INTERNAL AUDITING AS AN AID TO

MANAGEMENT
(A STUDY OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
COMPANY, ORLU, IMO STATE)

BY ODOEMENAM,
LOVELINE N.
ACC/2008/499
DEPARTMENT OF
ACCOUNTANCY
FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL
SCIENCES, CARITAS UNIVERSITY,
AMORJINIKE,
ENUGU.
AUGUST,
2012

TITTLE
PAGE

INTERNAL AUDITING AS AN AID TO MANAGEMENT (A

STUDY OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS COMPANY, ORLU,
IMO STATE)

BY ODOEMENAM,
LOVELINE N.
(ACC/2008/499)

PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ACCONTANCY

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES;
CARITAS UNIVERSITY, ENUGU STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE AWARD OF BARCHOLOR OF SCIENCE IN
ACCONTANCY

AUGUST,
2012

pg. 2

CERTIFICATION
PAGE
This is to satisfy the project was carried out by: INTERNAL
AUDITING AS AN AID TO MANAGEMENT (A Case Study Of
Household Products Company, Orlu Imo State)

..
..
NAME
SIGNATURE

OF

STUDENT

DATE

pg. 3

APPROVAL
PAGE
This project Internal Auditing as an Aid to Management (A
Case Study Of
Household Products Company, Orlu, Imo State)
Was approved in partial fulfillment for the award of B.Sc
(Hons.) Degree in
Accountancy of Caritas University, Enugu

MR JAMES UGWU.
..

(PROJECT SUPERVISOR)
Signature

DR. FRANK E. OVUTE

Date

(HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)
Signature

Date

EXTERNAL SUPERVISOR .

Signature

Date

pg. 4

DEDICATI
ON
This work is dedicated to God Almighty the giver of all
knowledge.

pg. 5

ACKNOWLEDGE
MENT
Words of mouth are not enough to express the level of my
gratitude to God for his grace, mercy and for being a great
providence to my life during the course of my study in school.
All credit and accolades be to him alone.
My gratitude and appreciation goes to my father Mr. Edwin
Odoemenam for his financial support and to my mother Mrs.
Roseline Odoemenam and my siblings for their prayers that
kept me going.
I will never forget the cossets of my supervisor Mr. James
Ugwu who introduced
thesis,

whose

and

inspired

my

interest

to

this

constructive criticisms and useful suggestions

has been of immense help to me.

Nevertheless, I will like to record my indebtedness,
humility and respect to the school authority and to some of my
lecturers Dr. Frank E. Ovute who is also my H.O.D professor
Cyprian Ihekwaba, Prof E. O. Nwadialo, Mr. Agu, Mr. Nsoke P. U,
Mr. Enekwe Chinedu Innocent, Mr. Desmond Chimaobi Obani
and Mr. Ezeamama. I am so grateful for the knowledge you
impacted on me one way or the other.
I will like to pour out my heartfelt gratitude to my
roommates, colleagues and to some of my friends Ogechukwu
Okafor for her contribution to this project and Nkiru Ejiogu and
to all my friends whose names I have not being able to mention,
I appreciate you all. God bless you all Amen.
pg. 6

ABSTRA
CT
This research work deals with internal audit as an aid to
management. It aims at finding out the role of internal audit in
management decision making in organizations. It is a survey
research. Data were collected from primary and secondary
sources which included using questionnaires, personal
observations, text book, journal and internet. Sample of 92 were
collected by random sample method. Three hypotheses were
formulated and tested using Z-test statistics, while
questionnaires were analyzed using simple percentages. We
discovered among other things that internal audit assists
management in managerial decisions. We recommended
among other things that the auditors be trained in forensic
accounting to enable them to be more effective in their duties.

pg. 7

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Cover

page

Title

page

ii

Certification

iii

Approval

page

iv

Dedication

Acknowledgement

.
vi

Table

of

content

vii

CHAPTER
Introduction

ONE

1.1 Background of the study

1.2 Statement of problem

.
1.3 Objective of the study
.
1.4 Research questions

1.5 Statement of hypothesis

1.6 Purpose of the study

.

1
2
3
3
4
5
pg. 8

1.7 significance of the study

.
1.8 Slope and limitation of the study
..
1.9 Definition of terms
..
References

CHAPTER TWO

5
7
8

Literature review

pg. 9

2.1 Definition of internal audit

2.2 Objectives of internal audit

..
2.3 Characteristics of internal audit
..
2.4 Functions of an internal audit
...
2.5 Responsibility of an internal auditor to
management
2.6 Internal auditing as an aid to fraud prevention
..
2.7 Internal audit as an internal part of internal
control ..
2.8 Cooperation between internal and external
.
2.9 Problem of internal audit

2.10 Historical background

References
CHAPTER THREE

1
1
1
2
1
4
1
5
1
9
2
1
2
3
2
7
3
8
2
9

Research methodology

3.1 Introduction and research design

..
3.2 Data collection method
.
3.3 Research population and sample size
..
3.4 Distribution of questionnaire
.
3.5 Validation and reliability of the instrument
.
3.6 Method of data analysis

3.7 Decision criteria for validation of hypotheses

.

3
3
3
3
3
5
3
6
3
7
3
7
3
8

pg.
10

CHAPTER FOUR

Data analysis and research findings

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Data analysis

4.3 Test of hypotheses

CHAPTER FIVE
recommendation

3
9
3
9
4
5

Summary, conclusion and

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendation
..
Bibliography

Appendix

5
3
5
4
5
4
5
6
5
8

pg.
11

CHAPTER
ONE
INTROUCTI
ON
1.1
BACKGROUND OF
THE STUDY.
At the beginning of the century, most businesses are small and
sole-operated. The owners/managers are overly involved with
most of the decision making. As business grows in size and
complexity, professional managers take position of the owners
and the operators.
Consequently,
accounting

they

rely

heavily

upon

streams

of

and statistical report which summarizes current

happenings and conditions in the enterprise. The information

carried by these streams of report enables management to
control

and

direct

the

enterprise

in

order

to

assure

management that the information received are both reliable

and accurate. A system of internal audit is developed to
monitor the activities of the company.
The need for maintaining the adequate efficient and
effective internal audit, therefore cannot be overemphasized
especially in days when Nigerias economy still is witnessing
depression and every company is making effort in ensuring that
pg.
12

wastage, pilferage, misappropriation are checked or avoided,

and to ensure that assets are being secured.
Some problems were noticed during the cause of
this research;
problems within the company, these problems necessitate
this work. The

pg.
13

researcher noticed that there was ineffective co-operation

between the
internal audit and management, audit reports were sometimes
ignored by the management. The relationship between the
internal auditor and external auditor was strained making work
harder for the external auditor. The lack of internal audit to
prevent pilferage and fraud within the company thereby
preventing an error free working condition.
1.2
STATEMENT OF
PROBLEM
Often, management and internal audit department function
were

seen as contradictory

rather

than

complementary.

Internal audit department is setup to ensure adherence to

management policy but this objective cannot be achieved
because

of

interference

and

undue

infuence

by

the

top management.
More so, monthly or quarterly internal audit report as the
case may be in an organization is expected to provide
information

required

by

management

to

determine

how

effective their policies and implementation are. It is on this

realization that this study will attempt to determine how
effective are those information to aid management in solving
pg.
14

researcher noticed that there was ineffective co-operation

between
the problems. It signifies defects or problems; the
day
to day
research will examine number of them namely:

pg.
15

a) There exists no relationship between the

internal audit and
management.
b) Co-operation does not exist between the internal
auditor and external auditor.
c) Internal audit does not assist in detection and
prevention of fraud.
1.3

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY.

