Tools

The following tools were published on KnowledgeLeader this week:

Invoice Exception Policy

The purpose of this sample policy is to standardize the procedure for handling invoices that do not have all the information needed to complete the payment processing cycle. This sample offers a systematic approach where such invoices are scanned and routed to an exception queue managed by the shared services center (SSC). The policy details steps for managing exceptions, including maintaining a detailed history of actions taken, contacting vendors for missing information, and handling duplicate or incorrectly routed invoices.

Stock Administration Audit Work Program

Streamline your corporate stock programs using the Stock Administration Audit Work Program for effective risk management and compliance solutions. This sample highlights detailed procedures for planning and preparation, including reviewing stock administration policies, developing a project plan, and identifying key risk and control points. The document provides specific tasks for fieldwork, such as assessing recordkeeping, verifying distributions, and ensuring proper communication with plan participants.

Desktop Management Audit Work Program

This sample desktop management audit work program document outlines steps to audit the process used to deploy software to desktop computers. The tool covers various critical areas, including risk indicators of potential problems, such as inconsistent software versions and lack of formal license management, and the potential impacts of inadequate management, like excessive costs and impaired user productivity. It also includes detailed project work steps for technology leverage, tactical alignment, stability and reliability, processes, results management, and human capital.

Spreadsheet Audit Work Program

This sample audit program provides general steps organizations can use when performing a spreadsheet audit. Questions to consider include: Is the recalculation setting "Automatic," "Automatic Except Tables" or "Manual"? Is the "Precision as Displayed" parameter checked or is the "1904" date system selected? Are iterations used within calculations and are the correct iteration settings configured? Does a VBA code exist that makes updates to cells that are not transparent to EUC users? 

Financial System and Process Assessment Report

Enhance your company’s financial systems and processes for future scalability and IPO readiness with the key recommendations included in this audit report. This report is invaluable for executives, finance teams and IT departments in identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement within current systems. The document outlines a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing data architecture, integrating ERP systems, and streamlining financial reporting and compliance processes.

Publications 

KnowledgeLeader has also published several publications this week.

Engineering a Sustainable Tomorrow: How Engineers Are Shaping a Greener Future

This article highlights the pivotal role engineers play in addressing global sustainability challenges, such as climate change and the demand for resilient infrastructure. Celebrated annually on March 4th, World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED) emphasizes engineering's significant contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The 2025 theme, "Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering," underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices across various industries and the importance of cross-sector collaboration and multidisciplinary efforts. Discover how organizations can leverage solutions to drive sustainable practices into engineering projects.

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

Consistent with past surveys, the results of the financial services industry (FSI) reflect a higher level of concern about the risk environment than the general population of survey respondents. What is noteworthy this year is that the deviation between the risk ratings of the general population and FSI is significantly higher than in the past. In this report, we discuss the top risks finance leader should keep top of mind, according to the results of Protiviti’s 13th annual Executive Perspectives on Top Risks Survey.

Navigating the DOJ Final Rule on Bulk Sensitive Personal Data: What Does It Mean for Your Business?

Understand the DOJ final rule on bulk sensitive personal data, a directive under Executive Order 14117, setting strict controls on data transactions with certain countries. The U.S. Department of Justice's new rule, under Executive Order 14117, introduces stringent measures on the transfer of bulk sensitive personal data to foreign adversaries, specifically targeting nations like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela. This regulation is a departure from conventional privacy laws as it is primarily rooted in national security, aiming to prevent the misuse of data transfers for espionage or coercion. Organizations are now compelled to overhaul their compliance strategies, focusing intensively on data discovery, inventory management and the management of cross-border data flows.

Recommended Resources 

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

1. Improving Enterprise Risk Management: Five Steps to Success
2. Three Tips for Handling Financial Stress in Volatile Times
3. Wayfair CFO Kate Gulliver on the Career Mindset That Got Her to the Top