Financial Reporting

The following 556 items are listed by Content Data.
Regulatory Updates

Accounting Research Manager

The following accounting update summaries are provided courtesy of Accounting Research Manager, a subscription service t...
Mon, Mar 27, 2023
Guides

Managing Large Scale Business Projects Guide

This guide discusses the common challenges faced by finance leaders and suggests structuring a finance program managemen...
Mon, Mar 27, 2023
Audit Programs

Service-Level Controls Audit Work Program

This tool contains two sample programs that provide best-practice steps organizations can use to audit and enhance their...
Mon, Mar 27, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Contract and Project Approval Policy

This policy outlines procedures for evaluating, negotiating, and executing significant contracts and internal and extern...
Mon, Mar 20, 2023
Checklists & Questionnaires

Treasury Internal Control Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire can be used by management performing a control self-assessment of their operations.
Mon, Mar 20, 2023
Audit Programs

Close-the-Books Audit Work Program

The best-practice audit steps included in this tool can be used to design your next close-the-books audit.
Mon, Mar 13, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Impairments Policy

This sample policy is designed to help organizations define processes for reviewing impaired property and equipment.
Mon, Mar 13, 2023
Guides

Risk Assessment Guide

This tool contains four guides that can be used by auditors to understand and improve their risk assessment process.
Mon, Mar 13, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Confidentiality Policy

This tool includes three sample policies that define guidelines concerning confidential company information.
Mon, Mar 6, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Charge Description Master Policy

This sample policy ensures that the charge description master for all departments within a company is complete and accur...
Mon, Feb 27, 2023
Guides

Forecasting in Lean Times Guide

In this tool, we provide an outline that can be used to help ensure accurate and efficient forecasting in lean times.
Mon, Feb 27, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Capitalization and Fixed Asset Accounting Policy

This policy establishes guidelines for capitalizing, depreciating, transferring, disposing and maintaining control of ca...
Mon, Feb 13, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Close-the-Books Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide timely information regarding a company’s reporting requirements.
Mon, Feb 13, 2023
Guides

Data Analytics and Audit Coverage Guide

This document includes two sample guides that can be used for understanding and leveraging an organization’s data analyt...
Mon, Feb 13, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Allocating Contract Cost Policy: Capital Projects

This policy sample outlines procedures to ensure that company capital allocated to projects is managed cost-effectively ...
Mon, Feb 6, 2023
Guides

Auditing Corporate Governance Guide

This guide can be used by auditors to assess and understand the four pillars of an organization’s governance framework.
Mon, Feb 6, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Business Planning Policy

The purpose of this policy is to develop a structured approach to business planning and state the categories to be addre...
Mon, Jan 30, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Record Retention Policy

This tool contains five sample policies that establish standards and procedures for the retention of electronic and pape...
Mon, Jan 30, 2023
Audit Programs

Accounting Reconciliation Audit Work Program

Use this work program sample to ensure that discrepancies are reconciled and accounting reconciliations are performed ac...
Mon, Jan 23, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Depreciation Policy

This policy provides guidelines for the computation and recording of capitalized property, plant and equipment costs dep...
Mon, Jan 23, 2023
Guides

Data Migration Strategy Guide

This guide is designed to help auditors successfully execute a data migration from end to end.
Mon, Jan 9, 2023
Policies & Procedures

Rebate Payments Policy

Organizations can use this sample policy to identify rebate payments to be made and calculate the appropriate payment va...
Mon, Jan 9, 2023
Audit Programs

Revenue Forecasting Audit Work Program

This work program template highlights general steps an organization should follow with respect to effective revenue fore...
Mon, Jan 9, 2023
Audit Reports

Audit Committee Report - Internal Audit Plan

This tool contains four sample audit reports that can be used to evaluate and improve the internal audit plan.
Tue, Jan 3, 2023
Benchmarking Tools

Managing Financial Risks Leading Practices

This tool features several leading practices to assist with measuring and improving an organization’s financial risk man...
Tue, Jan 3, 2023
Newsletters

Setting the 2023 Audit Committee Agenda

This issue of The Bulletin discusses eight agenda items for 2023 based on input from our interactions with client audit ...
Tue, Jan 3, 2023
Articles

Audit and Non-Audit Fees of the S&P 500

Audit Analytics looks at audit and non-audit fees for the S&P 500 across its different industries.
Mon, Dec 19, 2022
Articles

Audit Fee Trends in Europe: 2010 – 2021

Audit Analytics looks at audit fee data for public companies listed on European exchanges dating back to 2010.
Mon, Dec 19, 2022
Guides

Risk-Based Auditing Guide

This guide is designed to help auditors respond to organizational risks more timely and provide insights to management t...
Mon, Dec 5, 2022
Articles

Q3 2022 IPO Trends: Market Continues to Cool

Audit Analytics looks at the major decrease in the number and size of initial public offerings during the third quarter ...
Mon, Nov 28, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Repair and Maintenance Expenditures Policy

Organizations can use the guidelines included in this policy to review and approve their repair and maintenance expendit...
Mon, Nov 28, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Accounts Receivable Reserves Policy

This policy outlines steps for developing an accounts receivable reserve account for bad debts, returns and allowances, ...
Mon, Nov 21, 2022
Articles

Who Audits Public Companies – Spain 2021

In this article, Audit Analytics examines Spain’s audit market of the top companies for fiscal year 2021.
Mon, Nov 14, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Policy

This policy sample establishes guidelines organizations should follow when recording and issuing accounts payable transa...
Mon, Nov 7, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Accounts Receivable – Employee Receivable Policy

This sample policy is designed to help organizations approve, process and collect employee receivables.
Mon, Nov 7, 2022
Audit Programs

Financial Analysis Audit Work Program

In this work program sample, we provide general best-practice steps for the financial analysis audit process.
Mon, Nov 7, 2022
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Data Center Operations: Business Acquisition RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to business acquisition and data center management in a risk control ma...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 7, 2022
Articles

Who Audits Public Companies – France 2021

In this article, Audit Analytics looks at France’s audit market of the top companies for fiscal year 2021.
Mon, Nov 7, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Accounts Receivable Negotiated Debt Forgiveness Policy

Use this policy to adequately protect receivable investments and all distributions in place of payments related to forma...
Mon, Oct 31, 2022
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Employee Sales Commissions RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to managing employee sales commissions in a risk control matrix (RCM) f...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 31, 2022
Articles

Twenty-Year Review of Audit & Non-Audit Fee Trends Report

Audit Analytics examines trends in audit and non-audit fees disclosed by SEC-registered companies between 2002 and 2021.
Mon, Oct 31, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Commitment and Expenditure Authorization Policy

This sample policy establishes guidelines for all transactions that bind or commit the company to performance or expend ...
Mon, Oct 24, 2022
Checklists & Questionnaires

Financial Close Process Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire can be used by auditors to analyze and enhance the financial close process.
Mon, Oct 24, 2022
Articles

Who Audits Public Companies – Italy 2021

In this article, Audit Analytics looks at Italy’s audit market of the top companies for fiscal year 2021.
Mon, Oct 17, 2022
Benchmarking Tools

Manage Capital Planning Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This document includes key performance measures an organization can use to improve its capital planning process.
Mon, Oct 10, 2022
Articles

Who Audits Public Companies – Germany 2021

In this article, Audit Analytics examines Germany’s audit market of the top companies for fiscal year 2021.
Mon, Oct 10, 2022
Audit Programs

International Site Visit Audit Work Program

This tool includes two sample audit programs that provide steps organizations can take when embarking upon an audit of a...
Mon, Oct 3, 2022
Checklists & Questionnaires

Audit Committee Responsibilities Questionnaire

The questions included in this tool can be used by audit committees to evaluate the scope of their responsibilities.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 26, 2022
Articles

Auditor Changes Roundup: Q2 2022

Audit Analytics looks at the large increase in global and national firm engagements in Q2 2022.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 26, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Consolidated Financial Statement Reporting and Disclosures Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that can be used to ensure the completeness and accuracy of disclosures made in q...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 26, 2022
Articles

A Closer Look at Shareholder Votes Against Auditor Ratification – 2021

Audit Analytics looks at the highest percentage votes against auditor ratification between January 1, 2019, and December...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 19, 2022
Methodologies & Models

Revenue Process Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s revenue process and to assist it...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 19, 2022
Checklists & Questionnaires