Objectives of the study include:

To ascertain if the duties of the internal auditor assist
management in taking informed decision.
To ascertain if there exist co-operation between the
internal auditor and external auditor.
To find out if internal audit assists in the detection and
prevention of fraud.
1.4

RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

i)

Is there any relationship between the internal audit and

management?

ii)

Does co-operation exist between the internal auditor

and external auditor?

iii)
Does internal audit assist in the detection and
prevention of pilferage
and fraud?

pg.
16

1. STATEMENT OF
5
HYPOTHESIS
To justify the research topic, internal audit as an aid to
management and to enable the researcher to draw a logical
conclusion, there is need to make guesses as solutions to the
topic which are subject to acceptance and rejection are based
on the result of the test.
HYPOTHESIS
ONE
H0: There is no relationship between the internal audit and
management.
H1: There is a relationship between the internal audit and
management.
HYPOTHESIS TWO
H0: There is no co-operation between internal auditor
and external auditor.
H1: There is co-operation between internal auditor and
external auditor.
HYPOTHESIS
THREE
H0: Internal audit does not assist in the defection and
prevention of pilferage and fraud.
H1: Internal audit assist in the detection and prevention of
pilferage and fraud.
pg.
17

1.
6

PURPOSE OF THE
STUDY.
The purpose of the study is to determine the extent of
co-operation between the internal audit and management.
To ascertain the extent of co-operation between the
internal auditor and external auditor.
To evaluate the extent to which internal audit helps
in preventing pilferage and fraud.
To find out if internal audit is equipped enough to prevent
an error proof working condition.

1.7

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.

The benefits of the study to:

The Internal Auditi)

Internal audit within an organization is efective for

efficient work of the general staff.

ii)

The internal audit in an organization will help detect,

minimize or eliminate fraud in an organization.

iii)

Internal audit assist the management in the smooth

running of the organization by complying with the
policies, laws and regulation.

iv)

Internal audit in an organization will help to review and

appraise the effectiveness, adequacy and application of
pg.
18

1.
6

PURPOSE OF THE
STUDY.
accounting,
financial and

pg.
19

other controls in order to promote effective control

at the lowest possible cost.
v)
Whether an internal audit department could help to
determine the
reliability and integrity of financial and other data
produced within the organization, thereby securing the
jobs of employees.
The management of the organizationi)

Management will experience an error free working

environment maintained by internal audit.

ii)

Management will enjoy the reduction or elimination of

pilferage and fraud within the organization.

iii)
iv)

The general staf will be effective and dedicated.

Management will enjoy a healthy relationship between it
and internal auditors.

The External Auditorsi)

Good internal audit by the internal auditor will save time

for the external auditor.

ii)

Co-operation will lead to easier and more efficient work.

iii)
Assistance of internal auditor will lead to smooth
investigation.
pg.
20

1.8 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF

THE STUDY
This research work is to evaluate internal auditing in an
organization using soap, detergent and household products
company as a case study. The research work particularly
focuses on the internal audit as an aid to management in the
chosen company.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
There are constraints encountered in carrying out this
research work, this includes;
1. TIME FACTOR
This research work was conducted simultaneously with
normal academic work within a short period of time in which
some valuable information could be obtained.
2. FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY
In an effort to have a sufficient research material to be
able to write extensively
researcher

was

faced

on
with

the

subject

matter,

the

some financial predicament

considering high cost of not only education materials coupled

with the high transport fare.

pg.
21

1.9 DEFINITION OF
TERMS
AUDITING
It is defined as a process of carrying out an independent
examination and expression of opinion on the financial
statement of an enterprise by an appointed auditor in
pursuance of that appointment and in compliance with any
relevant Law and Regulation.
INTERNAL AUDIT
MILLICHAMP

1996,

defined

internal

audit

as

An

independent appraisal of an organization for the view of

the

internal

audit

control

system

as a service to the

organization. It objectively examines, evaluates and reports on

the adequacy of internal audit control as a contribution to
the

proper economic efficient and effective use of the

resources.
Internal audit reviews existing accounting system and
related internal work. It assists in the implementation of new
accounting systems. It identifies and draws attention to
management weakness in control or measures which are
unsaid to the organization. To investigate and eliminate
pilferage and fraud, thereby ensuring the survival of the
pg.
22

1.9 DEFINITION OF
TERMS
organization.

pg.
23

EXTERNAL
AUDITOR
They are independent firm or persons appointed from
outside an entity to audit the accounts and activities of that
entity. They are also referred to as statutory auditor whose
appointment, duties and other related matter are provided by
law.
INTERNAL AUDITOR
He is an employee of a particular firm as related to its
operation. It is in itself an internal control which reports the
effectiveness of the other controls.
Its objective is to help manager in discharging their
responsibilities and to evaluate compliance with cooperate
procedure within the organization.
MANAGEMENT
It is a body charged with the responsibility of planning,
directing and controlling of all the activities within the
organization. Therefore management control is the process by
which managers assure that resources are obtained and
effectively

and

efficiently

in

the

used

accomplishment

the organizations goals (Anthony and Welsch, 1974).

pg.
24

of

REFEREN
CES

Adeniyi, A. Adeniji, (2010). Auditing and Assurance Services,

Value Analysis
Consult Publishers, Lagos.

Anthony and Welsch, (1974). Fundamentals of

Management Accounting,
Richard D. Irwin, INC.

nd

Chambers: Andrew D. et al, (1987). Internal Auditing 2

edition, Pitman
Publishers.

th

Millichamp, A. H. (1990). Auditing: A Complete Course Text, 5

edition, D. P.
Publication.

pg.
25

CHAPTER
TWO
2.1
INTRODUCTION

REVIEW OF RELATED
LITERATURE

MILLICHAMP (1996) defined internal audit as an

independent appraisal of an organization for the view of an
internal audit control system as a service to the organization. It
objectively examines, evaluates and reports on the adequacy
of internal audit control as a contribution to the proper
economic efficient and effective use of resource.
Also NWEKE AND UMEZURIKE (1998) said: Audit as
the name implies
sometimes

is

review

of

operation

and

records,

continuous undertaking within a business by

special staf employed and directed by the management,

internal auditing is carried out by independent personnel,
internal

auditors

are

employees

of

the

firm

and

this

independence is not always easy to achieve, however, it can

assisted by:
Having the scope to arrange its own priorities and
activities
Having unrestricted access to records, assets and
personnel.
Freedom to report to higher management and where it
pg.
21

exists, to an audit committee.

Internal audit personnel with an objective frame of mind.

pg.
22

 Internal audit personnel who have no conflict of

interest or any
restrictions place upon their works by management.
Internal audit personal having no responsibility for the
work or for new system. A person cannot be objected
about something he/she has taken responsibilities for. On
the other hand, internal auditor should be conducted on
new or revised system.
Internal audit personnel who have no non-audit work
since internal audit are employees; it is difficult to ensure
that they are truly independent in mind and attitude.
2.2

OBJECTIVES OF INTERNAL AUDIT

According to Adeniyi (2004), it state objectives of internal

audit as:
i)

Reviewing of existing accounting system and related

internal work. ii)

Assisting in the implementation of

new accounting system.

iii)

Reviewing
changing

company

polices

in

the

light

of

business conditions and recommending

appropriate improvement.
iv)

The assessment of the adequacy, accuracy, timeliness

and relevance of management information system.

