reporting of cash flow： Arbitrary items and management preferences

The international financial reporting standard for cash flow statement （IAS 7） provides options for the classification of certain cash flow items （arbitrary items）. Therefore, business firms may classify the arbitrary items using the option that would maximize their own interest. This reduces the comparability of financial statements amongst business firms. This study aims to investigate the factors explaining management preferences in the selection of financial reporting practices on the arbitrary cash flow items. It concludes that managers tend to magnify the CFO reported in order to maximize the shareholders＇ wealth, which in turn would maximize their compensation. Managers of business firms with a relatively smaller size of CFO tend to classify interest paid and dividends paid as non-CFO in order to magnify their CFO. They also tend to classify interest received as CFO in order to inflate their relatively smaller size of CFO up to expectation. Similarly, managers of business firms with a relative larger size of dividends paid would classify the dividends paid outside CFO.     

A Possible Narrative Section Harmonisation？ The Role of the Practice Statement Management Commentary

The Practice Statement provides a flexible approach to preparation of the management commentary, generating more meaningful disclosure and discussing those matters that are more relevant to the company＇s individual circumstances. In this direction, the International Accounting Standards Board （IASB） has highlighted some content elements recognised as being fundamental for guaranteeing the usefulness of the management commentary. With reference to these elements, it is interesting to analyse the level of disclosure of the financial reporting. These analyses aim to identify the themes dealt with most extensively by the companies and those that require greater attention so that the narrative section of the financial statement is, on the one hand, at least consistent with the suggestions of the guideline and, on the other hand, contains information that is useful for the users. Lastly, in the light of the relevant European Union （EU） directives, the results of the analysis will help to formulate considerations on the ability of the IASB guideline to improve the completeness of the narrative section. All this is examined in a cross-country dimension： Financial reports in Italy and the United Kingdom （UK） are examined. The content analysis methodology is applied. Within the financial reporting, the management discussion is examined in particular. The analysis is performed considering 2008. This qualitative paper will contribute to the studies on disclosure and usefulness of the information provided.     

Controversies over fair value accounting： The case of SMEs

This study analyses IASB＇s stipulations on fair value usage in its standard designed for SMEs and the reactions of national standard setters, preparers and users of financial reporting in this respect. It tries to clarify fair value applications such as market value and value in use and the appropriateness of their usage for the case on hand. This research determines the inconsistencies within IASB ED IFRSfor SMEs （2007） related to the usage of fair value, underlined by the respondents＇ comment letters. The content analysis of all the above, conducted according to the type of economy and nature of respondent, along with the statistical techniques applied, indicates a partial approval of fair value usage under the following conditions： clarification of the concept, details on its usage in relation to market liquidity and the nature of the asset, additional guidance regarding the measurement methods. We advocate for the value in use, an application of the fair value based on internal valuations, which offers an adequate cost-benefit rate. The final version ofIFRSfor SMEs highlights both the preference of market information over the internal valuations and the insufficient information regarding solutions suited for non-liquid markets. It may be appropriate for the IASB, maybe in collaboration with the IVSC, to provide guidance and details regarding the implementation and disclosure of the valuation techniques applicable to this type of entities.     

Development of China＇s Accounting Standards： Its Establishment and Development Trend

1. The Needs for Accounting Standards Development In 1980s, it was the searching stage for accounting standards. It was recognized that accounting standards cannot be isolated from business environment. China＇s accounting standards are basically constituted by the elements of recognition, measurement and presentation of accounting information as required by Ministry of Finance. Before 1978, accounting system reform was only carried out between complexity and briefness, so reporting formats and accounting framework were retained. Thereafter, the 3^rd plenary session of the 14th Communist Party of China National Congress concluded the economic reform in socialist market economy. Central government put forward a state policy on openness and mainland economic enlivenment. One of the major priorities was to attract foreign capitals and allowed the formation of China-foreign joint ventures. At that moment, China＇s accounting system was based on a single ownership methodology, which was a state-monopolized revenue and expenditure. As foreign transactions were not properly recorded in the financial statements, the information integrity was doubtful in reflecting the true figures of inputs and outputs. In addition, foreign investors could not even understand the reporting systems. It led to confusion that Ministry of Finance＇s approval on the shareholding transaction was unfair. As usual in western accounting standards, foreign shareholding should be regarded as equity and exhibited in balance sheet, which should be audited by independent professional accountants. As a result, the Chinese accounting system was alleged as opaque and required to reform in accordance with international accounting conventions. Otherwise, the foreign shareholding was unable to be translated into the investors＇ home countries.     

