Financial Statements explains the logic of financial statements and how we use them to analyse companies in economic terms. Its approach is very different to existing books on financial statements, bringing a remarkable amount of order and simplicity to what can appear a complex subject. The book covers a number of issues that have had little attention before, including the analysis of growth, how business model innovation is affecting reported financial performance, the effect of the company's accounting model on its reported cash flow and the vulnerability of measures such as EBITDA. The book examines the main problem areas in accounting: where balance sheets are frequently incomplete, the treatment of intangible assets, the techniques of 'off-balance-sheet financing', how assets and liabilities are valued in balance sheets and the tension in GAAP between historic cost and current or 'fair' value accounting. The book contains a concise review of the two dominant accounting systems: US GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and IFRS. It explains how GAAP is evolving, and the impact of the financial crisis. The book examines the ways in which companies present their income numbers to achieve a favourable look, why companies fail and the detection of creative accounting. This book is essential reading for practitioners and students, and for anyone who wants to use and understand financial statements.

Auditing Fundamentals in a South African Context: Graded Questions, Fourth Edition, presents a comprehensive collection of auditing questions designed to support effective learning and application across the undergraduate auditing curriculum. The material is structured to provide practice material at a range of cognitive levels, from foundational understanding to advanced integration of knowledge.

This fourth edition includes new and updated questions, with expanded coverage of contemporary topics such as risk assessment and internal controls in computerised environments. A helpful guidance feature throughout the text supports students in developing independent competency in applying auditing principles.

Designed to complement the structure and pedagogical approach of the companion textbook, Auditing Fundamentals in a South African Context, this question book functions both as an ideal companion volume and as a stand-alone resource for practice and revision.

New to this edition:

Auditing Fundamentals in a South African Context: Graded Questions, Fourth Edition includes new question material for practice and application of theory. This material includes new questions relating to IT auditing, ethics, governance, and other areas of the curriculum

Table of Contents:

Part A The context within which the external auditor operates
Chapter 1: Introduction.
Chapter 2: . Ethics.
Chapter 3: Legal responsibilities of the auditor.
Part B The auditee’s responsibility for financial information
Chapter 4: Basic concepts of governance and internal control.
Chapter 5: Introduction to risks and internal controls in a computerised environment.
Chapter 6: Revenue and receipts cycle.
Chapter 7: Purchases and payments cycle.
Chapter 8: Inventory and production cycle.
Chapter 9: Human resources cycle.
Chapter 10: Investment and financing cycle.
Part C The external audit process
Chapter 11: Overview of the audit process.
Chapter 12: Pre-engagement and planning activities.
Chapter 13: Audit procedures: Essential concepts.
Chapter 14: Audit procedures: Specific considerations.
Chapter 15: Completion of the audit. Chapter 16: The independent review.