 Internal audit personnel who have no conflict of

v) Lasing
with external auditor for the purpose
interest
or any

of

complexes for effort and insuring that prompt and

proper action is taken on engagement data.

vi
)

Identify and draw attention of management weakness

in control or
measures which are unsound to the organization.

vii) To assure the management that their internal audit

organization is adequately alright.
viii) To carry-out special assignment giving by the audit
committee from time to time.
ix)

To carry-out special investigation on

management request. x) To carry-out detail test of

transactions and balances.
xi)

To advice the management of various aspect of their

operation such as matters involving financials.

xii)

To make a professional opinion on the true and

fair view of an organization financial statement.

Specifically, the act legislated in the following auditing objective

among others:
To report whether adequate and proper book of
account were kept by the directors by implications,
the

director

becomes

responsible

for

the

establishment of adequate control in the system for

preventing and depreciation of forms and error.
To report whether such books and records were in
agreement
pg.
23

vi
)

Identify and draw attention of management weakness

in control or
with companys profit statement and
balance sheet.

pg.
24

 Whether this opposition to the statement gives a

true and fair
view of the company profit for the year and of
its financial position at the end of the year.
2.3.

CHARATERISTICS OF INTERNAL AUDIT

For understanding the nature of the organization being

audited in the terms of its operating environment, its method of

operation and its account polices and systems. Sources of data
include the article and memorandum of association, partnership
agreement, the relevant technical manual on method and
operations organizations charge and administrative manual,
legislation

and

accounting

procurement

affecting

the

organization.
i)

Plan of organization with particular references to

allocation of staff duties.

ii)
Authorization, recording and custody procedures
including internal
check.
iii)
Managerial supervision and renews including internal
audit.
PLANS OF ORGANIZATIONS
Internal control cannot be effective without adequate plans
of organization. A satisfactorily intact system will normally
pg.
25

 Whether this opposition to the statement gives a

entail; true and fair

pg.
26

 Separation of company operation into appropriate

division and subdivision.
Appointment of persons to assume responsibility.
Establishment of clear line of responsibility between
the boards of directors.
Overall co-coordinating of companys activities.
Employment of qualified and dedicated staffs.
AUTHORIZING, RECALLING AND CUSTODY
PRECEDURE
These three procedures are to ensure:
1. That the fund and property of the company are kept
under proper custody.
2. That there is no misapplication of company fund and
properties either by error or intent.
3. That expenditure and revenues are duly authorized and
accounted for.
These involve suitable division of duties, establishment
of proper accounting system and the institution of internal
check, whereby transactions are independently checked by
at least two persons.
Secondly participation by others through divisions of
pg.
27

 Separation of company operation into appropriate

responsibilities
in the process whereby a transaction is
division and subauthorized conducted and recorded.

pg.
28

Also the subjection of the individual work to

prompt a regular
independent verification by such means reconciliation with
pre-ascertained totals or direct examination (auditing the
update p. 57-58)
2.4.
FUNCTIONS OF AN
INTERNAL AUDIT
A).

MILLICHAMP(1990 (p.492-494) states that internal audit

is thus carried on by independent personnel that is to say, not

independent of management who appoints and controls them
but independent in that they report to the board of directors
or

to a

special

internal audit committee. Some internal

auditors reports to the director of finance or the chief

accountant, internal auditors may then find themselves in the
position of needing to critize the work of their immediate
supervisor which is clearly unsatisfactory.
B).

AN

APPRAISAL

OF

ACTIVITIES:

Their

job

is

to

appraise the activities of others not to perform a specific part

of data processing. For example, a person who spends his time
checking expenses claims he is not performing an internal audit
function, but an employee who spends some time reviewing the
system for checking employee expenses claims he may well be
pg.
29

Also the subjection of the individual work to

prompt
a regular
performing
an internal
audit function.
C).

HIS FUNCTION TO MANAGEMENT: The

management requires that; I.

Its policies are fulfilled.

pg.
30

II.

The information required to manage effectively, reliably

and complete
the information should not only be provided by the

accounting system. III.

The organization assets are safe

guarded.
IV.
The internal auditors activities should be directed to
ensure that these
requirements are met.
V.

The internal auditors can be seen as the eyes of the

board within the enterprise.

D).

MANAGERIAL CONTROL: Within any enterprise other

than the very smallest there will be a system of internal control,

the

internal

auditor

is

concerned

with

measuring

and

continuous effectiveness of the internal control system. His role

has many implications including:
I.

Being concerned with the implementation of social

responsibility policies adopted by top management, an
example of this is an emergency saving.

II.

Being concerned with responds of the internal control

system to errors and required changes to prevent errors.

III.

Being concerned with responses of internal control

system to external stimuli (reaction) the world does not
pg.
31

II.

The information required to manage effectively, reliably

and
complete
standstill
and the internal control system must
continually change.

IV.

Acting as a consultant in internal control matters.

pg.
32

V.
VI.

Acting as a trained officer in internal

control matters.
Scrutinizing the information given to management
particularly interim account and management reports.

VII.

Taking a share off external auditors responsibility in

relation to the
figures in the annual account.

VIII.

Being concerned with external regulation such as those

in the environment like money laundering, financial
services and related patties excreta.
IX.

Internal audit department may recommend

improvement and changes

in the system of operation, and in the setting up of

new systems.
X.

Internal audit department may actually device and

install changes and improvement to existing system and
set up of new systems.

XI.

Internal audit department prepares routine reports on

the companys
activities either on comprehensive or on an exception
basis.

XII.

Internal audit department routinely monitors the

performance of the companys system e.g. by examining
and

testing

controls

such

as

those

over

bearing

procedure and counts or stock counts.

pg.
33

2.5 RESPONSIBILITY OF AN INTERNAL AUDITOR

TO MANAGEMENT
Going by the internal audit definition as defined in the
literature review MILLCHAMP said each internal auditor has
his

own

responsibility owing to the management of its

organization which he stated as follows;

From the historical cost concept, an internal auditor is in
the position to advice the disposal of any asset found
uneconomically

serviceable

to

avoid

the

high

cost

of

maintenance. Also, prudent use of the equipment, motor

vehicles etc are subjected by the internal auditor to boost
products in at a lower cost. The idea of some top official in the
management team favoring their relations by fixing in the
lucrative areas in the wrong handling of some machines with
its resultant consequence of making provision for repairs of
sophisticated
not

be

machines

whose

technical

expertise

could

easily reached. Disallowing the payment of some

allowances which do not have corresponding documents

approving such transactions.
Auditors appreciate the implication of the work they
audit

and this places them in a position to identify rosters

and recommend a system of controlling its occurrence. Also,

pg.
34

2.5 RESPONSIBILITY OF AN INTERNAL AUDITOR

TO MANAGEMENT
internal
auditors seek to identify areas like deviation in the
method of depreciation, provision for bad and doubtful
debts. To avoid waste and fraud, the internal auditor would
have to give or suggest the use weekly requisition order to be
signed by the offices in charge

pg.
35

in the department and must be subjected to find approval of

the department
head. The effectiveness of the system to the degree of
independence of the internal audit department to report and
the extent to which such report could be recognized by the
management.
The internal auditor is faced with several responsibilities in
the discharge of his duties effectively to the management. The
effective discharge of the internal auditors responsibility to
the management will enhance a smooth running of

the

internal control system. This cannot be done without the

following:
1. An internal auditor should identify the objective of the
organization.
2. By defining the internal audit objective.
3. By taking account of the relevant charges in the
legislation and other external factor e.g. New legislation.
4. Identifying, evaluating and ranking risk to which the
organization is
exposed e.g. Retail cash sales.
5. Take account of changes in structures or major
system in the organization e.g. changes in the
computation of system.
pg.
36

in the department and must be subjected to find approval of

the6.department
By taking the account of known strength and weakness
in the internal control system.
7. By taking account of management content and
expectations.

pg.
37

8. To identify audit area by service, function and major

systems.
9.