Close-the-Books Process Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire can be used to review and improve an organization’s close-the-books process. 
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 12, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Employee Expense Policy

This tool includes two sample policies that document recommended processes for the corporate AP department to follow whe...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 12, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Revenue Recognition Policy

This sample policy is designed to help organizations recognize revenue on sales transactions in a timely manner.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 12, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Financial Statement Preparation Policy

The two sample policies included in this tool outline procedures to ensure content quality when creating financial state...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 5, 2022
Methodologies & Models

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting Compliance Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s compliance with internal control...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 5, 2022
Articles

SOX 404 Disclosures: An Eighteen-Year Review

Audit Analytics takes a closer look at trends in internal controls over financial reporting disclosures, spanning from f...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 5, 2022
Checklists & Questionnaires

System Implementation Process Questionnaire

The questions included in this tool can be applied to the implementation of new systems or major upgrades.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 5, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Significant Accounting Updates Policy

This tool contains two policy samples that document the controls designed to ensure the implementation and application o...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 29, 2022
Benchmarking Tools

Close-the-Books Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Organizations can use the leading practices included in this tool to measure and improve their close-the-books process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 22, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Manual Journal Entry Review Policy

This tool contains two policy samples that establish guidelines and procedures that must be followed with respect to an ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 22, 2022
Methodologies & Models

Six Elements of Infrastructure for Public Company Readiness

This document includes the six elements of infrastructure focused on an organization’s public company readiness process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 22, 2022
Benchmarking Reports

2022 IT Audit Benchmarking Survey

The results of the latest IT Audit Technology Risks Survey from ISACA and Protiviti show a dynamic threat landscape that...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 15, 2022
Articles

Q2 2022 Initial Public Offering Trends: 2022 Slowdown Continues

Audit Analytics examines the continuous decrease in the number and size of initial public offerings during the second qu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 15, 2022
Methodologies & Models

Finance Process Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s finance process and to assist it...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 8, 2022
Benchmarking Reports

2022 Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Survey

The 2022 edition of Protiviti's annual SOX report shows that costs and hours continue to increase across most, if not al...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 25, 2022
Guides

Fast Close Guide

In this tool, you will get two guides that provide leading close practices and key indicators of improvement opportuniti...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 25, 2022
Articles

Who Audits Public Companies – 2022 Edition

Audit Analytics looks at who is currently conducting audits of SEC public registrants, based on reports filed with the S...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 18, 2022
Articles

2021 Financial Restatements Review

Audit Analytics looks at the trends and statistics of financial restatements filed with the Securities and Exchange Comm...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 11, 2022
Articles

Adjustments Continue to Decline in 2021

Audit Analytics examines the major decrease in financial adjustments over a 10-year period.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 4, 2022
Checklists & Questionnaires

Control Deficiency Assessment Questionnaire

This questionnaire serves as a guide to determining the severity of deficiencies cited during the internal control testi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 27, 2022
Articles

Pent-Up Demand in the U.S. Lifts Commercial Real Estate Short-Term

Protiviti’s Jon Critelli and Joe Kornik sat down to discuss the U.S. commercial real estate sector and how it’ll impact ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 27, 2022
Methodologies & Models

Enterprise Resource Planning Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s ERP management process and to as...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 20, 2022
Audit Programs

Enterprise Risk Planning (ERP) Integration Architecture Audit Work Program

This work program template provides steps organizations can take to perform an enterprise risk planning (ERP) integratio...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 6, 2022
Articles

IPOs Cool Off: Q1 2022 IPO Trends

In this article, Audit Analytics looks at the major decrease in initial public offerings compared to 2021.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 6, 2022
Articles

Going Concerns: A 21-Year Review

Audit Analytics examines select trends and statistics of going concerns filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissio...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 30, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Sales Process Policy

This tool contains three sample policies that define the general sales approach to assist in sales personnel’s understan...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 30, 2022
Methodologies & Models

Financial Reporting Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s financial reporting process and ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 23, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Collections Quality Assurance Policy

This sample policy is designed to help organizations standardize the collection process and identify additional training...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 16, 2022
Articles

The SEC Focuses on Climate Change in Latest Round of Comment Letters

Audit Analytics looks at the latest round of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's climate-change-related commen...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 21, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Corporate Aircraft Policy

This tool contains two policy samples that outline administrative and accounting procedures organizations should follow ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 14, 2022
Audit Programs

External Financial Reporting Audit Work Program

This audit program can be used by organizations to evaluate the operating effectiveness of internal controls associated ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 14, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Tax Accounting Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that establish uniform procedures for recording and filing U.S. taxes for a compa...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 14, 2022
Policies & Procedures

Cash and Cash Equivalents Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform policies for cash and cash equivalents for companies that preserve pr...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 7, 2022
Articles

Trends in 2020 Canadian KAMs

Audit Analytics examines the trends and risks of the 2020 Canadian key audit matters and provides insight into the amoun...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 7, 2022
Audit Programs

Control Environment Audit Work Program

This audit work program focuses on the control environment component of the COSO Framework.
Subscriber Content
Wed, Feb 23, 2022
Memos

Treasury Operations Scoping Memo

The purpose of this sample memo is to outline the scope, objectives, planned work and general timing of a treasury opera...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 13, 2021
Checklists & Questionnaires

Integrating Section 404 and Section 302 Compliance Questionnaire

This tool contains two sample questionnaires that can be used by management and board members to achieve a sustainable i...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 6, 2021
Regulatory Updates

Developments at and During COP26: The First Week

In this Flash Report, we offer suggestions for companies to consider in the aftermath of the first week of the UN Climat...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 29, 2021
Checklists & Questionnaires

Disclosure Committee Questionnaire

Use the questions included in this tool to ensure that all necessary quarterly financial reporting disclosures are addre...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 29, 2021
Checklists & Questionnaires

Monthly Financial Close Process Checklist

This tool contains two sample checklists that can be used to determine the extent to which various best business practic...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 15, 2021
Audit Programs

Fixed Assets and Property Audit Work Program

In this work program sample, we provide general steps organizations can take when conducting a property and fixed assets...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 8, 2021
Articles

AQRM Red Flags: Auditors

Audit Analytics looks at the auditor-specific aspects of its Accounting Quality + Risk Matrix (AQRM) and explains why so...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 1, 2021
Charters

Disclosure Committee Charter

This document provides two examples of guidelines for creating a disclosure committee charter.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 18, 2021
Articles

Impacts of COVID-19 on Public Companies

Audit Analytics looks at the pandemic’s impacts on certain aspects of financial reporting and financial health metrics o...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 18, 2021
Articles

AQRM Red Flags: Financial Reporting

In this article, Audit Analytics breaks down the risks associated with specific firm-level events included in the Accoun...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 4, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Budgeting Leading Practices

This tool provides a systematic process and the best-practice elements for managing an organization’s budgeting function...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 4, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Pricing Risk Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This document includes leading practices and questions an organization should consider when developing its pricing strat...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 27, 2021
Articles

AQRM Red Flags: Changes in Accounting Estimates

Audit Analytics examines the significant changes in accounting estimates related to property, plants and equipment for 2...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 20, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Audit Committee Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This tool contains leading practices and key performance indicators organizations should use for the audit committee's r...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 13, 2021
Research Reports

Growing Number of ICFR Issues Following IPO

In this exclusive report, Audit Analytics explores trends in companies reporting internal control deficiencies immediate...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 13, 2021
Articles

AQRM Red Flags: Controls

Audit Analytics examines the red flag events concerning a company’s control environment, including control weaknesses, l...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 6, 2021
Policies & Procedures

Intercompany Accounting Policy

This tool contains three sample policies that outline guidelines and procedures related to an organization’s intercompan...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 6, 2021
Policies & Procedures

Earnings Per Share Policy

This tool contains two policy samples that can be used by organizations to establish uniform policies for the calculatio...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 30, 2021
Audit Programs

Application Audit Work Program

This tool includes three audit program samples that can be used by organizations to evaluate and improve business unit a...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 23, 2021
Articles

Initial Public Offerings: Recent Trends in Corporate Governance Risks

Audit Analytics takes a deeper look at the risks that initial public offerings pose to investors, regulators and other f...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 23, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Sales Compensation Leading Practices

This tool features several leading practices to assist with evaluating and improving an organization’s sales compensatio...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 23, 2021
Articles

