1. Reading review questions.
a. What is a flowchart? Describe four different kinds of flowcharts and explain which are most
often used in an accounting information system.
b. Summarize the rules and conventions commonly observed in the preparation of flowcharts.
c. List and explain the meaning and use of 10 common flowcharting symbols. What sources
would you consult for learning about additional symbols not on your list?
d. How are flowcharts used in working with accounting information systems?
e. Respond to the questions for this chapter’s “AIS in the Business World.”
2. Reading review problem. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) was a reaction to
the corporate accounting scandals of the late 20 th century. In discussing some of the
positive results of SOX, Harrington stated:
Companies can fi nd additional uses for Sarbanes-Oxley documentation as a
tool for audit committees, a way to enhance employee decisions based on crossfunction
process information and a means of increasing effi ciencies by eliminating
duplicate controls. Alltel Corporation ( www.alltel.com ) documented 100 company
processes within the scope of [SOX]. Alltel’s internal audit team reports to the
company’s audit committee. Its process documentation includes six fl owcharts per
process, supported by memos and narratives. The audit committee can use this
information to support its decisions.
She concluded her article with these summary comments:
CPAs can use the documentation to provide audit committees with more detailed
information, to empower all employees to consider cross-functional processes and
to lead the entire company in using section-404-type documentation. Since there
is no way to avoid the cost, might just as well fi nd ways to spread the expenditures
over this greater array of benefi ts.
So, flowcharts aren’t just something you study in AIS class. In fact, in a survey conducted
by Bradford, Richtermeyer, and Roberts, nearly half of the respondents reported using
flowcharts to document accounting information systems.
Sources: Cynthia Harrington, “The Value Proposition,” Journal of Accountancy (September 2005),
pp. 77—81; Marianne Bradford, Sandra B. Richtermeyer, and Douglas F. Roberts, “System Diagramming
Techniques: An Analysis of Methods Used in Accounting Education and Practice,” Journal of Information
Systems (Spring 2007), pp. 173–212.
a. Which type(s) of fl owcharts discussed in the chapter would be relevant in this case?
Explain your response.
b. SOX imposes serious requirements regarding internal control on publicly-traded corporations.
Those requirements include the CEO and CFO personally reviewing the company’s
internal control system, identifying weaknesses and known cases of fraud. Suppose you
were creating a systems fl owchart depicting a typical SOX process; identify three or four
symbols you would expect to use in that fl owchart, and explain how you would use them.
3. Multiple choice review questions. Please select the best answer for each question.
1. Which of the following best describes a systems flowchart?
a. Shows the flow of documents through an information system
b. Shows the logic used to create a program
c. Shows the “big picture” view
d. Shows how hardware elements are configured in a system
2. Which of the following statements about “white space” in a flowchart is most true?
a. White space prohibits the use of color in flowcharts.
b. At least 50 percent of the page should be devoted to white space.