Determine type of audit e.g. system (sales of stock

control), verification e.g. (cash balance or vehicle) or
value of money.

10. Assess staf resources required and merge with

resources.
11. Take account of the plants of external audit and
other

review agencies e.g. the regulating agencies in

financial services (banking or insurance).

12. An internal auditor should behave much like an
external auditor in
terms of skill, care and judgment. He should be up-to
date technically and behave standard, have knowledge,
honesty, probity and integrity much as external audit.
2.6.

INTERNAL AUDIT AS AN AID OF

FRAUD PREVENTION
Fraud can be defined the use of deception to

obtain an unjust or illegal financial advantage. The internal

control

auditing

guidelines

(number

11,

AEUFA

&

KOLA

OLUWOOKERE, 2001) describe fraud as:

Misappropriation of fund.
Misapplication of assess.
pg.
38

 Recording of transaction with substance (source

documents).
Misapplication of accounting management policies.

pg.
39

 Suppression and omission of the effect of transaction

from records and
documents. Other forms of fraud include, bribery,
carryover fraud, electronic media fraud, alteration of
invoice,

double

payment

involve,

false

declaration,

teaming and lodging, actual theft cash balance, forgery

etc.
The responsibility of fraud prevention is absolutely with
management and can only be achieved through:
1.

Continuous
system

of

operation
internal

of

adequate

control,

and

effective

budgeting

control,

establishment of internal audit department which must be

kept independent and report directly to the chief Executive
of the organization.
2. The installation of an effective accounting system.
3. Ensuring that the employee understand the relevant code
of conduct.
4. The appointment of an independent audit committee.
5. The establishment of an independent internal audit
functions.
By definition, internal audit also serves as a form of control
that must oversee other controls within the organization to
ensure that all established guidelines, rules and regulations are
pg.
40

 Suppression and omission of the effect of transaction

strictly
adheredandto, and highlighted areas of digression
from records
resulting in penalties.

pg.
41

To prevent fraud, it is necessary to build controls in all the

five areas of
resources namely; man power, machinery and time factor.
The following manuals must be installed to create balance
control.
Management guidelines
Credit control polices.
Inventory control
Budgeting and budgeting control
Internal audit
Production manual
Sales management
2.7.
INTERNAL AUDIT AS AN INTERNAL PART OF
INTERNAL CONTROL.
The internal audit is a part of internal control system and
at the same time compliment all the operation of the internal
control systems. Thus, taking the various elements of control
operation would be ineffective. To this end, it is worthwhile to
define internal control itself.
According to Solomon Akanet (1998), it is the entire set of
rules, regulations and procedure including the internal audit and
internal checks set up by the official of any organization of
pg.
42

To prevent fraud, it is necessary to build controls in all the

five areas
of
the orderly,
proper
and efficient conduct of its operations.

pg.
43

Another definition by Howard (1976), the totality of the

procedure and
policies established the management of an organization. Based
on the above definition, internal control system can be define
as the whole system of controls, financial and otherwise
established by management of such authorize in
carry

on

the

business

of

an

enterprise

in

order

an

to

orderly,

efficient manner, ensure adherence to organizational polices,

safeguard the assets and accuracy of records. {CHAMBERS:
Andrew & others (1987)} in examining the internal control
system of an organization, particular attention should be paid
to:
Possibilities of collision and combination of duties which
could enable one person conceal irregularities.
The operation of a system during absence.
A possible confict of interest in the case of the
responsible official having other business internally.
TYPES OF INTERNAL CONTROL
A).

Organization: having a plan of organization which

should be define and allocate responsibility and identify lines of

reporting.
B).

Segregation of duties: not only one person should be

pg.
44

Another definition by Howard (1976), the totality of the

procedure
responsible
for and
the recording and processing of complete
transaction.

pg.
45

C) Physical custody of assets which involve procedures

.
designed to limit
assets to arithmetical
personnel only. D).
Arithmetical and accounting.
E).
Authorization and Approval: A transaction should
regime authorization
approval
person.
F).

appropriate

Personnel: Procedures should be designed to ensure

that personnel operating in system are capable and motivated

to carry out the task assigned to them.
G).

Supervision: All actions by all level of staff should be

supervised. The responsibility of supervision should be clearly

laid down and communication to the person supervised.
H).

Management: Controls exercised by management

which is outside and above the day-today routine of the

system.
RELEVANCE OF INTERNAL
CONTROL SYSTEM
1. MANAGEMENT VIEW POINT: A clear understanding of
which management establish and maintain internal control is
provided by the fact that management control beat all the
pg.
46

C) Physical custody of assets which involve procedures

. places
designed
limitall things at the same time. But it is
and to
doing
expected to ensure that activities are going accounting to
plan and that at the end of the day, what ought to be
achieved has been

pg.
47

achieved. The only way to ensure this is to be to set up a

system of internal
control. Basically, a good control is designed to assist
management in the following area:
To promote operational efficiency.
To prevent and detect error and irregularities.
To safeguard assets from waste, fraud, and
inefficient use.
To promote accuracy and liability of records.
To encourage and measure compliance with
cooperate policies.
It is from the above reason that internal controls are
design to achieve the following objectives.
A). All records of transactions must be properly authorized;
unauthorized transactions must be properly rejected from
records.
B). All transactions must be properly valued, classified and
recorded at the proper time.
C). All transactions must be complete.
2.

ADITORS VIEW POINT: The infuence of the system

internal control on the work of modern auditors needs on
over

emphasis.

The

auditors

approach

to

auditing
pg.
48

achieved. The only way to ensure this is to be to set up a

system
of internal
necessitates
the existence of o system of internal
control

pg.
49

which he ascertain and evaluate in fact and evaluation

the study
the
system of control has become a standard audit
requirement.
In the system approach to audit as distinct from
vouching approach, the auditor may wish to place reliance in
the system with the view of reducing audit work. The logic on
reliance on control is healthily equal. The financial statements
are likely to be reliable in practice; therefore, the existence of a
satisfactory or otherwise system of internal control would
infuence the event, nature
work.

If

the

systems

and
are

timing

of

the

audit

considered satisfactory, the

auditors may choose to rely them and this limits his audit test
to compliance approach. This may also influence the timing of
the work.
Lastly,

internal

control

system

must

be

viewed

by

management to ensure that it is capable of meeting the correct

need of the organization as it has been seen that both internal
control system and internal audit are interwoven and must be
established by the management for the effective control.
2.8
I.

