Anton Blair is the manager of a medium-sized company. A few years ago, Blair persuaded the owner to base a part of his compensation on the net income the company earns each year. Each December, he estimates year-end financial figures in anticipation of the bonus he will receive. If the bonus is not as high as he would like, he offers several recommendations to the accountants for year-end adjustments; one of his favorite recommendations if for the controller to reduce the estimate of doubtful accounts.

In your response, address the following:

• What effect does lowering the estimate of doubtful accounts have on the income statement and balance sheet?
• Do you believe Blairs recommendation to adjust the allowance for doubtful accounts is within his right as a manager, or do you believe this action is an ethics violation? Justify your response.
• What type of internal control(s) might be useful for this company in overseeing the managers recommendations for accounting changes?