But critics say accountants'desire to sell these additional services _ plus their audit fees _ make auditors less likely to raise red flags when companies use questionable financial maneuvers to appear more sound or profitable.
42.
Accounting firms'ties to clients have come under close scrutiny after the collapse of Enron, which spent almost as much on consulting services sold by its auditor, Arthur Andersen, as on audit fees.
43.
If audit fees are too high they will price the product out of the market, and if they are too low, it is not possible to do the audit specified, and the guarantee becomes meaningless.
44.
Fixed costs ( such as rent or an audit fee ) vary on a percentage basis because the lump sum rent / audit amount as a percentage will vary depending on the amount of assets a fund has acquired.
45.
After years of haggling, after which she sued, Ms . Appelbaum has now settled with HarperCollins, with the publisher agreeing to pay her $ 7, 000 in back royalties, along with her legal and audit fees.
46.
The risk is obvious when an accounting firm earns more in consulting fees than audit fees from a client : the audit work, which generates lower fees, could be jeopardized by the desire to maintain the more lucrative consulting relationship.
47.
Laskaway added that a new rule could provide for disclosure of the total audit fee and the total fee for other services to the company, to help investors ascertain whether there was reason to be concerned about the auditor's independence.
48.
Mirant paid the firm $ 2.2 million in audit fees in 2000 and another $ 1.2 million for financial information systems services _ plus $ 10.1 million for other services, including its stock offering and tax consulting.
49.
Instead, a government agency _ meaning, in America, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC _ would appoint the auditors, even if on the basis of a list recommended by the company, which would continue to pay the audit fee.
50.
At Tokheim, Lewis directed all financial and operational audits; assisted senior management in the evaluation of acquisition candidates, participated in strategic planning sessions and made numerous recommendations to management; which reduced operating costs, improved operating efficiency, and reduced outside audit fees.