CO-OPERATION BETWEEN INTERNAL AND

EXTERNAL AUDIT
The two audit types ascertain that effective internal
pg.
50

which he ascertain and evaluate in fact

the
studyis installed and being audited.
control

and evaluation
the

pg.
51

II.

Similar accounting standard and professional ethics

guide the two
systems.

III.
Similar enquiry techniques and sources of evidences on
data are used.
IV.

The internal auditors team may acquire substantive

knowledge of the company, with this knowledge; he can
assist the external auditor.

V.

The auditors team may be able and co-ordinate the

activities having regard to their separate responsibilities
and their mutual desire to avoid implication of effort in
particular.

VI.
The internal auditor can be examining the internal
control system in
much more detail.
VII.

The External auditors take into account the work done

by the internal auditors.

VIII.

The external auditor may advice management on

installation and operation of an internal audit department.

IX.
X.

Observation of physical stock and cash count.

By agreeing with the management that the audit will
render direct assistance to the external auditor.

2.9.

PROBLEMS OF INTERNAL AUDIT

pg.
52

II.
A.

Similar accounting standard and professional ethics

guide
the twoaudit can guarantee an error proof working
No internal

condition- for instance, segregation of duties can be defeated

by conclusion. Authorization

pg.
53

procedure can be abused directly the process of delegation

and despite the
qualities of staff. There is also an inevitable probability of
human error from the top to the bottom scale of the chain.
B.
EXPERIENCE:
present peculiar

internal

audit

in

small

companies

problems that reduce the efficiency and formal

internal control.
The closeness of management to the staf reduce the need
for formal internal control, the relatively small size of the staf
does not enable a proper segregation of duties as should be in
large

organizations.

The

closeness

of

the

management

overrides land down control and to lift certain sensitivity

transaction out of the realm of records. For the above reasons,
the auditor has to carry out a large number of substantive tests
on the record of small companies.
2.10.
HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND
th

Household Products Company was incorporated on the 8

of

October, 1995 as a small indigenous soap and detergent

manufacturing company. Its head office is situated in Imo state,
and factory at Amuda Aluko way, Asadam Illorin Kwara state.
The company is operated, managed and directed by
pg.
54

procedure can be abused directly the process of delegation

and despite
Nigerian
whothe
is courageous and experienced industrialist.
This is apparently shown by their

pg.
55

indigenous technology, backward integration and the use

of local raw
materials in Nigeria.
The company has its own board chairman/ managing
director while the affairs of the establishment are managed
under

the

leadership

of

the

executive

director.

The

management team comprises a list of managers, some of who

are head of various departments, including general manager.
The company operates the following department: personnel/
administrative,
marketing,

sulphonation,

respectively.
Nigerian

technical

production
raw

accounting,

materials

and

sales

distribution

The company has contributed to the growth of

economy

through

industrialization

despite

the

economic turn down turn.

The company has metamorphosed from its one detergent
factory to four (4), they are: the detergent plant, soap,
household products and sulphonation respectively. They had
pioneer staf strength of 25 in 1991 to the present agglomerate
of staf strength of over 60.
THE

SET

UP

DEPARTMENT

OF
IN

THE

INTERNAL

AUDIT

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS COMPANY

This is the system of internal control which covers the

pg.
56

indigenous technology, backward integration and the use

of local rawof responsibility between various departments and
segregation
staff. However, the laid down procedure

for

carrying

out

duties and discharging of responsibility and

pg.
57

authority which flows from top management to the lower cadre

is as depicted
in the following diagram
below:
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF INTERNAL AUDIT
DEPARTMENT IN HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS COMPANY
INTERNAL AUDIT
INTERNAL AUDITOR
(HOD) DEPUTY
INTERNAL AUDITOR
ASSISTANCE INTERNAL
AUDITOR AUDIT
SUPERVISOR
AUDIT
ASSISTANCE
AUDIT
SECERTARY
OFFICE CLERK
The above is the functional organization chart structure per
soap, detergent
and household products industry internal audit department,
giving

their present capacity. The chief internal auditor is

responsible to the executive director of soap, detergent and

pg.
58

authority which flows from top management to the lower cadre

is as depicted
other
household products industry, the company has only one
audit unit with some staffs.

pg.
59

REFEREN
CES
Akanet Solomon (1998). Auditing and Instructual Manual
th
for Accounting student, 7 Edition, London Publications.
Adeniyi A. Adeniji (2004). Auditing and Investigation, Value
Analysis Consult
Publishing, Lagos.
nd

Chambers: Andrew D. et al, (1987). Internal Auditing 2

edition, Pitman
Publishers.
th

Howard, L. R. (1976). Principle of Auditing 19

McDonald & Evans, London.

edition,
nd

Kola, Olowookere (2001). Fundamentals of Auditing. 2

Analysis, Consult
Publishing, Lagos.

th

Millichamp, A. H. (1990). Auditing: A Complete Course Text, 5

edition, D. P.
Publication.
Millichamp, A. H. (1996). Auditing and Instructual Manual
for Accounting
th
Student, 7 edition, London Publication.

Nweke and Umuzunike (1998). Auditing update, Publication by

Scholab Books
Co. Ltd Onitsha.

pg.
60

CHAPTER
THREE RESEARCH
INTODUCTI METHODOLGY
ON
In this chapter, the research is going to be enumerating
on

the

way

and process of approach of collecting data to

arrive at an answer or solution to the existing problems as

mentioned. A good knowledge of research is very important for
virtually everyone in the field of carrying out a research is the
ability to evaluate the result of a research to judge or not a
given study has being properly carried out in such a way that
one can confined in its finding an extent of its relevance to the
decision factor.
3.1
RESEARCH
DESIGN
Before

this

task

can

be

effectively

performed,

some

investigations were carried out, data was carefully collected

analyzed. Especially, questionnaire and personal observation
were used as instrument for the study; techniques were
selected in the merit of each one and so combine together to
satisfy the desire of the researcher. The method used could be
grouped into two.
pg.
61

3.2
DATA
COLLECTION METHOD
3.2.1

PRIMARY DATA: These include method of data

collection in which data are directly collected from staff in a

written down form, in this respect researchers uses:

pg.
62

1
QUESTIONNAIRE: The writer of this project was giving
.
permission by the
management Household products company Orlu to serve as
questionnaire in the internal audit department of the company
and other department of the company. The questions asked
were based on the various process, procedure and auditing
guidelines used in carrying out the various operations. The
effectiveness and adequacy if the questionnaire express their
operation and their answered the questions to the satisfaction
of the researcher. To ensure relevance and truthfulness of all
information, the writer makes sure that the questionnaire was
served under mutual and conducive atmosphere, with no
element of compulsion or under pressure of the staff.
2. PERSONNEL OBSERVATION: in

the

cause

of

this

study, the researcher visited the company and was allowed

to inspect around thus, enabling the researcher to personally
observe

information

and

get

familiarize

activities and

recording of transaction on Household products company,

most of the document were inspected such as petty cash
book voucher, store requisition not store record cord, audit
observation form, schedule of account, weekly product report
and material utilization report.

3.2.1
SECONDARY DATA
The above mentioned of data collection is not as reliable
as the primary data collection, but it attributes in no small
measure to the perfection of the research work. The following
techniques were employed under this system.
i. TEXT BOOK: relevant text books written out by popular
authorities

in auditing and relevant field were consulted by

the researcher in the cause of this study.

ii.