Which Central and Eastern European country has the greatest potential for housing market recovery？

This paper is concentrated on analyzing the CEE （Central and Eastern European） countries housing and lending market development in 2002-2009. These countries experienced real estate boom and bust phases during that time and the aim of this paper is to understand which of these countries have the greatest potential for housing market recovery. The study has conducted comparable analysis of these countries and their real estate and lending market. The data was collected from central banks, national statistic offices and real estate companies. The results suggest that countries with higher housing debt had stronger real estate booms and the current bust-cycle has caused much steeper decline in prices. This paper attempts to look at the CEE housing markets from the developer＇s or investor＇s point of view and may be useful for banks and other financial institutions which are related to housing market and lending.     

Accounting regulation and IPSAS implementation： Efforts of transition countries toward IPSAS compliance

The need for high quality standards to enhance sound and consistent financial reporting and the fact that the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of public sector extended to a belief that public and private sectors did not have to be managed in fundamentally different ways, fostered a wide-ranging discussion about the harmonization of public sector accounting systems and their convergence towards the private sector financial reporting standards. This paper discusses the state and perspective of public sector accounting and financial reporting in transition countries. Precisely, this paper aims to examine the adequacy of governmental accounting and financial reporting model, reflecting the existing accounting regulation and financial reporting framework in Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The motivation for this paper emerges from international discussions about IPSASs development and adoption, and the fact that the topic is becoming more and more relevant as many countries are moving towards adopting full accrual accounting using IPSASs as their method of financial reporting. Our results show that the degree and dynamics of government accounting systems＇ transformation in transition countries depends upon several specific factors which have to be taken into account when evaluating the systems and making comparison between government accounting system reforms in countries in the analysis. Thus, the study distinguishes certain similarities but also discrepancies regarding the status and possible further development of governmental accounting in countries examined.     

A Comparative Analysis of Disclosures in Annual Reports

Public companies issue periodic annual reports to give information about the past financial and operational results while presenting the future strategies. Companies release non-financial information concerned with corporate sustainability issues like market share, customer loyalty, supply chain management, corporate governance, and human resources in annual reports as well as the audited financial reports. Annual reports, one of the important instruments of transparency and disclosure, are widely used by shareholders and stakeholders. Recent laws and regulations in the US, European Union, and Turkey require enhanced disclosures in annual reports. In the first part of this study, a comparative regulatory framework for annual reports will be established under the Sarbanes Oxley Act （SOX）, the Securities and Exchange Commission （SEC） filing requirements, the New Turkish Commercial Code, and regulations of Capital Markets Board （CMB） of Turkey. In the second part of this study, annual reports of four sample companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange （NYSE） and Corporate Governance Index of Borsa Istanbul will be discussed in the light of disclosure requirements of Form 20-F. Findings of this study support the hypothesis which states that regulatory environment has a positive impact on the quantity and quality of disclosures. Attention is drawn to the need for global standardization to reduce the reporting variances and the need for independent audit of annual reports to increase the reliability.     

The Importance of Professional Training for Test Writers

The importance of language testing is noticed by more and more people.But the quality of testing,or say,the level of test writers,has been ignored for a long time.This article intends to talk about the importance of professional training for test writ- ers,in order to arouse people＇s attention to the quality of test designers.     

英文摘要

Is There Any Auditor＇s Trust to the Clients in Audit Zou Jing Xia Qing Zhou Sheng （Zhongnan University of Economics and Law; Military Economics Academy,Wuhan, Hubei 430073） Abstract： Professional skepticism is an essential important accomplishment for the auditor who is engaged in auditing work. Is there any auditor＇s trust to the clients in the the field of audit which is in contrast to the Professional skepticism？ Using data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2011, this paper explor the relation between the intensity index of trust and the audit fees, and then explains whether there is auditor＇s trust to the clients in the auditing activities. On the whole,the result of study reveals that there is a significant negative correlation between the auditor＇s index of rational trust and the audit fees, but there is no significant positive association between the auditor＇s index of individual trust and the audit fees.Thus it can be thought that, there exists auditor＇s trust to the clients stemming from the rationality in the auditing activities, but there is no evidence showing that the auditor has individual turst to the clients in the audit because of the long familarity with the clients. Keywords： Auditor Trust Audit fees