SEC Adopts Final Rule to Modernize MD&A and Related Financial Disclosures

In this article, we discuss the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s final rule to modernize, simplify and enhance ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 23, 2021
Articles

FinCEN and the Banking Agencies Clarify Due Diligence Requirements for Charities, Non-Profit Organizations

A look at how finance firms can determine the risk of a charity or non-profit organization (NPO) and develop a customer ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 16, 2021
Articles

A Closer Look at Votes Against Auditor Ratification — 2020

Audit Analytics looks at the highest percentage votes against auditor ratification between January 1, 2018, and December...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 9, 2021
Audit Programs

Enterprise Resource Planning Security Audit Work Program

In this work program sample, we list general best-practice steps for the enterprise resource planning security process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 9, 2021
Audit Reports

Enterprise Resource Planning Upgrade Audit Report

Auditors can use this audit report template for conducting and documenting the results of an enterprise resource plannin...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 9, 2021
Articles

SOX Compliance Under COVID-19: Considerations for Completing Quarterly Assessments

In this article, we provide a brief reminder on guidance and disclosure requirements, highlight current SEC insights and...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 9, 2021
Articles

Academic Spotlight: Auditor Ratification’s Impact on Audit Quality

In this article, Audit Analytics examines a frequency distribution analysis of percentage votes against auditor ratifica...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 26, 2021
Benchmarking Reports

2021 Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Survey

The 2021 edition of Protiviti's annual SOX report explains some of the changes SOX compliance practices have faced post-...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 19, 2021
Policies & Procedures

Chart of Accounts Policy

The three sample policies included in this tool establish standards for governing the handling of all of an organization...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 19, 2021
Articles

SEC Enforcement Actions Reveal Continuing Importance of Accurate Disclosures

Audit Analytics examines the recent increase in the amount of enforcement actions citing false and/or misleading stateme...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 19, 2021
Charters

Board of Directors Authorization Charter

This sample establishes guidelines and responsibilities for developing a board of directors authorization charter.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 28, 2021
Articles

SEC Enforcement Highlights Late Filing Disclosure Risks

Audit Analytics examines the SEC’s recently announced charges against companies that failed to disclose complete informa...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 28, 2021
Benchmarking Reports

2020 Finance Trends Survey Report: The Transformation of Transactional Work

When comparing the findings of our latest global survey of finance trends to the results of prior years, one of the most...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 21, 2021
Policies & Procedures

Foreign Currency Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform policies for recording foreign currency transactions and translations...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 21, 2021
Articles

Importance of Internal Controls for Cybersecurity

Audit Analytics examines the increase in cybersecurity breaches disclosed by public companies since 2011.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 14, 2021
Articles

Counting on Cycle Counts? A Re-Think May Be in Order

To ensure the reliability of cycle counts and stave off the necessity for a full wall-to-wall inventory count at year-en...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 7, 2021
Articles

A Farewell to Paul Sarbanes

Protiviti Managing Director Jim DeLoach honors Paul Sarbanes and highlights his efforts to protect investors and create ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 31, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Opportunity Cost Risk Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This benchmarking tool outlines the business risks of opportunity cost and shares the root causes and performance measur...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 31, 2021
Articles

Setting the 2021 Audit Committee Agenda: Your Questions Answered

Protiviti’s Chris Wright and Brian Christensen address some of the questions asked by attendees of a recent webinar on t...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 31, 2021
Articles

Q1 2021 IPOs: Auditor Market Share and Stats

Audit Analytics examines the unprecedented rise in initial public offerings in U.S. markets between January 1, 2021, and...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 24, 2021
Articles

SPACs Are Hot But Be Well Prepared — The SEC Is Watching

This article explains how special purpose acquisition company sponsors can mitigate potential liability related to publi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 24, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

External Financial Information Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This tool focuses on the key objectives for providing external financial information, the outcome measures associated wi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 10, 2021
Articles

SPACs Spotlight: Filings Trend Meets Fine Print in Latest SEC Statement

In this article, we examine what was buried in the footnotes of the SEC's latest Division of Corporation Finance stateme...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 10, 2021
Articles

Changes to Accounting Standards Offer Transformational Opportunities for Insurers, With Extended Time to Implement

This article shares how insurers can take advantage of the FASB’s deferred compliance dates to transform key business fu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 3, 2021
Policies & Procedures

Financial Close Policy: Capital Project Procedures

This sample policy highlights capital project procedures organizations should follow during the financial close process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 3, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Project Management Risk Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This tool contains leading practices and questions companies should consider when creating their project management stra...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 3, 2021
Policies & Procedures

Financial Close Policy: Bank Reconciliation Procedures

This policy sample outlines bank reconciliation procedures organizations should follow during the financial close proces...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 26, 2021
Articles

How the SEC’s Focus on Climate Change Might Affect Comment Letters

In this article, Audit Analytics examines the SEC's recent decision to focus on climate-related disclosures as well as t...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 26, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Communicate With Shareholders Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This tool outlines leading practices and questions that can be used by organizations to develop and manage shareholder c...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 19, 2021
Articles

Serving Their Purpose? Insights on Critical and Key Audit Matters

Here, Audit Analytics analyzes the differences, viability and effectiveness of critical and key audit disclosures.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 5, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Accounts Payable Process Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This tool includes key performance indicators an organization should use to measure and improve its accounts payable pro...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 22, 2021
Articles

Audit Opinion Types Available in Our Europe Database

Audit Analytics explores the differences between an unqualified opinion and a modified opinion, noting which ones should...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 15, 2021
Articles

A Closer Look into Human Capital Management Disclosures

Audit Analytics examines environmental, social and governance disclosures of amended regulations regarding human capital...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 8, 2021
Articles

New Territory: Private Equity Firms Eye the 401K Market

This article recaps the U.S. Department of Labor’s recent Information Letter and outlines key risks private equity firms...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 22, 2021
Articles

SPAC Popularity Continues to Grow

Audit Analytics examines 2020’s unprecedented rise in special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) initial public offering...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 22, 2021
Policies & Procedures

Standard Shipping and Packaging Policy

The purpose of this sample policy is to ensure that all items manufactured by an organization are given the necessary pr...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 15, 2021
Process Flows

Treasury and Cash Management Process Flow

This tool includes two sample process flows that can be used as a general guide to understanding and reviewing the steps...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 8, 2021
Articles

Remediating Internal Control Weaknesses During a Pandemic

As 2020 ends and many public companies are preparing annual financial statements, Audit Analytics examines the companies...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 1, 2021
Articles

CECL and the AICPA Practice Aid (Part 4): Modeling Considerations and COVID-19

Part 4 of our AICPA Practice Aid highlights the pandemic’s impact on loss models and provides key considerations finance...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 25, 2021
Process Flows

Close-the-Books Process Flow

This tool includes two sample process flows that can be used as a general guide to understanding, reviewing and mapping ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 25, 2021
Benchmarking Tools

Warehouse and Storage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This tool outlines leading practices and key performance indicators for the warehouse and storage process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 18, 2021
Newsletters

10 ESG Reporting Questions Directors Should Consider

This issue of Board Perspectives: Risk Oversight poses 10 questions boards should focus on to ensure sustainable and res...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 11, 2021
Articles

PCAOB Adopts Amendments to Independence Rules, Announces 2020-2024 Strategic Plan

Here, Audit Analytics analyzes the PCAOB’s targeted amendments to its interim independence standards applicable to lendi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 11, 2021
Audit Reports

Site Review Audit Report

This document contains three sample reports that can be used by auditors to learn how other organizations facilitated a ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 11, 2021
Newsletters

One Year Later: Does The Business Roundtable Statement Matter?

This issue of Board Perspectives recaps the Business Roundtable’s latest statement and suggests ways directors can overs...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 14, 2020
Newsletters

Setting the 2021 Audit Committee Agenda

In this issue of The Bulletin, Protiviti suggests eight 2021 audit committee agenda issues and offers questions for audi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 14, 2020
Articles

Rise of the SPACs: Understanding the Risks and Rewards in This Vogue IPO Vehicle

This article explores the rising popularity of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and shares how they can hel...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 7, 2020
Articles

SOX 404 Disclosures: A Sixteen-Year Review

Audit Analytics examines the trends in Section 404 disclosures over a sixteen-year period, considering both auditor atte...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 7, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

​Internal Control Structure Validation Questionnaire

This tool features questions to consider for verifying an organization’s internal controls over financial reporting (ICF...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 7, 2020
Articles

2020 Audit Committee Transparency Barometer

Audit Analytics examines the Audit Committee Transparency Barometer’s continuous upward trends among S&P 500 compani...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 30, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Bad Debt Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that establish procedures for determining the bad debt reserve when finalizing ac...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 30, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Project Management Office (PMO) Strength Questionnaire

This tool provides cost-effective project management questions to consider for examining and enhancing an organization’s...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 16, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Internal Audit External Quality Assessment Process Results Questionnaire

This tool outlines questions organizations can use to measure the external quality of their internal audit functions.
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Mon, Nov 9, 2020
Articles

SOX Compliance: Consider COVID-19 Impact on Management Review Control Execution

This article outlines steps to consider as you prepare your control documentation along with some specific assumption co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 9, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Spreadsheet Controls Policy

This tool contains two samples that outline policies and procedures to give guidance and ensure compliance related to fi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 9, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Capital Assets Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that outline procedures for handling and identifying capital assets across the co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 2, 2020
Audit Reports

Executive Report on Internal Controls

This tool contains two samples that provide specific guidance internal audit can use when reporting on the state of inte...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 2, 2020
Charters

Audit Committee Charter

This document contains nine samples that provide guidelines and standards for creating an audit committee charter.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 19, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Effective Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR) Testing Questionnaire

This tool outlines best practices and questions to consider when documenting the summary and results of ICFR testing.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 19, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Record Management Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that outline guidelines and procedures related to managing and retaining business...
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Mon, Oct 19, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Results Questionnaire

This tool highlights best practices and questions to consider when evaluating an organization’s risk assessment process ...
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Mon, Oct 12, 2020
Articles

A Finance Labor Model Tailor-Made for Navigating Crises

This article details the challenges finance leaders have faced during COVID-19 and explains what makes a managed service...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 5, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR) Deficiencies Questionnaire

This tool highlights questions to consider for understanding and assessing internal control over financial reporting (IC...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 5, 2020
Articles

Managing and Mitigating Credit Risks and Losses Through the Crisis and Beyond

This article describes the impact of COVID-19 on the financial services industry and outlines steps lenders should take ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 5, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Internal Control Process Improvement Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire uses process capability frameworks to identify internal control improvement opportunities for ...
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Mon, Sep 28, 2020
Articles

PCAOB Debuts New Inspection Report Format

Audit Analytics describes the PCAOB’s newly designed inspection report and highlights the report’s key changes.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 28, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Internal Audit Skills Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire measures an organization’s CPE program and co-sourcing arrangements with respect to the skills...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 21, 2020
Articles

Pre-IPO Companies – Put Your Vendors’ SOC Reports on Your 2020 Reading List

This article underlines the importance of SOC reporting and how it can better prepare private companies for a successful...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 21, 2020
Articles

Going Concerns Related to Unknown COVID-19 Impacts

Audit Analytics reviews the audit opinions of SEC-registered public companies that have been significantly impacted by t...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 14, 2020
Articles

Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation in the FTSE 350

Audit Analytics examines 34 FTSE 350 companies that are required to rotate audit firms or conduct a tender process by 20...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 7, 2020
Articles

COVID-19 Impacts on Accounting, Reporting and Internal Controls

This article discusses key accounting and audit impacts and practices finance leaders should consider as they respond to...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 31, 2020
Articles

Moving Finance to the Cloud: What Finance Leaders Need to Know

This article summarizes the importance of cloud migration and provides insight finance leaders need to execute their mig...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 31, 2020
Articles

Working Together: Bank Regulators Encourage Flexibility and Offer the Same During COVID-19 Pandemic

This article explains what a joint statement recently issued by the regulatory agencies means for financial institutions...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 31, 2020
Articles

2020 Trends in Cybersecurity Breach Disclosures

In this article, Audit Analytics analyzes the trends and statistics of public company cybersecurity disclosures over the...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 24, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Configurable Application Controls Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire uses configuration tools to evaluate and improve an organization's configurable application co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 24, 2020
Audit Reports

Critical Business Processes Audit Report

This sample audit report can be used by auditors for assessing and improving an organization’s business process risk.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 24, 2020
Articles

COVID-19 Impacts on European Audit Opinions

In this article, Audit Analytics examines the currents trends of European small- and large-cap filers that have been imp...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 17, 2020
Audit Programs

Hotel Financial Reporting and Revenue Recognition Audit Work Program

This sample audit program includes steps that can be used to perform a comprehensive review of hotel revenue.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 17, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Standardized Testing Program Questionnaire

This tool can be used to gain a better understanding of common SOX standardized testing risks and to develop a standard ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 17, 2020
Articles

The Federal Reserve Steps in to Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

This article outlines how the Federal Reserve assisted small and medium-sized businesses by making the paycheck protecti...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 10, 2020
Audit Reports

Equity Compensation Review Audit Report

This document contains two sample audit reports that can be used by auditors for assessing and reviewing an organization...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 3, 2020
Newsletters

What Directors Should Be Asking Right Now

This issue of Board Perspectives: Risk Oversight poses 10 questions meriting consideration for most industries during th...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 3, 2020
Articles

COVID-19 and SOX: Practical Considerations While Navigating the Crisis

This article discusses Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies long-term...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 27, 2020
Audit Reports

Financial Close Review Audit Report

This audit report sample can be used by auditors for understanding and reviewing an organization’s financial close proce...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 27, 2020
Articles

The COVID-19 Effect on IPOs: Pre-Public Firms Press ‘‘Pause’’ for Now, but IPO Readiness Must Continue

This article explains the current pace of companies' initial public offerings from COVID-19 and outlines measures organi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 27, 2020
Articles

FEMA Funding $$$$ Beginning With the End in Mind: COVID-19 Efforts

This article explains the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) funding process and outlines key considerations h...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 20, 2020
Articles

Class Action Lawsuits and Regulatory Litigation Related to COVID-19

In this article, Audit Analytics analyzes class action security lawsuits that were filed against companies due to circum...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 13, 2020
Audit Programs

Accounts Receivable/Collections Audit Work Program

This tool contains two sample work programs that provide general steps organizations should use when facilitating an acc...
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Mon, Jul 6, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Fixed Assets Policy

This tool contains three sample policies that establish guidelines and procedures for reviewing and understanding an org...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 29, 2020
Articles

Insurers Targeted in UK Supervisory Authorities’ Latest Effort to Develop Formal Operational Resilience Regulations

This article provides some insight on what makes global insurers the latest regulatory effort to strengthen the operatio...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 29, 2020
Audit Programs

Bank Branch Internal Audit Work Program

This document includes a variety of sample work programs that can be used to audit bank branch processes, including cert...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 22, 2020
Articles

Critical Audit Matters in Audit Committee Disclosures

Audit Analytics shares its findings on S&P companies that have disclosed the audit committee’s role in critical audi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 22, 2020
Articles

Succession Planning in Finance: Sourcing the Next Generation of Leaders

This article explains why today’s finance leaders are compelled to adapt their succession planning approaches and offers...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 22, 2020
Articles

CECL and the New AICPA Practice Aid (Part 2): Financial Statement Presentation and Enhanced Financial Statement Disclosures

Part two of our CECL discussion will drill down into requirements intended to ensure that financial statement presentati...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 15, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Finance End-User Computing Policy

This document contains two sample policies that provide guidelines and procedures for reviewing an organization’s financ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 15, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Control Rationalization and Cost-Effectiveness Questionnaire

This tool highlights questions to consider when implementing and measuring an organization’s cost-effectiveness and cont...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 8, 2020
Benchmarking Tools

Developing Budgets Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

This benchmarking tool contains two examples that focus on cost-based, quality-based and timed-based performance measure...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 8, 2020
Articles

Decade of Data: Trends in Audit Fees Across Europe

In this article, Audit Analytics examines 10 years of annual audit and non-audit fee trends of companies listed on regul...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 1, 2020
Articles

In Latest Operational Resilience Proposals for UK Institutions, Regulators Outline Expectations for Outsourcing Arrangements and Third-Party Risk Management

This article outlines the Prudential Regulation Authority’s (PRA) significant proposal, which provide the strongest indi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 1, 2020
Articles

The 2020 Audit Committee Agenda: Asking the Right Questions

This article discusses seven key questions audit committees should consider for enhancing the context of their risk over...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 1, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Contingent Liabilities Policy

