Profile of Courage: Marilyn Stitt, KPMG and the Audit of Hollinger Inc

Journal of Forensic Accounting, Vol. IX (1) June: 199-204, 2008

University of Alberta School of Business Research Paper No. 2013-699

7 Pages Posted: 10 Mar 2008 Last revised: 11 Jun 2013

See all articles by Karim Jamal

Karim Jamal

University of Alberta - Department of Accounting, Operations & Information Systems

Erin E. Marshall

University of Lethbridge - Faculty of Management

Date Written: February 29, 2008

Abstract

Using Hollinger Inc., KPMG and Ms. Marilyn Stitt as our focus, we engage the accounting profession in a conversation about how to support an audit partner who exercises good professional judgment and acts with integrity. We interviewed Chartered Accountants who were current and/or recently retired partners of Big 4 firms (other than KPMG), partners of small accounting firms, corporate directors, and investment advisors or other users of financial statements. We explored three broad questions with our participants. The first question focused on assessing the audit of Hollinger Inc. The second question asked participants to consider how auditors who exercise good professional judgment can be supported by the profession. The third question asked participants to consider how auditors who exercise good professional judgment could be recognized, celebrated and publicized by the profession. We find that participants have mixed feelings towards the audit of Hollinger and feel that support for partners should come from within the firm. We propose the establishment of a Canadian Accounting Hall of Fame to recognize accountants who display technical excellence and act with courage, integrity and good judgment.

Keywords: Auditing, litigation, professional integrity

JEL Classification: M41, M47, M49

Suggested Citation

Jamal, Karim and Marshall, Erin E., Profile of Courage: Marilyn Stitt, KPMG and the Audit of Hollinger Inc (February 29, 2008). Journal of Forensic Accounting, Vol. IX (1) June: 199-204, 2008, University of Alberta School of Business Research Paper No. 2013-699, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1104473 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1104473

Karim Jamal (Contact Author)

University of Alberta - Department of Accounting, Operations & Information Systems ( email )

Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R6
Canada
780-492-5829 (Phone)
780-492-3325 (Fax)

Erin E. Marshall

University of Lethbridge - Faculty of Management ( email )

Calgary, Alberta T2T1R5
Canada

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