A successful risk management strategy requires a strong internal control environment. The risk control matrix (RCM) format emphasizes that strong and risk-oriented internal control environments are often optimized with automated/manual controls, depending on the situation. 

An RCM provides an overview of different control objectives that organizations should take into consideration and the corresponding controls to safeguard the company against risks, which may arise if not checked timely. Once customized to an organization, this document can help the user in assessing each control. The control assessment can then also be summarized to develop an action plan. 

This document outlines risks and controls common to processing benefits and retiree information during the 3.5.7 Manage and Administer Benefits process in a risk control matrix (RCM) format. 

Sample risks include: 

• Plan benefit provisions are unclear or complex. 
• Errors are made when calculating benefits. 
• Inaccurate employee information is provided to benefits personnel. 
• Personnel are unaware of applicable laws and regulations. 
• Program eligibility requirements are not clearly communicated to appropriate personnel. 
• Eligible employees are improperly excluded from participation. 
• Nonexistent employees are entered as program participants or beneficiaries. 
• IT infrastructure is not adequate to support the benefits process. 

This document can be used as a sample RCM and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of risks and controls. The KnowledgeLeader team will periodically update this RCM with new content. Organizations should select, update and modify the risks and controls included in this document to ensure that it reflects business operations.