3M* included these reports with its 2010 annual report:

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the financial information included in this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Where necessary, the financial statements reflect estimates based on management’s judgment.

Management has established and maintains a system of internal accounting and other controls for the Company and its subsidiaries. This system and its established accounting procedures and related controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, that the books and records properly reflect all transactions, that policies and procedures are implemented by qualified personnel, and that published financial statements are properly prepared and fairly presented. The Company’s system of internal control is supported by widely communicated written policies, including business conduct policies, which are designed to require all employees to maintain high ethical standards in the conduct of Company affairs. Internal auditors continually review the accounting and control system.

3M Company

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. Management conducted an assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on the assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 excluded Cogent Inc., Arizant Inc. and Attenti Holdings S.A., which were all acquired by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2010 in purchase business combinations. Total assets and total net sales recorded by the Company related to these acquisitions, in the aggregate, represented less than 10 percent of consolidated total assets and less than 1 percent of consolidated net sales of the Company, respectively, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010. Companies are allowed to exclude acquisitions from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the first year of an acquisition while integrating the acquired company under guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.

3M Company

Required

1. Who has the responsibility for the financial statements?
2. What is the role of the accountant (auditor) as to the financial statements?
3. Accountants (auditors) are often included as defendants in lawsuits that relate to the financial statements. Speculate as to why this is the case.
4. Why did 3M include the report “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”?

*“3M is a diversified technology company with a global presence in the following businesses: Industrial and Transportation; Health Care; Display and Graphics; Consumer and Office; Safety, Security and Protection Services; and Electro and Communications. 3M is among the leading manufacturers of products for many of the markets it serves.” 10-K
Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange