Identifying and Implementing the Proper Balance of Internal Controls
Overview
Internal Controls (IC) are in place for a reason. They help maintain the control environment and establish efficient and effective processes. They also serve as a mitigation technique for identifying when processes have changed and when procedures need to be adjusted. In today’s business world, all personnel must understand the concept of internal control, how they should be utilized and their benefits.
The purpose and value of internal controls are often misunderstood and misapplied by management. Internal controls should be viewed as a value-oriented activity that assists the organization in the effective execution of its objectives. Properly designed and executed controls are the key to ensuring this view.
A previous course “The Manager’s Responsibility for Internal Control," addressed these concepts at a higher level. This course further explores the types of ICs, how they can be properly utilized and the cost benefit considerations for implementation.
Internal control is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following areas:
- Effectiveness and efficiency of operations
- Reliability of financial reporting
- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Safeguarding assets
Highlights
- Introduction to identifying and implementing the proper balance of internal controls
- Concepts, myths and facts of internal controls
- Risks vs controls
- Typical control types
- Understanding controls and why they fail
- Framework for controls identification
Prerequisites
None
Designed For
CPAs in public practice, internal auditors, and those with oversight of internal controls in business and industry
Objectives
- Explore basic concepts, myths and facts of Internal Controls (IC).
- Discover typical control types.
- Identify why controls fail.
- Identify a framework to develop the right balance of controls.
- Explore the differences between automated and manual controls and recognize the various testing processes
Preparation
None
Notice
This course is offered by a 3rd party vendor and will not be accessible in the My CPE Tracker section of the ISCPA website. Course access information will be emailed directly to you by Accounting Continuing Professional Education Network (ACPEN).
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Lynn Fountain, Lynn A Fountain
Lynn Fountain has over 40 years of experience spanning public accounting, corporate accounting and consulting. 20 years of her experience has been working in the areas of internal and external auditing. She is a subject matter expert in multiple fields including internal audit, ethics, fraud evaluations, Sarbanes-Oxley, enterprise risk management, governance, financial management and compliance. Lynn has held two Chief Audit Executive (CAE) positions for international companies. In one of her roles as CAE, she assisted in the investigation of a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme perpetrated by a vendor that spanned 7 years and implicated 20 employees. The fraud was formally investigated by the FBI and resulted in five indictments amounting to close to a $13 million fraud loss. Lynn is currently engaged in her own consulting and training practice. She has assisted numerous companies with enterprise risk management frameworks, internal audit processes and financial accounting. She is a highly sought after speaker and has trained internationally. In addition to her personal training, she also serves as a discussion leader for the AICPA for numerous classes. Lynn is the author of three separate technical books released in 2015, The first entitled “Raise the Red Flag – The Internal Auditors Guide to Fraud Evaluations”, published by the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation and released in April 2015. Her second book “Leading The Internal Audit Function” was released in October 2015 by Taylor & Francis Publications. This book serves as the initial launch for a series of leading practice internal audit and information technology publications. In addition, her third book “Ethics and the Internal Auditor’s Dilemma” was released in December 2016. Ms. Fountain obtained her BSBA from Pittsburg State University and her MBA from Washburn University in Kansas. She has her CGMA, CRMA credentials and CPA certificate.
Non-Member Price $115.00
Member Price $85.00