This document contains two sample policies that provide guidelines and procedures for recognizing and disclosing an orga...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 18, 2020
Articles

Audit Fees of the S&P 500

In this article, Audit Analytics takes a closer look at what audit fees look like across different industries within 500...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 11, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Executive Sponsorship Change Management Questionnaire

This tool outlines questions to consider for effectively managing all essential elements of organizational change in an ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 11, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that establish processes organizations can use for ensuring that uniform accounti...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 4, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Business Process Re-Engineering Questionnaire

This tool outlines questions to consider for measuring and restructuring organizations’ business processes.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 4, 2020
Audit Programs

Returned Checks Audit Work Program

This sample audit program provides general steps organizations should follow when reviewing returned checks.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 4, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Outsourcing, Alliances and Joint Ventures Risk Questionnaire

This tool highlights questions to consider for understanding and assessing an organization’s outsourcing, alliances and ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 27, 2020
Newsletters

Operational Resiliency and the Role of the Board

This issue of Board Perspectives covers some of the important points and key takeaways discussed during Protiviti’s meet...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 6, 2020
Articles

LIBOR Transition: Preventing History From Repeating Itself

This article describes the financial markets’ preparedness to replace the London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) and provid...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 23, 2020
Articles

PCAOB Shares Audit Committee Insights

This article takes a closer look at some top-level insights from Protiviti’s recent Flash Report, which highlights key p...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 16, 2020
Articles

Expected Filing Season Trends, Including Coronavirus Disclosures

In this article, Audit Analytics explains some of the new and interesting trends, including the novel coronavirus, discl...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 9, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Internal Disclosure Certification Process Policy

This policy documents the internal disclosure certification process, which is designed to provide comfort to the executi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 9, 2020
Articles

RPA Offers a Fast and Cost-Effective Way to Automate Account Reconciliations

This article shares how one of the most labor-intensive finance department activities, robotic process automation, can o...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 9, 2020
Articles

CECL and the New AICPA Practice Aid: What Audit Committee Members Need to Know (Part 1)

This article explores the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) accounting standard updates and introduces the AICPA’s Pra...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 2, 2020
Methodologies & Models

Financial Close Process Capability Maturity Model (CMM)

This capability maturity model can be used to measure the maturity of an organization’s financial close process and to a...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 2, 2020
Articles

Changes to Auditor Independence Regulations: US vs. UK

This article reviews the anticipated changes proposed by the SEC and revised standards implemented by the Financial Repo...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 24, 2020
Articles

OCC Flags Warning Signs of Operational, Credit and Interest Rate Risks

This article takes a look at the current and emerging risks facing finance firms as of last year, based on the OCC recen...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 24, 2020
Checklists & Questionnaires

Controls Self-Assessment Questionnaire

The questions included in this control self-assessment questionnaire can be used to evaluate an organization’s business ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 17, 2020
Policies & Procedures

Prepaid Expenses Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that establish standards and procedures for identifying and recording an organiza...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 17, 2020
Articles

FFIEC’s Updated BCM Booklet Highlights Operational Resilience Concepts

This article looks at the significant changes made to the FFIEC’s updated business continuity management booklet and pro...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 10, 2020
Articles

Seventeen-Year Review of Audit Fee and Non-Audit Fee Trends

In this article, Audit Analytics summarizes some of the highlights from its annual audit fees report, which focuses on t...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 10, 2020
Articles

Dynamic Markets, Changing Regulations: Is Your Loan Portfolio Management Practice Moving in Step?

This article reviews loan portfolio risk in today’s financial market and identifies four key areas where loan portfolio ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 3, 2020
Articles

PCAOB Announces 2019-2023 Strategic Plan

In this article, Audit Analytics examines the PCAOB’s recently revealed strategic plan, compares it to previous years’ p...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 27, 2020
Methodologies & Models

Six Elements of Infrastructure for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Conversion

This sample document includes the six elements of infrastructure for an organization's international financial reporting...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 27, 2020
Articles

Public Company Transformation: Critical Audit Matters Should Matter for Soon-to-Be-Public Companies

This article shares some insight on critical audit matters (CAMs) and what they mean for private companies as part of th...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 20, 2020
Articles

SOX Compliance: Faster Automation, Fewer Controls and How to Get There

This article reviews what parts of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance can benefit from automation and provides credible rec...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 20, 2020
Articles

In Many Technology Firms, the “Tech Balance” Wave Is Building in the Finance Function

This article looks at some tech industry-related findings from our recent finance trends survey that highlight how many ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 13, 2020
Articles

More to Discover With CAMs

In this article, Audit Analytics presents its findings on critical audit matter (CAM) counts and introduces a new CAM on...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 13, 2020
Newsletters

Setting the 2020 Audit Committee Agenda

This issue of The Bulletin identifies several agenda items for audit committees to consider in the upcoming year.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 6, 2020
Articles

With FASB Deadlines Finalized, a Final Checklist for CECL Readiness

For the smaller institutions that have until the end of 2022 to comply with the FASB's four major accounting standards, ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 6, 2020
Methodologies & Models

Mergers and Acquisitions Integration Methodology

This tool provides an overview of an organization's process for executing mergers and acquisitions and includes a four-s...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 30, 2019
Articles

What Investors Need to Know About Audits

In this article, Audit Analytics evaluates the state of today’s audit process by looking at four areas of financial repo...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 30, 2019
Audit Programs

Investments Audit Work Program

This audit program sample includes steps that can be used to audit an organization’s investments process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 16, 2019
Articles

Lease Accounting Changes: The Journey So Far

This article summarizes finance organizations’ lease accounting journey and provides steps that can be used for the leas...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 16, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Provide Financial Information to External Parties: 10-K Preparation RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to 10-K preparation during the “provide financial information to extern...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 9, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Quote-to-Cash Scoping Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire can be used to assess the process associated with quote-to-cash management.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 9, 2019
Articles

The History of Critical Audit Matters

In this article, Audit Analytics examines the story behind how the disclosure of critical audit matters came to be in th...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 9, 2019
Articles

The OCC’s 2020 Supervision Plan Targets Emerging Risks Facing Financial Institutions

This article discusses the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s supervisory plan for 2020, which is designed to h...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 2, 2019
Articles

SOX Control Awareness and Communication Is One Way Organizations Can Help Reduce Costs and Hours

This article outlines some communication techniques organizations can use to reduce the total number of hours spent on S...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 25, 2019
Articles

What Can We Learn About CAMs from KAMs?

In this article, Audit Analytics examines similar trends between critical audit matters (CAMs) and key audit matters (KA...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 25, 2019
Benchmarking Reports

Five Ways Customer-Focused CFOs Thrive

This paper provides five finance trends and related actions for boards to consider, based on key takeaways from Protivit...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 18, 2019
Articles

It’s Time for a Closer Look at Consumer Loan Monitoring: Here Are Some Best Practices

This article focuses on three areas that can help risk managers enhance credit risk management practices over consumer p...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 18, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Customer Orders: Sales Approval Process Risk and Control Matrix (RCM)

This document outlines risks and controls common to sales approval during the ‘‘manage customer orders’’ process in a ri...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 18, 2019
Audit Reports

Close-the-Books, Finance, IT and Human Resources Review Report

This sample audit report can be used for evaluating the financial close and payroll processes with respect to use of the...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 11, 2019
Policies & Procedures

Compensation Expense Policy

This policy establishes guidelines and procedures for calculating compensation expenses for the employee stock purchase ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 11, 2019
Articles

Importance of Critical Audit Matters (CAMs) for Investors

In this article, Audit Analytics explains some of the ways CAMs, as disclosures of items related to important aspects of...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 11, 2019
Benchmarking Reports

The CFO and Finance Organization: Five Trends for Boards to Watch

This paper provides five finance trends and related actions for boards to consider, based on key takeaways from Protivit...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 11, 2019
Audit Reports

Financial Reporting Process Review Audit Report

This sample audit report focuses on improving an organization's close-the-books and financial reporting processes.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 4, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Base and Variable Compensation: Equity Compensation Risk and Control Matrix (RCM)

This document outlines risks and controls common to the equity compensation aspect of the ‘‘manage base and variable com...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 4, 2019
Articles

New Finance Trends Survey by Protiviti Reveals a Strategic Shift in CFO Priorities

This article takes a closer look at the significant shift in priorities and activities for CFOs and senior finance execu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 28, 2019
Articles

