Bega Cheese Case Study

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Corporate Governance The Bega Cheese Limited issues a Corporate Governance Statement that outlines the measures put into place to ensure organisational integrity and transparency of data in the financial statements that are published in the annual report. It would appear that Bega exert extreme effort to ensure that the risk of misstatements is minimised. In effect, is by assigning risk management and oversight responsibility to specific groups/personnel within the organisation using systematic approach. The board is held accountable for assessing, approving and checking the Group’s risk management systems, assessment of the adequacy of the internal compliance, policies and procedures and control mechanisms. Furthermore, board also approving Inherent Risk 1 Net cash flow- investing activities relate to the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets. Bega appears to be purchasing non current assets (usually an indication the industry is expanding and in good health). Bega Cheese is in a significant positive situation for all three years. Its net position for 2016 indicates it has sold $34.0 million more of current assets compared to the purchase of non-current assets. Such significant activity suggests an inherent risk of cash flow problems- sale of assets to meet short-term obligations (ASA570). Inherent Risk 2 Debit ratio-the ratio of liabilities to assets indicates that their liabilities are increasing as a proportion of total assets. This is having an affect on the Times Interest Earned ratio, which is deteriorating rapidly. It also indicates their obligations are growing- another indication of potential cash flow problems and an inherent risk to a going concern issue that might influence the potential manipulation of the financial This indicates an increased reliance on barrowed funds from creditors of financiers (e.g. banks). This is further evidence that Bega is experiencing cash flow problems and there is an inherent risk of going concern problems. The results of the ratios all point towards going concern issues as per ASA570. Although the company has been profitable since 2015, the ratios indicates there are severe problems with cash flows and there are growing concerns about their ability to continue as a going concern (ASA 570) Inherent Risk 4 The Accounts Receivable Turnover- trend indicates that number of days collect accounts receivable has deteriorated. This indicates slower collection of debtors and potential cash flow problems. Of concern is trend that indicates that the allowance for doubtful accounts is actually become a lower proportion of the accounts receivable balance, suggesting that there is an inherent risk that ha e company is attempting to ‘window dress’ its financial statements by lowering the allowance to make the financial statement position look better. These also point toward a potential going concern problem under

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