Key Issues in Global Reporting

ON THE RECORD

Patricia McConnell, CPA, senior managing director,
Bear Stearns & Co., New York, speaking at the
AICPA Business & Industry Financial Executive Forum,
October 27, 2005.

“ Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley really has no teeth itself. The bite, if a company is noncompliant, is the market reaction caused by the disclosure of noncompliance. In my view the markets have acted very generously to companies that were noncompliant, basically taking a ‘give them time’ attitude. It remains to be seen how patient investors will be. ”

“ Of all of the provisions in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, section 404 is the one with the highest likelihood of making real and lasting improvements to earnings quality. Good internal controls are by far the best safeguard against the kind of earnings manipulation we saw at Enron, WorldCom and others. However, even section 404 compliant controls are not 100% scoundrel proof. If management is without integrity, they will find a way to beat any system. ”

“ I am very enthusiastic and optimistic about international convergence. I believe that it is well within reach…. For the capital markets to function with high efficiency and provide companies with capital at the lowest cost, not only must there be one set of high-quality transparent global financial reporting standards, but management, auditors and regulators must see to it that these standards are interpreted and applied consistently and with integrity in all jurisdictions. ”