Diamond Computers, which is owned and operated by Dale Diamond, manufactures and sells different types of computers. The company has reported profits every year since its inception in 2002 and has applied for a bank loan near the end of 2021 to upgrade manufacturing facilities. These upgrades should significantly boost future productivity and profitability. In preparing the financial statements for the year, the chief accountant, Sandy Walters, mentions to Dale that approximately $80,000 of computer inventory has become obsolete and a write-down of inventory should be recorded in 2021.

Dale understands that the write-down would result in a net loss being reported for company operations in 2021. This could jeopardize the company’s application for the bank loan, which would lead to employee layoffs. Dale is a very kind, older gentleman who cares little for his personal wealth but who is deeply devoted to his employees’ well-being. He truly believes the loan is necessary for the company’s sustained viability. Dale suggests Sandy wait until 2022 to write down the inventory so that profitable financial statements can be presented to the bank this year.

How would failing to record the write-down in 2021 inflates profit in that year.

How would this type of financial accounting manipulation potentially harm the bank?

Can Sandy justify the manipulation based on Dale's kind heart for his employees?