Tools

The following tools were published on KnowledgeLeader this week:

Risk Assessment and Internal Audit Plan

The detailed risk assessment results in this sample audit report can help you measure and improve your organization’s internal audit process. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, the document provides management with insights into potential vulnerabilities within various business processes, ensuring that critical areas receive appropriate attention during audits. The plan is designed not only to comply with regulatory requirements, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, but also to promote best practices in risk management and internal controls.  

Financial Controls Review Audit Report

Our Financial Controls Review Audit Report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the control environment within a specified facility, detailing improvements since the last audit and identifying areas needing further enhancement. This tool includes insights into the effectiveness of implemented controls, particularly regarding the close-the-books process, account reconciliations and inventory management practices. The report outlines specific observations, such as the need for improved documentation protocols in accounts payable and the current inadequacy of the inventory cycle count procedure. 

IT Platform Management Audit Work Program

Review our sample IT Platform Management Audit Work Program to mitigate risks associated with system unavailability and inappropriate configurations. This work program identifies risk indicators such as frequent system unavailability, inadequate maintenance scheduling and insufficient disaster recovery plans, which could lead to potential impacts like unmanaged IT costs, revenue loss and unstable environments. It includes detailed project work steps to assess the effectiveness of event management tools, historical performance data reporting, and the alignment of platform goals with the overall IT strategy.

Privacy Audit Work Program

Our Privacy Audit Work Program is a detailed guide designed to assist organizations in conducting thorough privacy audits. It comprises two sample work programs with specific audit procedures and considerations. Sample 1 focuses on pre-fieldwork preparations, including verifying data handling practices, reviewing pertinent policies, and obtaining organizational charts. It also details the steps for engaging management and staff to ensure the relevance and practicality of privacy policies.

Employer and Employee Rights Policy

This sample policy outlines the statutory and contractual rights of employees in the workplace and discusses employment practices liability insurance (EPLI), employment-at-will, just cause and due process. The document details contractual rights, which are established through formal agreements between employers and employees, covering aspects like job duties, compensation, confidentiality and noncompete clauses. Additionally, it addresses the concept of employment-at-will, just cause for disciplinary actions, and the importance of due process in ensuring fairness.

Employment of Related People Policy

Ensure fair and impartial treatment of employees by implementing our policy on the employment of relatives within your organization. Its primary use is to establish guidelines that prohibit the employment of individuals in situations where a reporting relationship exists between relatives, which could lead to favoritism or biased employment decisions. The policy defines "related employees" comprehensively, including spouses, significant others, immediate family members, in-laws, step-relatives, grandparents, grandchildren and household members.

Publications 

KnowledgeLeader has also published several publications this week.

Executive Perspectives on Top Risks for the Near- and Long-Term: Energy and Utilities Industry Group Results

Boards of directors and senior executive teams face a complex web of uncertainties. The global energy and utilities (E&U) industry is undergoing a significant period of change due to regulatory shifts, sustainability imperatives, operational pressures and rapid technological advancements. In this report, we highlight the top risk E&U companies should consider moving forward, according to the results of Protiviti’s latest Executive Perspectives on Top Risks Survey. 

CFOs Must Be the Voice of Reason Amid Tariff Turmoil

Whether U.S. tariffs are wielded as a negotiation tool, a punitive measure or a tactic in support of macroeconomic strategy, they raise difficult questions for companies and finance groups: When will there be policy clarity? What is our exposure? How reliable are our forecasts? How do we become more resilient wherever chaos leads? These are important questions on an important topic. In this article, we explain why and how CFOs need to step up and contribute clarity as they navigate uncertain global economic waters whipped up by tariff turmoil. 

Analysis of Digital Communication Practices Among Women Entrepreneurs in Morocco

This article explores how Moroccan women business owners use digital communication methods following a decline in entrepreneurship since the 1990s. The emergence of Web 2.0 created new media possibilities, which prompted businesses to channel investments into digital platforms for customer growth and legitimacy establishment. The study examines Casablanca and Marrakech to demonstrate how entrepreneurial entry varies across regions. Female entrepreneurs in Casablanca begin their journey in salaried roles to secure capital prior to adopting digital media. Many Marrakech entrepreneurs start in paid positions and then move to freelance work, where they utilize digital tools.  

Recommended Resources 

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

1. AI Means Business. Is Your Organization Prepared?
2. New On-Demand CPE Training: ESG Essentials for Internal Audit
3. Regulatory Shifts in ESG: What Comes Next for Companies?