While discussing the management letter with the
external auditors, Ray Lansdown, controller of Lexsteel,
became aware of potential problems with the accounts
payable system. The auditors had to perform additional
audit procedures to attest to the validity of accounts
payable and cutoff procedures. The auditors have recommended
that a detailed systems study be made of
the current procedures. Such a study would not only
assess the exposure of the company to potential embezzlement
and fraud, but would also identify ways to improve
management controls.