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Winter Storm Near Miss: Southern Ontario Could Still See Heavy Snow

  A major winter storm developing across the central United States is expected to track close enough to southern Ontario this weekend to bring the risk of significant snowfall. While the core of the system is projected to remain south of the border, its northern edge may still sweep across regions from Windsor to the Greater Toronto Area. Forecasters say the exact path remains uncertain, but current projections suggest that areas along and south of Highway 401 could see notable accumulations if the storm shifts even slightly north. Some models indicate the potential for 10–20 centimetres of snow, with locally higher amounts possible if lake‑enhanced bands develop. The storm threat comes as southern Ontario braces for a surge of bitter cold. Wind chills dipping into the minus twenties may precede the system, creating conditions that could intensify snowfall rates and make travel more difficult. Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory closely. Residents are enco...

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How Deloitte's audit work was backdated and why CPA Ontario fined them $1.59-million

 


Deloitte is one of the Big Four accounting firms that provide audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services to clients worldwide. As a professional service provider, Deloitte is expected to adhere to high standards of quality, ethics and integrity in its work. However, in a recent disciplinary case, Deloitte admitted that it had violated several rules and regulations of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario), the regulatory body that oversees the accounting profession in the province.

According to CPA Ontario, Deloitte and some of its partners and staff engaged in improper conduct in relation to the audits of two public companies, identified as Company A and Company B, for the fiscal years 2014 to 2016. The improper conduct included backdating audit workpapers, altering or deleting audit evidence, failing to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence, failing to exercise professional skepticism and due care, and failing to comply with the Canadian Auditing Standards.

CPA Ontario also found that Deloitte failed to report the improper conduct to the regulator, as required by the bylaws, and failed to cooperate fully with the regulator's investigation. Deloitte also failed to implement adequate quality control policies and procedures to prevent or detect such improper conduct.

As a result of these findings, CPA Ontario imposed a total of $1.59-million in penalties on Deloitte and its partners and staff involved in the case. The penalties included fines, costs, reprimands, suspensions and restrictions on practice. Deloitte agreed to pay the penalties and admitted to the facts and liability in a settlement agreement with CPA Ontario.

The disciplinary case is a serious blow to Deloitte's reputation and credibility as an auditor. It also raises questions about the quality and reliability of the audits performed by Deloitte for other clients. The case also highlights the importance of having effective oversight and enforcement mechanisms for the accounting profession, to protect the public interest and maintain trust in the financial reporting system.


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