Beads-To-Go (BTG) is a manufacturer of beads that has been in business for many years with a manufacturing facility in Waterloo, Ontario. It is a Canadian-controlled private corporation, and its board of directors has 4 members: the chief executive officer (CEO), Roxanne Blair; her brother, who is the vice-president of marketing; her sister, who is the vice-president of manufacturing; and an investment banker. The founder Roxanne started the business by initially manufacturing a variety of glass and ceramic beads mainly used in jewellery and toys. Operations have expanded since its inception and now include other more expensive and exotic beads such as seed beads, Czech glass, art glass, crystal and Thai silver. This immense growth was mainly due to the fact that this was a unique product line when it first opened with virtually no competition within Canada.

BTG prepares financial statements on an annual basis. It is now March, 2020. You, CPA, are a consultant recently hired to replace the controller who has been on a medical leave of absence. BTG is preparing to have its financial statements audited for financing purposes and would like you to assist and advise BTG in accounting, tax, and other related business matters in preparation for the audit. You, CPA, ask for the draft financial statements package for the year ended December 31, 2019. BTG is only able to provide the Statement of Financial Position to you as shown in Exhibit 1. You notice that the Statement did not have any note disclosures or supporting schedules and you learn that the rest of the statements are not ready.

At a recent meeting, the shareholders have expressed interest in improving the overall corporate governance structure and the quality of financial and management reporting. In particular, they have raised the possibility of BTG preparing financial statements on a more frequent basis to meet their information needs. They have asked Sharon Yee, supervisor of accounting, to obtain information to support this goal. The shareholders are also concerned about the potential acquisition of ABC Company, the competitor and what tax or accounting impacts, if any.

Sharon Yee, a CPA student, has in turn approached you for advice on the issues raised by the shareholders. In addition, Sharon has identified a few issues relating to accounts receivable and accounts payable, which she is concerned with and has made notes for you to review as outlined here:

Collection of accounts receivable. Accounts receivable clerks make random telephone calls and follow-up letters on some, but not all, overdue accounts. When questioned about this procedure, an accounts receivable clerk said that some of the sales staff have requested that the credit department not contact their customers. Accounts receivable aging has increased significantly over the past few years and the occurrence of writing off accounts receivable has also increased substantially, some of which was approved by the credit manager.

Payment of vendor accounts. All invoices are being paid in 15 days regardless of the standards 30 day term allowed by most vendors. Cheques are being issued daily or on upon request. Discounts available for 10-day payment are not being taken routinely.