Smart Start Company Is a Hardware Supplier to Building Contractors

question 3

Essay

Smart Start Company is a hardware supplier to building contractors. At the end of each month, the employee who maintains all of the inventory records takes a physical inventory of the firm's stock. When discrepancies occur between the recorded inventory and the physical count, the employee changes the physical count to agree with the records.
Required:
A. What problems could arise as a result of Smart Start Company's inventory procedures?
B. How could the internal control system be strengthened to eliminate the potential problems?
C. What are the implications of SOX sections 302 and 404 for the company's internal control issues?

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Definitions:

Revenue Recognition

Accounting principle determining when and how revenue is recognized and recorded, ensuring it reflects the actual earnings process.

Big Bath Charges

Large and unusual charges taken all at once to clean up a company's balance sheet by removing expected future losses.

Restructuring Charges

Costs associated with reorganizing a company’s operations, such as layoffs, plant closures, or other major changes aimed at improving efficiency or effectiveness.

Stock Prices

The current trading price of a company's shares on the stock market.