An auditing firm has a standard fee policy that it maintains internally and uses in bidding on auditing projects.However,in preparing bids,it increases its audit fee by up to 20% for corporate audit clients that have December 31 fiscal year-ends and lowers its audit fees by up to 30% for government entities that have fiscal years that end during the summer months.The auditing firm justifies this pricing practice by noting that its personnel are overwhelmed with work during the end-of-year "busy season," but often are idle during the summer months.This auditor:
A) Does not have a conflict of interest
B) Has a dual-client conflict of interest
C) Has an accountant-client conflict of interest, even if this pricing differential is cost-justified
D) Is not acting with integrity, unless it discloses this pricing policy to all affected clients

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The auditing firm does not have a conflict of interest because it is adjusting its fees based on workload and demand, which is a common business practice. There is no indication of a conflict between the firm's interests and those of its clients.

An Auditing Firm Has a Standard Fee Policy That It