Trends in the Number of Key Audit Matters Reported

In this article, Audit Analytics analyzes significant trends in the number of key audit matters (KAMs) disclosed in annu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 21, 2019
Articles

Evolution of SOX 404 Disclosures for EGCs

In this article, Audit Analytics analyzes SOX 404 disclosures as the target of those seeking to introduce further regula...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 14, 2019
Benchmarking Reports

2019 Finance Trends Survey Report

Protiviti’s latest Global Finance Trends Survey Report highlights the top issues facing CFOs and finance leaders, includ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 30, 2019
Articles

CECL: A Regulators’ Perspective

In this article, Protiviti’s Todd Pleune and Jeffrey Marsh outline regulators’ viewpoint on the CECL journey, as outline...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 30, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Disclosure Procedures: Legal Reserves RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to creating and monitoring legal reserves during the disclosure procedu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 30, 2019
Articles

Compliance 2.0: Transforming SOX Practices With Technology

This article describes a new technology-driven SOX model, SOX compliance 2.0, and its ability to encourage innovative th...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 23, 2019
Articles

FASB Proposes Delaying New Lease Standards for Private Companies, But There’s No Time to Waste

This article summarizes the lease accounting standard pressures organizations face and offers a step-by-step process for...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 23, 2019
Guides

Process and Activity-Level Controls Assessment Guide

This sample document can be used as a guide to assessing controls at the process or activity level.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 23, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Purchase Materials and Supplies: Monitor Contract Spend RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to monitoring contract spend during the “purchase materials and supplie...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 23, 2019
Guides

Sarbanes-Oxley 404 Compliance Project Testing and Documentation Standards Guide

This guide can be used by Sarbanes-Oxley project teams to test Section 404 key controls and document the testing results...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 23, 2019
Articles

Cyber Risks Drawing Increased Scrutiny in Public Company Transition

In this article, Protiviti Managing Directors Nicholas Spinks and David Taylor explain how important it is to sharpen th...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 16, 2019
Articles

Microsoft Discloses Critical Audit Matters

In this article, Audit Analytics analyzes Microsoft’s August 2019 annual report, which provided a wealth of information ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 16, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Provide Financial Information to External Parties: Risk Reporting RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the risk reporting aspect of the “provide financial information to e...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 16, 2019
Articles

SOX Compliance Survey: One Decade of Insights

This article highlights a decade of SOX compliance efforts documented in Protiviti’s annual Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance su...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 16, 2019
Audit Reports

Tax Compliance Process Report

This sample audit report outlines the business process related to tax compliance and provides tips to help a Sarbanes-Ox...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 16, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Financial Reporting Process Questionnaire: Consolidation Systems

This sample questionnaire focuses on the financial reporting process within a consolidation system.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 9, 2019
Guides

Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Compliance Guide

This sample document can be used as a guide for establishing an organization’s framework and standard policy for complia...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 9, 2019
Articles

Frequency of KAMs

In this article, Audit Analytics examines key audit matter disclosures from the audit opinions of approximately 1,400 co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 2, 2019
Articles

No Stone Unturned: Key Considerations for Finalizing CECL Model Implementation and Validation

This article answers questions related to the implementation of the new CECL standard and helps organizations become bet...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 2, 2019
Guides

PMO Interim Status Reporting Guide

This guide outlines the interim status reporting process set up by a project management office (PMO).
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 2, 2019
Audit Reports

Close-the-Books Diagnostic Audit Report

This sample audit report can be used to measure and improve the close-the-books process for the accounting/finance funct...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 26, 2019
Newsletters

The Caremark Standard: Tough but Not Impregnable

This issue of Board Perspectives: Risk Oversight describes the background and implications of the Caremark decision and ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 26, 2019
Articles

Considering Internal Whistleblower Systems When Evaluating External Risk

In this article, Audit Analytics outlines the importance of assessing an internal whistleblower system when evaluating t...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 19, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Public Company Readiness Questionnaire

This questionnaire focuses on certain aspects of the IPO preparation process and specific areas management should addres...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 19, 2019
Articles

Following Through on the Audit Committee Agenda for 2019: Financial Reporting

This article looks back at the implementation of revenue recognition, assesses how things are going with the adoption of...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 12, 2019
Articles

Overcoming ERP Change Management Challenges: Part Two

Part one of this discussion with Protiviti’s Ronan O’Shea and Kathie Topel introduced some of the biggest challenges com...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 5, 2019
Articles

SEC Expected to Approve Reg BI in ‘‘the Next Few Months’’ but Final Outcome Remains Uncertain

In this article, Protiviti Managing Director Douglas Wilbert outlines the Securities and Exchanges Commission's standard...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 5, 2019
Articles

When Does Insurance Cover Cyberattacks?

In this article, Audit Analytics explores recent trends in cybercrime, including insurance payout pushback and what comp...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 5, 2019
Guides

Control Testing Responsibility Guide

This guide outlines the Sarbanes-Oxley responsibility assignments and testing process for primary manual controls.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 29, 2019
Articles

Overcoming ERP Change Management Challenges: Part One

This article, based on a conversation with Protiviti’s Ronan O’Shea and Kathie Topel, outlines effective ERP implementat...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 29, 2019
Articles

Applying Qualitative Factor Overlays on CECL Models: Key Considerations

This article provides qualitative and environmental factors an organization should consider for a successful CECL prepar...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 22, 2019
Articles

CEO and CFO Departures: 2016-2018

In this article, Audit Analytics takes a closer look at overall departure trends of CEOs and CFOs filed in an 8-K Item 5...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 22, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Sales Order Entry Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire is designed to document a review of the sales order entry process. This process focuses on evi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 22, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

IT Planning Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire can be used to help organizations brainstorm how they can develop a deeper knowledge of the IT...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 15, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

General Accounting Questionnaire: Finance Process Improvement Project Plan

This tool reviews questions to consider for tracking details associated with financial process efficiency and improving ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 8, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Inventory Management Process Controls Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire includes a list of items to consider when reviewing an organization’s inventory management pro...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 8, 2019
Audit Reports

Stock Option Measurement and Grant Date Review Report

This sample audit report outlines the results of an internal audit review of a company’s stock option granting activitie...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 8, 2019
Benchmarking Reports

2019 Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Survey

This report describes how several emerging SOX compliance practices are growing and how the cost, hours and control coun...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 1, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

IFRS Questionnaire

There are many practical issues surrounding the possible future use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 1, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Revenue Process Controls Questionnaire

This sample questionnaire includes a list of items to consider when reviewing an organization’s revenue process controls...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 1, 2019
Audit Reports

Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Program Executive Scorecard Report

This document serves as an executive report template focused on the progress of a company's Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 p...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 1, 2019
Articles

Pros and Cons of Using Non-GAAP Metrics for Executive Compensation, Including ESG Considerations

Here, Audit Analytics discusses the frequently debated topic of companies that use non-GAAP metrics for executive compen...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 24, 2019
Guides

SOX Training Guide: Remediation Efforts and Needs

An important part of complying with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 is ensuring that control deficiencies are accuratel...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 24, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Financial Close Process Questionnaire: Generate Financial Statements and Disclosures

This questionnaire focuses on the financial close process, specifically generating financial statements and related disc...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 17, 2019
Audit Reports

Financial Transformation Report: Lean Consolidation

This sample report discusses how to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's financial consolida...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 10, 2019
Articles

ICFR Weakness as a Risk Factor — Similarities in Companies With Ineffective Controls

In this article, Audit Analytics highlights three companies with internal control weaknesses and examines their common i...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 10, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

IT Selection and Integration Risk Questionnaire

IT integration is a process in which separately produced components or subsystems are combined and problems in their int...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 10, 2019
Articles

Private Companies: Avoid Revenue Reckoning — Tackle Revenue Recognition Now

Although it is possible for private companies to wait until year-end to comply with new revenue recognition rules, this ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 10, 2019
Articles

Insurance Accounting Changes Are Coming Globally, and a Coordinated Approach Is Best

This article takes a look at the latest guidance on long-duration insurance contracts and what insurers should be doing ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 3, 2019
Articles

Proactive ESG Reporting Could Give Energy and Utilities Firms a Competitive Advantage

In this article, Protiviti’s Tyler Chase and Bob Hirth offer reporting tips that can lead to positive bottom-line result...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 3, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Sales Planning and Forecasting Process Appraisal Questionnaire

