Tools

The following tools were published on KnowledgeLeader this week:

Competitive Intelligence Questionnaire

Sample steps in this program include reviewing the leasing and management contract between the professional building and the management company, performing an overall analytical review of both the latest financial statements and the latest trial balance, identifying cash accounts and reviewing control procedures over the accounts to determine appropriateness and accuracy, determining that all outstanding checks are listed in detail and that all deposits in transit are listed in detail, and determining that the bank reconciliation ties to the general ledger cash balance.

Network Infrastructure Audit Work Program

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, a robust network infrastructure is more critical than ever for organizations striving to maintain a competitive edge. This Network Infrastructure Audit Work Program serves as a resource for businesses looking to fortify their network security and operational efficiency. This tool is designed to help organizations evaluate and enhance the security, performance and reliability of their network systems. By identifying vulnerabilities, addressing performance bottlenecks and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, the audit framework safeguards critical business operations. Leveraging this program allows organizations to reduce the risk of data breaches, improve operational efficiency, and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their systems, all while providing a structured approach to uncovering control weaknesses and implementing best practices tailored to unique organizational needs.

Procurement Card Policy

This Procurement Card Policy is designed to streamline purchasing processes, reduce transaction costs and enhance financial controls. By implementing this policy, organizations can simplify accounts payable functions, automate data tracking and enforce compliance with spending guidelines, all while maintaining flexibility for authorized transactions. This tool ensures proper usage of procurement cards through robust internal controls, clear guidelines and accountability measures, making it an essential resource for businesses aiming to optimize efficiency and safeguard their assets.

Contracts Policy

This Contracts Policy serves as a crucial framework for ensuring that all agreements entered by the company and its subsidiaries are thoroughly reviewed and managed. It outlines the necessary steps for initiating, creating, negotiating, executing and amending contracts, thereby safeguarding the company's rights and fulfilling its obligations. This policy is not just a guideline; it is an essential tool that promotes transparency and compliance in all contractual dealings. By establishing clear protocols for legal and financial reviews, signature authorizations and contract storage, this policy ensures that every contract is meticulously crafted and maintained, protecting the company from potential risks.

Data Center Security Policy

Protecting the heart of your organization, the data center, is not just a necessity, but a strategic imperative in today's digital landscape. This Data Center Security Policy offers a powerful solution for organizations aiming to fortify their infrastructure against physical and operational risks. By implementing its detailed guidelines on access control, key management and visitor protocols, organizations can achieve enhanced security, regulatory compliance and peace of mind, while fostering trust among customers and stakeholders.

Generative AI Questionnaire

Our Generative AI Questionnaire is designed to help navigate the opportunities and risks associated with deploying generative AI. As businesses increasingly embrace this transformative technology, this questionnaire provides a structured approach to assessing readiness, defining strategies and identifying critical considerations for implementation. From sourcing proprietary data to fine-tuning models, it emphasizes the importance of data governance and IT architecture in ensuring successful GenAI deployment. This tool also delves into talent challenges, highlighting the need for skilled practitioners and collaborative teams to manage end-to-end AI systems effectively.

Publications 

KnowledgeLeader has also published several publications this week.

Setting the 2026 Audit Committee Agenda

Audit committees face an increasingly dynamic and complex environment as technology reshapes industries, regulations evolve, and risks become more interconnected. To thrive in this landscape, audit committees must adopt proactive strategies that address critical areas such as AI governance, cybersecurity, talent management and organizational culture. By focusing on these priorities, committees can strengthen oversight, drive resilience, and ensure their organizations remain competitive and trustworthy.

North American Banks Begin Offering Tokenized Deposits: What It Means for the Industry and Its Customers

Imagine a banking experience where transactions are completed in seconds, assets move effortlessly across borders, and every customer enjoys round-the-clock access and transparency. This is quickly becoming reality as banks embrace tokenized deposits, digital versions of traditional funds, securely backed and managed on blockchain technology. These innovations promise speed and efficiency, and open new doors for tech-savvy customers and financial institutions eager to lead in a digital-first world.

The Compliance Blind Spot Crisis: When You Can't Read What You Don't Know Exists

Managing compliance in a multinational organization is no easy feat. Many businesses unknowingly face critical blind spots that can jeopardize their operations, stemming from two major challenges: language barriers and gaps in regulatory coverage. These obstacles prevent teams from fully understanding and adhering to regulations across jurisdictions, leaving them vulnerable to fines, operational delays and reputational damage. The solution lies in adopting proactive strategies that eliminate these blind spots and transform compliance management into a streamlined, confident process.

Recommended Resources 

This list of recommended resources from the web may be of interest to you. Click each link to learn more. 

1. AI and the Audit: Finance Leaders Strongly Support Forward-Thinking Firms
2. Almost 9 in 10 Companies Chose Classified Boards at IPO, Research Shows 
3. AI Fraud-Detection Tools Require Human Oversight: Report