KPMG LLP served as the external auditor for some of the largest subprime mortgage lenders in the
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New Century filed for bankruptcy and Countrywide was purchased by Bank of America, which subsequently suffered massive losses related to business failures at Countrywide.
Just before the housing crash of 2007 put the companies in severe financial crises, KPMG had given both companies unqualified audit opinions. In both cases, KPMG was subsequently accused of violating professional standards, lacking independence, and being negligent. KPMG defended itself by arguing that its audits were not the cause of the financial woes at New Century and Countrywide.
Rather, the firm contended that it was the failed business model of the two companies that led to investor losses.
a. How does the business environment affect the litigation risk faced by audit firms?
b. Should auditors be held liable if their client's business fails or if the financial statements contain a fraud that the auditors did not detect?
c. What defenses do auditors use in response to litigation?
d. What actions can auditors take to minimize litigation exposure?
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Related Book For
Auditing A Risk Based Approach to Conducting a Quality Audit
ISBN: 978-1305080577
10th edition
Authors: Karla Johnstone, Audrey Gramling, Larry E. Rittenberg
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