This questionnaire sample includes questions that can be addressed when evaluating an organization's sales planning and ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 3, 2019
Audit Programs

Travel Agent Commissions Review Audit Work Program

This work program focuses on the high-level assessment and validation of key controls in place for the travel agent comm...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 3, 2019
Audit Programs

Order Entry/Customer Service Audit Work Program

The purpose of this work program is to provide the general steps used to perform an order entry/customer service audit.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 27, 2019
Articles

Planning to Go Public in 2019? How to Get and Stay IPO-Ready Through the Government Shutdowns and Other Market Conditions

If your organization is considering a public offering in 2019, we recommend you review this article to learn the fundame...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 27, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 Diagnostic Survey

This tool helps an organization assess how well it complies with various Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 activities.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 27, 2019
Articles

Slow Adoption Progress of ASC 842 – Leases

The FASB issued a new lease accounting standard (ASC 842) in February 2016, but it didn’t come into effect until 2019 fo...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 27, 2019
Articles

Back Off, Inefficiencies: Conquering Chaos in the Back Office Is Closer Than You Think

This article explains how a hard-working team of internal resources and external partners can apply their respective exp...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 13, 2019
Audit Reports

Sarbanes-Oxley Year-End Audit Committee Report

This sample report to the audit committee focuses on the progress of an organization's Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 progra...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 29, 2019
Newsletters

Sustainability Reporting: Time to Get Serious?

This issue of The Bulletin discusses sustainability reporting – what it is, how it is being enabled, why it is important...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 29, 2019
Articles

CECL Financial Statement Disclosures — What’s Changing?

Protiviti explains precisely which aspects of legacy U.S. GAAP and other related guidance are changing under the CECL st...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 22, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Site Audit Questionnaire

This questionnaire includes an extensive — but not exhaustive — list of questions typically used to drill down to the fa...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 22, 2019
Newsletters

Sustainability Reporting: Why Boards Should Care

This issue of Board Perspectives: Risk Oversight discusses 10 key sustainability reporting factors for interested compan...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 22, 2019
Audit Reports

Foreign Subsidiary Review Audit Report

This sample report documents an internal audit review of several aspects of a foreign subsidiary, including revenue and ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 15, 2019
Articles

Overview of European Key Audit Matter (KAM) Disclosures

In this article, Audit Analytics looks at the key audit matter disclosures of more than 1,200 companies over the past th...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 15, 2019
Articles

Finance Trends: RPA Paves the Way for Process Improvement

This article explores the broader benefits, challenges and opportunities of robotic process automation (RPA), focusing s...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 8, 2019
Articles

Highlighting Recent Cyber-Related Financial Losses, the SEC Urges Public Companies to Revisit Internal Accounting Controls

This article offers insights on the SEC’s report advising public companies to review internal accounting controls relate...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 8, 2019
Articles

Building Bot Boundaries: RPA Controls in SOX Systems

This article examines some of the SOX compliance challenges that may result from an RPA implementation and how to avoid ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 1, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manual Journal Entries RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the “manual journal entries” process in a risk control matrix format...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 1, 2019
Benchmarking Reports

2019 Internal Audit Capabilities and Needs Survey

In this benchmarking report, we take an in-depth look at the adoption of next-generation internal audit competencies suc...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 18, 2019
Audit Reports

Incentive Compensation Process Audit Report

This sample report summarizes an internal audit review of an organization's incentive compensation process. The report i...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 11, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Accounts Payable Internal Controls Questionnaire

This tool features questions to consider for performing a control self-assessment of an organization’s accounts payable ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 4, 2019
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Process Accounts Receivable and Collections RCM

This document outlines the risks and controls common to the accounts receivables and collections process in a risk contr...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 4, 2019
Articles

Top Risks 2019: CFOs Focus on People and Technology

In this article, we explore the top five risks on CFO’s minds for 2019 and discuss the importance of an organization dev...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 4, 2019
Articles

2018 Finance Trends: Security, Privacy and Governance of Finance Data Are Top Concerns, for Good Reason

Protiviti Managing Directors Ken Thomas and Scott Laliberte discuss the results of Protiviti’s most recent Finance Trend...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 25, 2019
Articles

Setting the 2019 Audit Committee Agenda: A Closer Look

In this article, Protiviti Managing Director Jim DeLoach takes a closer look at the agenda items that Protiviti has iden...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 25, 2019
Articles

Protiviti Survey Measures SOX Automation, Costs, Hours and More

Learn more about some of the standout Sarbanes-Oxley compliance trends for 2019 in this article, which summarizes key re...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 18, 2019
Guides

Financial Statement Risk Assessment Guide

This guide provides a detailed overview of key steps to the financial statement risk assessment process, which includes ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 11, 2019
Articles

Managed Services Can Help Emerging Tech Firms Scale for Growth and Maintain Momentum

This article describes how managed services providers can help emerging technology businesses implement the processes th...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 11, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Month-End Walk-Through Questionnaire

This tool provides questions to consider when reviewing an organization's month-end close process and determining whethe...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 11, 2019
Articles

Applying RegTech to KYC Activities, Including Periodic Reviews: A Brief Overview of Possibilities

This article discusses some key digital technologies that can deliver a variety of benefits, including enhanced regulato...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 4, 2019
Audit Reports

Distributor Sales Review Audit Report

This audit report focuses on the distribution sales process, including items such as current distributor contracts and c...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 28, 2019
Articles

Impact of the New Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) Methodology

In this article, Protiviti provides a summary of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s proposed CECL methodology an...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 21, 2019
Audit Reports

Business Partner Royalty Audit Report

This sample audit report covers business partner agreement compliance and includes a review of company compliance relate...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 14, 2019
Checklists & Questionnaires

Financial Reporting Risk Profile Questionnaire

This questionnaire focuses on topics board members and management should consider when discussing financial reporting ri...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 7, 2019
Newsletters

Setting the 2019 Audit Committee Agenda

In this issue of The Bulletin, we have identified several agenda items for audit committees to consider in the year ahea...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 7, 2019
Articles

Maintaining Staffing Equilibrium With a Flexible Workforce

Historically, accounting has been a straightforward function. However, leaders in finance and accounting may find that t...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 31, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Financial Reporting and General Ledger

This sample helps a company determine whether its established controls for financial reporting and the general ledger ar...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 3, 2018
Articles

Regtech Investment Is Increasing, But Leaders Are Still to Emerge

The regulatory technology (regtech) market is rapidly evolving and expanding, with lots of players, but it has yet to co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 3, 2018
Audit Reports

Sales Order Processing Review Audit Report

This audit report evaluates the control adequacy and operational effectiveness of the sales order processing cycle.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 3, 2018
Articles

Are You Ready for CECL Model Validation? The Answer Is a Resounding … Maybe.

Whether financial services organizations are prepared for the impact of the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) standard...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 26, 2018
Articles

Challenges to Model Validation Under the New CECL Standard

On June 16, 2016, the Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB) finalized the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) standa...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 12, 2018
Audit Reports

Billing and Collections Review Audit Report: Hospitals and Clinics

This sample audit report focuses on accounts receivable (AR) controls and processes associated with hospitals and health...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 22, 2018
Articles

It Is Time to Bring Order to the M&D Lease Universe

This article outlines some of the major impacts of the new lease accounting standard and explores some of the challenges...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 15, 2018
Articles

Simplifying the Modeling Challenges in PPNR

This article looks at two of the challenging decisions bank holding companies commonly face when looking to develop and ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 15, 2018
Benchmarking Reports

2018 ​Finance Trends Survey Report

As revealed in the results of Protiviti’s latest Finance Trends Survey, the standout priority for CFOs and finance leade...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 8, 2018
Audit Reports

Financial Controls Review Audit Report

This audit report reviews financial controls at an equipment facility plant.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 8, 2018
Articles

Market Volatility: Is Your IPO Ready to Go?