JOURNAL AND NEWS PAPER: the researcher also spent a

lot of time reading some
written

out

by

important

knowledgeable

books

and articles

people

particularly

accountants and journals kept by school library which helped

the researcher in compiling the project work.
iii. ACCOUNTIG
some

BOOKS

AND

RELATED

DOCUMENTS:

accounting documents and books of account such as

stock exchange ledger cards, store bin cards, payment

voucher and payroll e.t.c.
3.3
RESEARCH POPULATION AND
SAMPLE SIZE
Out of the population of 120 staff, the researcher judgmentally
selected 92 staf members, as the target population. The
population is involved directly with decision making process.

3.2.1
SECONDARY
DATA
The
targeted population
of the study comprises of all staff of
Soap, Detergent and House Hold products Company Imo state.

Since the population of the company (Soap, Detergent and

House Hold products Company Imo state) has a staf of 120, it
was not easy to obtain data for the whole population, therefore
for ease in collecting and analyzing data, the researcher
decided to select a sample from the population.
This

population

consists

of

staf

drawn

from

some

important departments within the company who are associated

directly or indirectly within the application of accounting
information on decision making process. The method used in
the cause of this research work is the random sampling
approach in which 92 of the staf were sampled out of the entire
department.
3.4

DISTRIBUTION OF QUESTIONNAIRE
Simple percentage frequency and regression co-efficient

statistics were used to analyze results. The expected result

from respondents which stands at
100% is the independent variable upon which the actual
result varies. To
determine the sample size, the population size Yaro Yamanis
formula is used:
n =N/1+N (e)

n =sample size

N =finite population
1 =constant
E =level of
significance
n=120/1+120(0.0
5)2
n=120/1+120(0.0
025)

n =120/1.3
Therefore n =92
3.5
VALIDATION AND RELIABILITY OF
THE INSTRUMENT
The researcher mainly used the questionnaires, which
were administered by simple random sampling. In an attempt
to avoid and minimiz3e the problems of bias and inconsistency
in responses that were associated with the questionnaire,
method used in collecting and analyzing data the researcher
significantly adopted certain strategies and in-built checks and
balance into the questionnaire sample and interviews to secure
reliability

and

validity

requirement

on

the

hypothesis

formulation.
The questionnaires were designed in such a way that it
aroused interest on the mind of the respondent. The responses
in addition to personal interviews were the constituents that
served as the basis for testing the hypothesis of the study
understated by the researcher.
3.6 METHOD OF DATA
ANALYSIS The following
formula were used n /N
100
Where n =Actual number of amount
obtained
pg.
47

N =total number or amount

expected.
100
=
percentage

the

The statistical tools used to test the hypothesis with

their formula:

pg.
48

b = x 1y1-nx
x1nx a =ybx
Where b is the slope of the line or the
gradient y =the variation of x in
regression line
x =a given
value
x1 y1 =the score of the respondent
population
x, y =the mean score of the respondent
population x =the variance of score x
2

y =the variance of
score y
x =the number of
correspondents a =the
relationship of x and y
For
determining
relationship

the

Y =a + bx
3.7 DECISION CRITERION FOR VALIDATION
OF HYPOTHESIS.
In taking a decision, the null hypothesis and alternative
hypothesis is accepted if

the

critical

or

table

value

is

greater than the compared value of b alternatively. If the

pg.
48

computed value of b is greater than the value of a, that is if

b>a accept H1 (alternative hypothesis) where b =critical or
table value and a =calculated value.

pg.
49

CHAPTER
FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS, TEST OF HYPOTHESIS AND SUMMARY OF
FINDINGS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
It is usual in research project to make preposition, the
essence of such preposition is to shed light on the objective
problems of the study under investigation. The previous chapter
of this research work has addressed the various aspects of this
research problem. Raw data must be noted, it has no meaning
and usefulness until they are critically analyzed to generate
decision. The primary aim of this chapter is the presentation
and analysis of data which will come with the fact and figure
relating to our research work.
4.2 DATA ANALYSIS
To find answer to the first research question, some
questionnaires has been passed to analyze its findings, this is
shown in the table below.
RESPONSE TO QUESTION
Question 1: Do internal audit have annual audit plan
TABLE ONE:
RESPOND
ENT

YE
S

N
O

TOTAL PERCENT
AGE
YES

PERCENT
AGE
NO
pg.
49

Auditors

20

13

33

Managers

11

17

Accountant

15

10

25

60.
6
64.
7
60

39
35
40

pg.
50

Directors

12

17

70.
29
5
The above table shows that majority agree that internal audit
department has
up to date audit Manual.
Question 2: Is the annual audit plan submitted to the management?
TABLE TWO:

RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
20

N
O
8

TOTAL PERCENT
AGE
YE
28
71

Managers

15

10

25

60

Accountant

11

17

Directors

12

10

22

64.
7
54.
5

PERCENT
AGE
NO
28.
6
40
35
45.
5

The table above shows that majority agree that annual audit
plan is submitted to management.

Question 3: To whom do the internal audits report to in the

organization?
TABLE THREE:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

MANAGEME
CHIEF
ACCOUNT
NT
ANT 10
15

TOTA PERCENT
AGE
L
MGT
25
60

Managers

20

28

71

Accountant

11

10

21

52

Directors

12

18

66.
7

From
audit

the above table majority

report to management.

agree

that

PERCENT
AGE
CHIEF
40
28.
6
47.
6
33.
3

internal

pg.
50

Question 4: To what extent is internal audit report

acted upon by the management?
TABLE FOUR:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

EFFECTIV
E
13

Managers
Accountant
Directors

NO
T
EFFECTI
20

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
33
39

11

17

35

10

15

25

40

12

17

29

PERCENT
AGE
NO
60.
6
64.
7
40

70.
5
From the above table majority agree that internal audit report is not
regarded
by management.

Question 5: Does internal audit have a feedback on the report?

TABLE FIVE:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
10

N
O
18

Managers

10

25

Accountant

10

10

Directors

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
28
35.
7
35
28.
6
20
50

PERCENT
AGE
NO
64.
3
71.
4
50

55.
44.
5
4
From the table above majority attest that internal audit has no
feedback on
the report.
Question 6: Does internal auditor assist the external auditor?
TABLE SIX:

RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
18

N
O
10

Managers

25

10

TOTA PERCENT
AGE
L
YES
28
64.
3
35
71.
4

PERCENT
AGE
NO
35.
7
28.
6
pg.
51

Accountant

10

10

20

50

50

pg.
52

Directors

44.
4

55.
5

The table reveals that internal auditor assists the external

auditor.

