Assume an auditor finds the following errors while performing tests of controls for work-in- process inventory in a custom machinery manufacturing business.

Required:

For each finding, state which control objective is affected, what control deficiency is indicated, and what further investigation (if any) should be undertaken by the auditor.

a. Budgeted labor hours are 30% lower than actual labor costs and production cost reports.

b. Of 20 time-clock entries examined for July 14, three do not appear on the daily labor report or production cost report for that day.

c. Weekly labor cost reports do not agree with the weekly payroll summary.

d. The open production report used to cost work-in-process inventory contains costs of materials for which no matching amount and description are found on the material used reports and no material issue slip is on file in the material storage department.