THE world of accountancy isn't renowned for its humour but would-be bean counters at Queen's University may have had cause to smile during a crunch exam this week.
Those setting a paper for final year accountancy students decided to keep matters topical by using a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scenario to test their knowledge.
Question 7 focused on a mythical company called 'Dodd G Boilers', which among other items supplies biomass boilers.
The firm was set up by 'Owen Cash' in response to a government drive to boost renewable energy and one of its major customers was called 'Chicken Shack' – a reference to the high take-up of the lucrative RHI scheme by poultry farmers.
"As a result of these targets and the generous government incentives to switch to the renewable heating scheme, business for Dodd G Boilers has been booming over the last five years since its incorporation," the question states.
The student – who assumes the role of partner at audit firm 'PennywiseCoppers' – is tasked with auditing Dodd G Boilers.
However, the exercise is made doubly difficult when new information from customers and suppliers emerges.
One Queen's student told The Irish News how the scenario raised a smile among accountancy undergraduates, who aren't accustomed to mirth in the midst of a final year exam.
Queen's University declined to comment last night.