Sales cycle

GM sells its residential tanks through a distributor network of several hundred customers. These customers order tanks in batches of at least 10, which is the minimum number of tanks that GM will ship. Due to their size and customized nature, commercial tanks are sold in single quantities. The administrative process for invoicing and collection is the same for both divisions. Orders are submitted through a secure website that is fully integrated with a module of the financial system. Each customer has a unique login and profile that specifies a credit limit and the terms of sale. These terms are populated by the controller, who is the only person with access. Orders are received by the operations team and shipments are filled from inventory, or are scheduled on back order if the inventory has yet to be manufactured. Backlogged orders are typically shipped within a few weeks. When orders are shipped, the operations people key in the quantity of tanks, and the system instantly and automatically generates an invoice that is sent to the customer electronically. Standard credit terms are net 45 days, although some customers have negotiated early payment discounts, which are tracked in the system. Remittances from customers are made through electronic funds transfer. The accounting clerk reviews the deposits by viewing an online bank statement on a daily basis. A listing of customer receipts is prepared, and entries are made in the financial system to apply remittances against customers' accounts.

Purchasing cycle

GM purchases a variety of raw materials to manufacture its tanks, from steel to welding supplies. GM's five shop foremen and one production manager are all authorized to issue purchase orders for materials, as required, without approval. To solicit the best price, the company uses a number of suppliers and does not limit whom their employees can purchase from as there is no list of pre-approved vendors.

Materials are delivered to the receiving area, where a warehouse employee receives the bill of lading and files it away. When the supplier invoice is received, which may be that day or a few days later, the accounting clerk enters the payable amount into the accounting system and selects a payment date. Cheques are printed each week. The system selects all invoices scheduled for payment in that week and automatically prints the cheques. The cheques typically require one signature, Zack, but Nathan has been the signer since June of last year. The accounting clerk mails the signed cheques to the suppliers. The accounting clerk prepares a monthly bank reconciliation that is filed and available for review upon request.

Draft a memo, discussing control deficiencies in the sales and purchasing cycles along with implications and recommendations