Publications
Publications
- July 2001 (Revised October 2001)
- HBS Case Collection
Policy Management Systems Corp.: The Financial Reporting Crisis
Abstract
Tim Williams, the new CFO of a publicly-traded enterprise software company, attempts to rebuild his company's reputation for reliable financial reporting following a highly visible financial reporting crisis. The crisis begins with an earnings shortfall warning, which precipitates a dramatic share price drop, culminating in an SEC investigation and resulting in several shareholder lawsuits. Armed with an understanding of the company business model, sales cycle, and revenue recognition policy, Williams must piece together why the reporting crisis happened. He must assess how these various factors interacted to contribute to the company's crisis, and which policies and business practices under his control can be changed to prevent future financial reporting issues. Looking to rebuild the company's credibility with the financial community, as a first-time CFO of a publicly traded company, Williams must also attempt to understand the role of regulators and capital market intermediaries--in particular, financial analysts.
Keywords
Accrual Accounting; Revenue Recognition; Capital Markets; Policy; Corporate Governance; Accounting Audits; Technology Industry
Citation
Hutton, Amy P. "Policy Management Systems Corp.: The Financial Reporting Crisis." Harvard Business School Case 102-013, July 2001. (Revised October 2001.)