Question 7: Is there cordial relationship between the

external auditor and internal auditor?
TABLE SEVEN:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
15

N
O
10

Managers

16

11

27

59

Accountant

25

10

35

71.
4
60

Directors

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
25
60

PERCENT
AGE
NO
40
40.
7
28.
6
40

The table shows that there is a cordial relationship

between the internal
auditor and external auditor.
Question 8: Does internal audit have up to date internal audit
Manual?
TABLE EIGHT:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
15

N
O
10

Managers

16

11

27

59

Accountant

25

10

35

71.
4
60

Directors

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
25
60

PERCENT
AGE
NO
40
40.
7
28.
6
40

The table shows that the percentage of people who agree that
internal audit
has an up to date internal audit manual is high.
Question 9: Do internal audit share the information on
internal audit manual to the external auditor?
pg.
52

TABLE NINE:
RESPOND
ENT

YE
S

N
O

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE

PERCENTA
GE

pg.
53

Auditors

23

13

36

Managers

13

12

25

Accountant

10

19

YE
S
63.
8
52

NO
36
48

52.
47.
6
4
Directors
8
4
12
66.
33.
7
3
Majority of the respondents agree that internal audit shares
information on
internal audit manual with the external auditor.
Question 10: Does internal audit cover all areas of activities?
TABLE TEN:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
10

N
O
15

Managers

11

16

27

Accountant

10

25

35

Directors

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
25
40
40.
7
28.
6
40

PERCENT
AGE
NO
60
59
71.
4
60

The table revels that internal audit does not cover all areas of
activity.
Question 11: Does the presence of an internal auditor in the
organization act as a check against fraud activities?
TABLE ELEVEN:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
23

N
O
13

Managers

13

12

Accountant

10

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
36
63.
8
25
52

PERCENT
AGE
NO
36
48

19

52.
47.
6
4
Directors
8
4
12
66.
33.
7
3
The table revels that an internal auditor acts as a check against
fraud activities.
pg.
53

Question 12: Does the employment of an external auditor

help in the fight against pilferage and fraud?
TABLE TWELVE:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
10

N
O
20

Managers

15

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
30
40

PERCENT
AGE
NO
60

23

34.
65.
7
2
Accountant
10
11
21
47.
52.
6
4
Directors
16
12
18
33.
66.
3
7
Table reveals that the involvement of an external auditor
helps in the fight
against pilferage and fraud.

Question 13: Does the establishment of an audit

committee help in the prevention of fraud?
TABLE THIRTEEN:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
20

N
O
13

Managers

11

Accountant

15

10

Directors

12

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
33
60.
6
17
64.
7
25
60

PERCENT
AGE
NO
39
35
40

17

70.
29
5
Table shows that the creation of an audit committee helps in the
prevention of
fraud.

Question 14: Does the fear of penalties help in the check

against fraud?
TABLE FOURTEEN:
RESPOND
ENT

YE
S

N
O

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE

PERCENT
AGE
NO
pg.
54

Auditors

14

10

24

58.
3

41.
7

pg.
55

Managers

20

28

71.
28.
4
6
Accountant
12
10
22
54.
45.
5
5
Directors
12
6
18
66.
33.
7
3
The table above shows that the fear of penalties assists in the
check against
fraud.
Question 15: Does understanding the code of conduct help
prevent fraud?
TABLE FIFTEEN:
RESPOND
ENT
Auditors

YE
S
20

N
O
6

Managers

14

10

Accountant

12

Directors

12

10

TOTA PERCENT
L
AGE
YE
26
76.
9
24
58.
3
20
60

PERCENT
AGE
NO
23.
1
41.
7
40

22

54.
45.
5
5
The table reveals that understanding the code of conduct
helps to prevent
fraud.

4.3 TESTING OF HYPOTHESES

The hypothesis was tested using data collected from
questionnaire distributed.
HYPOTHESIS ONE
HO: There is no relationship between the internal audit and
management.
HI: There is a relationship between the internal audit and
management.

pg.
55

Respond
ent
Accountan
t
Director
Managers
Auditor
Total
x = 34 = 8.5

XI
13
6
10
5
3
4

YI
20
11
15
12
5
8

XI
2
16
9
36
0
10
0
25
65
9

XI
YI
26
0
66
15
0
60
53
6

YI
40
0
12
1
22
5
14
4
89
0

4
y = 58 = 14.5
4
b = XIYI n X Y
2

XI 2
nX
= 536 4 (8.5 x 14.5)
659 4
2
(8.5)
= 43
370
b = 0.116
a=ybX
a = 14.5 0.116
x 8.5 a = 14.5
0.986
a = 13.5
Testing significance of b
Sb =

see
2

XI - nx

pg.
56

See =

Y aZY1 bXIYI
n2

890 13.5 x 58
0.11 x 536
42
=

890
783 62
2
=
45
2

22.5

4.7

Sb =

4.7
2

XI 2
nX
4.7
=

659 4 (8.5)
4.7

659 - 289
4.7

370

4.7
19

Sb = 0.247
pg.
57

: ttest = b
Sb

= 0.116

= 0.470

0.247

pg.
58

Critical t table at 2 degree of 5% level of significance for

two tailed test is +
2.32
3
Decisi
on
2.920>
0.416
Reject Ho which states that there is no relationship between
internal audit and management and aspect HI which states
that there is a relationship that exist between the internal audit
and management.

HYPOTHESIS
TWO
Ho: There is no co-operation between internal auditor and
external auditor.
HI: There is co-operation between internal auditor and
external auditor.
Respond
ent
Auditors

XI

YI

XI

10

15

Managers

11

16

Accountan
ts
Director

10

25

10
0
12
1
10
0
4

Total

3
3

5
9

32
5

XI
Y
22I
5
25
6
62
5
6
1112

YI

15
0
17
6
25
0
6
58
2

X = 33 = 8.3
4
= 59 = 15
4
pg.
58

b = X I YI - nX
I - nX2
2
X
= 582 - 4 (8.3x
15)
325 4
2
(8.3)

pg.
59

= 582 498
325
276
= 84
49
b = 1.71
a = bx
= 15 1.71 x 8.3
= 15
14.2 a =
0.8
Sb= see
x 1 - nx2
2

See =

I Y

- IaY -I bIX Y

n-2
=

1112 0.8 x 59 1.71 x 582

42

1112 47 995
2

1112
1042
2
70
2

35
pg.
59

5. 9

pg.
60

5.9
Sb =I nX2
2
X
5.9
=

325 276
5.9

=
49
=
5.9
7
Sb
=
0.843
ttest = b =
1.71 sb
0.443
=
2.028
Critical t-table at 2 degree of 5% level of significance for two
tailed test is +
2.90
2.
Decisi
on
2.920>
2.028
Reject Ho
which states that there is no co-operation
between the internal auditor and external auditor and accept
HI which states that there is co- operation between internal
auditor and external auditor

pg.
60

HYPOTHESIS THREE
Ho: Internal audit does not assist in the detection and
prevention of pilferage and fraud.
HI: Internal audit assists in the detection and prevention of
pilferage and fraud.
Respond
ent
Accountan
t
Auditors

XI

YI

XI

10

20

15

10
0
64

Managers

10

11

Director

12

10
0
36

Total

3
4

5
8

30
0

22
5
40
0
12
1
14
4
89
0

IX I

Y
20
0
12
0
11
0
72

50
2

X = 34 =
8.5
4
= 58 = 14.5
4
b = X I YI _ nX
I _ nX2
2
X
= 502 4 (8.5 x 14.5)
300 4 (8.5)

