after reading this text answer:

confirm or challenge their recommendations for improving accounting quality and offer additional recommendations.. Discuss whether you think this may indicate a trend in regard to accounting quality (or a lack thereof).

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PPG Industries Inc. is a paint and coatings global supplier and fortune 500 company. The companies net revenue for 2020 come in at $13.83 billion making it one of the largest coating suppliers globally. Despite the companies impressive financial status, financial bias was found in 2018 dating back to 2016. "PPG's investigation found at least $1.4 million in expenses that were improperly accounted for and up to $5 million of expenses not properly accrued in the first quarter of 2018" (Mohan, 2018). Several causes resulted in the errors including amortizations expenses, accrued health insurance liability, inventory value improperly adjusted. However it was found that Mark Kelley, controller, was directing subordinates to disregard internal controls in order to get the companies revenue up to a bench mark deemed acceptable.

In September of 2019 the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) release their findings that PPG Inc had committed fraudulent activities in there financial statements spanning between December of 2016 through April of 2018. The SEC did not fine PPG Inc., however in May of 2018 PPG fired Mark Kelly who was the controller for the company. The SEC did require PPG to "cease and desist from further violations of the charged provisions" (SEC.gov | SEC Charges PPG Industries with Fraudulent Financial Reporting, n.d. ). The company amended 9 financial statements and released the information in a financial report on June 28th, 2018. The company also commented in a press release that a thorough review of internal controls would be adjusted. For future quality controls the company needs to increase the number of internal audits conducted throughout the year, as well as keeping a closer look at the higher level of management in regards to whom is the controller. Additionally, if employers are being told to by pass protocols then there needs to be a safe way to report the issues and throw up a red flag for concern.