Purchase Solution

Accounting controls for managed rental properties

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Mel O'Conner owns rental properties in Michigan. Each property has a manager who collects rent, arranges for repairs, and runs advertisements in local newspapers. The property managers transfer cash to O'Conner monthly and prepare their own bank reconciliations.

The manager in Lansing has been stealing from the company. To cover the theft, he understates the amount of the outstanding checks on the monthly bank reconciliation. As a result, each monthly bank reconciliation appears to balance. However, the balance sheet reports more cash than O'Conner actually has in the bank. In negotiating the sale of the Lansing property, O'Conner is showing the balance sheet to prospective investors.

Identify two parties other than O'Conner who can be harmed by this theft. In what ways can they be harmed? Discuss the role accounting plays in this situation. What internal controls could be put in place to prevent this type of theft?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The solution responds to each question by explaining the types of controls needed for offsite owners in order to avoid theft of rental income.

Solution Preview

Identify two parties other than O'Conner who can be harmed by this theft. In what ways can they be harmed?

Because the balance sheet understates cash, a potential buyer may value the building based on the amounts showing on the balance sheet. If the buyer keeps the same manager, he will not have the cash flow he expects. The second party at risk is the lender. If a bank lends based on a fraudulent balance sheet, the bank may lose if the buyer does not continue to make payments.

Discuss the role accounting plays in this situation.

The reliance of investors on accounting information cannot be ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Operations Management

This quiz tests a student's knowledge about Operations Management

Understanding the Accounting Equation

These 10 questions help a new student of accounting to understand the basic premise of accounting and how it is applied to the business world.

Managing the Older Worker

This quiz will let you know some of the basics of dealing with older workers. This is increasingly important for managers and human resource workers as many countries are facing an increase in older people in the workforce

Organizational Leadership Quiz

This quiz prepares a person to do well when it comes to studying organizational leadership in their studies.

Paradigms and Frameworks of Management Research

This quiz evaluates your understanding of the paradigm-based and epistimological frameworks of research. It is intended for advanced students.