= 502 493
11
= _9_
11
b=
0.818 a
pg.
61

=
bx
= 14.5 0.818 x 8.5

pg.
62

= 14.5
6.95 a =
7.5
sb = see
XI nx2
2

See =

- IaY -I bX
Y
I

n2
=

890 7.5 x 58 0.818 x 502

2

890 435 410

2

890 845
2

45
2

22.5

4.7

Sb =

4.7
300 4
(8.5)2

4.7
300 289

= _4.7_
11
Sb = 0.427
t test = _b_ = 0.818 = 1.73
pg.
62

Sb

0.427

pg.
63

Critical t-table at 2 degree at 5% level of significance for two

tailed test is
2.90
2.
Decisi
on
2.902
1.73

>

Reject Ho which states that internal audit does not assist in the
detection and prevention of fraud and accept HI which states
that internal audit assists in the detection and prevention of
fraud.

pg.
63

CHAPTER
FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION
5.1 SUMMARY FINDINGS.
Based on the research carried out on the topic internal
auditing

as

discovered

an
the

aid

to

following

management,
from

the

the

researcher

results

of

the

questionnaire served and the hypotheses that:

There is a relationship between the internal audit and
management.
Internal audit has an annual
audit plan.
The annual audit plan is submitted to the
management.
Internal audit reports to the management of the
organization.
Internal audit report is not acted upon by
management.
There is no co-operation between internal auditor and
the external auditor.
Internal auditor assists the external auditor in his
investigation.
There is cordial relationship between the internal
auditor and the external auditor.
pg.
64

 Internal audit has up to date internal

audit manual.
Internal audit shares information on internal audit
manual to the external auditor.
Internal audit assists in the detection and prevention of
pilferage and
fraud.

pg.
65

 The presence of an internal auditor acts as a check against

fraud.
The employment of an external auditor does not
assist in the fight against pilferage and fraud.
The fear of penalties helps in the check against fraud.

5.2 CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of our research work the researcher
concluded that internal auditing indeed serves as an aid to
management

for

Household

Products

Company

and

all

organizations generally. Although some areas are still weak,

with some effort the internal audit can improve and carry out
its objectives in the organization.
However, internal audit has severed as checked against fraud
and other activities of the staff which is one of the objectives
of the internal audit and the findings have revealed, is an aid
to management not only in one but in all organizations because
of its findings, objectives, the significance to organizations is
general.
5.3 RECOMMENDATION
From the findings and problems discovered, the researcher
will like to make the following recommendations.
pg.
65

1.

The internal audit unit of the organization should keep

ethical standard by keeping up to date internal audit manual
and train its internal auditors in forensic accounting.

2. Internal audit units should always draw annual audit plan

which is the
focus of the company as it will help them to have
efficient operation.
3. The internal audit unit of the organization should always
submit their audit plan to the management who will have to
be pro-active and take action according to findings of the
plan.
4. The researcher recommended that the management on
their part should
acknowledge the report submitted to the management and
allocate more power to the internal audit to ensure
independence.
5. The internal audit unit should endeavor to carry out their
audit work to other departments which is not often visited.
6. The internal auditor of the company should be
subjected to ethical
standard so that external auditor will not do the work of
internal auditor or the
cordial

relationship

work
should

of

an

accountant

so

that

be maintained and external

pg.
66

auditor may rely on the work carried out by the internal

audit of the company.

pg.
67

BIBLIOGRA
PHY
Adeniyi, A. Adeniji, (2004). Auditing and Investigation, Value
Analysis Consult
Publishing, Lagos.

Adeniyi, A. Adeniji, (2010). Auditing and Assurance Services,

Value Analysis
Consult Publishers, Lagos.

Akanet, Solomon, (1998). Auditing and Instructual Manual

for Accounting
th
Student, 7 edition, London Publications.

Anthony & Welsch (1974). Fundamentals of Management

Accounting, Richard
D. Irwin, INC.

nd

Bird, Peter (1971). A Casebook on Auditing Procedures 2

edition, The General
Educational Trust of the Institute of Chatered Accountant.

nd

Chambers: Andrew D. et al, (1987). Internal Auditing 2

edition, Pitman
Publishers.

Dijk, Van, Williams, and J.C. (1990). Expert Systems in

Auditing Macmillan
Publishers.

pg.
67

th

Howard, L. R. (1976). Principle of Auditing 19

McDonald & Evans, London.

edition,

nd

Kola, Olowookere (2001). Fundamentals of Auditing. 2

Analysis, Consult
Publishing, Lagos.

pg.
68

th

Millichamp, A. H. (1990). Auditing: A Complete Course Text, 5

edition, D. P.
Publication.

Millichamp, A. H. (1996). Auditing and Instructual Manual

for Accounting
th
Student, 7 edition, London Publication.

Nweke and Umuzunike (1998). Auditing update, Publication by

Scholab Books
Co. Ltd Onitsha.

pg.
68

APPEND
IX

Caritas University,
Amorji
Nike,
Enugu,
Emene,
Dear
respondents,

Enugu
State,
th

30 July, 2012.
REQUEST FOR COMPLETION OF
QUESTIONNAIRE.
I am a final year student of the Department of
Accountancy, Caritas University Enugu. I am conducting
a research on Internal Audit as an Aid to Management:
A Case Study of Household Products Company Orlu Imo
State. The research is for my first degree project and it
is purely academic research.
As a way of gathering data for this study, I decided
to use questionnaire as one of my data collection
method. I shall be grateful if you can complete the
questionnaire for me.
Please, be assured of your anonymity, as the
information you offer will be treated in strictest
confidence.
Thanks for your co-operation.

pg.
69

Yours faithfully,
Loveline
Odoemenam
ACC/2008/499

pg.
70

QUESTIONN
AIRE INSTRUCTION TO THE
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Do not write your name of any staff in the
questionnaire.
2. Where Yes or No answer is required, tick as
appropriate in the boxes provided.
SECTION A
PERSONAL
INFORMATION
1. What is your sex?
Male
[ ]
Female [ ]
2. What is your age?
18 30
[ ]
30 40
[ ]
40 50
[ ]
50 and
[ ]
above
3. What is your educational qualification?
WASSEC / SSEE [ ]
OND
[ ]
B.SC / HND
[ ]
M.BA /M.SC
[ ]
OTHRES
[ ]
SPECIFY
4. Departments?
Admin and Personnel
pg.
70

[
[
[
[

Account
] Technical
] Security
]

pg.
71

5 Years in
. service?
1 10
10 -20
20 30
31 and above

[
[
[
[

]
]
]
]

SECTIO
NB
1. Do internal audit have annual audit plan?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
2. Is the annual audit plan submitted to the
management?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
3. To whom do the internal audits report to in the
organization?
Management
[ ]
Chief
[ ]
Accountant
4. To what extend do internal audit report acted upon
by the
management?
Efective
[ ]
Non
[ ]
Efective
5. Does internal audit have a feed back on the report?
Yes [ ]
pg.
71

No [ ]

pg.
72

6. Does internal auditor assist the external auditor?

Yes [ ]
No [ ]
7. Is there cordial relationship between internal
auditor and
external auditor?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
8. Do internal audit have up to date internal audit
manual?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
9. Do internal audit share the information on internal
audit
manual to the external auditor?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
10.
Does internal audit cover all areas of
activities?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
11.

Does the presence of an internal

auditor in the
organization act as a check against fraud
activities?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
pg.
72

12.
Does the employment of an external auditor
help in the
fight against pilferage and fraud?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]

pg.
73

13.
Does the establishment of an audit
committee help in the
prevention of fraud?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]

14.
Does the fear of penalties help in the check
against fraud?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]

15.
Does understanding the code of conduct help
prevent
fraud?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]

pg.
73