In this article, Protiviti’s Chris Wright explores some of the things IPO-bound companies should consider right now.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 8, 2018
Articles

AT&T-Time Warner Win Could Mean More Multimedia Megadeals: A Closer Look

Many traditional telecom providers that have been slow to react to digital transformation are at risk of being left behi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 1, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Banking Controls: Management Control Structure Evaluation Questionnaire

This guide is designed to assist management in analyzing the effectiveness of a company's management control structure M...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 1, 2018
Audit Reports

Co-Op Advertising Internal Audit and Process Review Report

This 30-page audit report outlines the activities and tasks included in the co-op advertising process and provides manag...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 1, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

IT Application Control Deficiency Decision Process Questionnaire

This sample helps to determine the severity of any deficiencies cited during the control testing process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 1, 2018
Articles

SEC Amends Smaller Reporting Company Thresholds: A Closer Look

In this article, Protiviti’s Charles Soranno takes a closer look at a recent Flash Report on the Securities and Exchange...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 1, 2018
Articles

A Lease Accounting Technology Solution Requires Some Homework: Five Steps to Get Started Now

This article addresses the new lease accounting standard, one of the key topics at the SAP GRC and Financials 2018 confe...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 24, 2018
Protiviti Booklets

Guide to Public Company Transformation

This guidance, now in its fourth edition, is designed to serve as a convenient and user-friendly resource that executive...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 24, 2018
Process Flows

Target Costing and Profit Management Process Flow

This process flow sample provides steps for completing the target costing and profit management process at an automotive...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 24, 2018
Articles

SEC Updates Disclosure Requirements

This article details recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) amendments and describes how the SEC is implementin...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 10, 2018
Memos

Journal Entry Review Planning Memo

This sample memo includes a review of policies, procedures and internal controls currently in place regarding the proces...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 3, 2018
Benchmarking Reports

2018 Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Survey

This report discusses how changes continue to influence SOX compliance efforts, but the areas of most significant concer...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 27, 2018
Audit Reports

Internal Audit Status Update Report

This sample internal audit report includes a status update to be presented to the audit committee.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 27, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Control Design Effectiveness Review Checklist

This tool provides guidelines to consider while reviewing effectiveness of the controls designed to mitigate risks.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 20, 2018
Articles

Can Digital Mortgages Connect You to Millennials? Find Out in the Latest Compliance Insights Podcast

This article includes a transcript of a conversation with Protiviti Managing Directors Steven Stachowicz and Rob Gould a...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 6, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Bank Controls: Information Systems Evaluation Tool

This tool helps to assist management in analyzing the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial rep...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 30, 2018
Guides

Facilitating SOX Compliance Using a Committee Structure Guide

This guide discusses the duties, composition, structure and interrelationships of the disclosure committee that needs to...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 30, 2018
Guides

Journal Entry Training Guide

This guide can be used to train auditors on the various aspects of an organization’s journal entry process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 23, 2018
Articles

Inventory: The Key to Unlocking Integrated Business Planning and an SIOP Process

In this article, Protiviti’s Tony Abel explains how a robust sales, inventory and operations planning (SIOP) process can...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 16, 2018
Audit Reports

SAP Change Management Review Audit Report

This sample audit report provides management with an assessment of its current state and associated SAP change managemen...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 9, 2018
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Billing/Account Adjustments RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the manage billing/account adjustments process in a risk control mat...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 11, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Documentation Readiness Checklist

This tool includes checklist to evaluate the adequacy of Section 404 process documentation prior to submitting to the ex...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 11, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Internal Audit Department: Quality Assurance Review External Auditor Interview Questions

This tool includes questions to consider while conducting interviews with the external auditors to solicit their views a...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 4, 2018
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Invoice the Customer RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the invoice the customer process in a risk control matrix (RCM) form...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 28, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Update Testing: Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire

This questionnaire helps to assess if the controls are operating effectively within a business unit.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 28, 2018
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Managed Fixed Assets: Maintenance RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the asset acquisition component of the “maintenance” process in a ri...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 21, 2018
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Drafting and Reporting Financial Statements RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the drafting and reporting financial statements process in a risk co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 14, 2018
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Managed Fixed Assets: Asset Acquisition RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the asset acquisition component of the “managed fixed assets” proces...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 7, 2018
Sarbanes-Oxley CPE Courses

Documenting Processes and Internal Controls (KLplus CPE Course)

This course will give you a fundamental understanding of documenting processes and internal controls.
Mon, Apr 2, 2018
Audit Reports

Sales Commissions Audit Report

This sample report provides findings from a sales commissions review at a company.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 2, 2018
Checklists & Questionnaires

Order Processing Benchmarking Questionnaire

This questionnaire template can be used to perform a benchmarking survey for order processing.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 5, 2018
Audit Reports

Real Estate Services Agreement Audit Report

This sample audit report provides findings from a company’s real estate services agreement review.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 5, 2018
Audit Programs

Bank Financial Reporting Cycle: Control Objectives and Audit Work Program

This tool helps management analyze the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial reporting for the ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 15, 2018
Audit Reports

Intercompany Reconciliation Audit Report

This audit report focuses on reducing intercompany out-of-balance differences to an immaterial amount.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 8, 2018
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Employee Compensation: Executive Compensation RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the executive compensation component of the “manage employee compens...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 18, 2017
Newsletters

Setting the 2018 Audit Committee Agenda

Our suggested agenda consists of eight issues—four pertaining to enterprise, process and technology risks and four to fi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 18, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Research and Development Expense Policy

Research and development expenses include the conceptual formulation, design and testing of product alternatives, constr...
Subscriber Content
Fri, Dec 15, 2017
Audit Programs

Bank Deposit Cycle: Control Objectives and Audit Work Program

This tool helps management analyze the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial reporting for the ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 11, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Deduction and Rebate Payment Verification Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for the verification of customer deductions and rebates i...
Subscriber Content
Tue, Dec 5, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Finance Code of Conduct Policy

This sample policy serves as a code of conduct specific to senior financial officers of a company with the purpose of do...
Subscriber Content
Tue, Dec 5, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Related-Party Transactions Policy

This policy defines related party transactions, identifies the significance of related party accounting implications, an...
Subscriber Content
Tue, Dec 5, 2017
Audit Programs

Bank Expenditure Payroll Cycle: Control Objectives and Audit Work Program

This tool helps management analyze the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial reporting for the ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 4, 2017
Audit Programs

Bank Loan Cycle: Control Objectives and Audit Work Program

This tool helps management analyze the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial reporting for the ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 4, 2017
Audit Programs

Bank Investment Cycle: Control Objectives and Audit Work Program

This tool assists department management in analyzing the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 27, 2017
Audit Programs

Bank Trust Cycle: Control Objectives and Audit Work Program

This tool assists department management in analyzing the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 27, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Relationship with External Auditors Policy

This sample document sets out policies and procedures for the external audit of a company.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 27, 2017
Audit Programs

Bank Expenditure Non-Payroll Cycle: Control Objectives and Audit Work Program

This tool helps management analyze the effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial reporting for the ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 20, 2017
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Fixed Assets: Asset Management RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the asset management component of the “manage fixed assets” process ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 13, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Management Reporting: Purchasing Policy

This sample addresses useful reporting and analysis related to the purchasing cycle for better managing the business.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 23, 2017
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Purchase Materials and Supplies: P-Card Purchases RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the p-card purchases component of the “purchase materials and suppli...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 23, 2017
Checklists & Questionnaires

Sales, Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts Questionnaire

This tool includes questions to consider in the sales, accounts receivable and cash receipts process, in areas such as g...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 11, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Intercompany Commissions Policy

This sample policy defines guidelines, requirements and processes for revenue sharing between two subsidiaries of a comp...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 4, 2017
Checklists & Questionnaires

Due Diligence Checklist

This document provides a list of items to consider when performing due diligence on a potential acquisition.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 21, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Oracle eBusiness Suite Policy

This sample policy outlines procedures for controlling access to and use of the Oracle eBusiness suite and database.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 24, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Invoice Deductions Policy

This sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for analyzing and dealing with customer invoice deductions in a re...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 17, 2017
Newsletters

10 Keys to Effective Board Oversight of M&A

Based on insights from NACD/Protiviti roundtables and experience serving clients in the M&A space, this issue of Boa...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 10, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Licenses and Royalties Policy

This sample policy provides guidelines for the proper treatment of licenses and royalty payments.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 8, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Warranty Policy

This sample policy establishes a methodology for determining and calculating warranty rates, warranty accrual, and analy...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 8, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Non-Standard Terms Policy

This sample policy establishes a streamlined process to authorize non-standard discounts on products or services or non-...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 1, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Subsequent Events Policy

This sample policy establishes a process to evaluate events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 1, 2017
Guides

Strategic Forecasting Guide

This guide discusses market drivers of forecasting, annual budgeting vs. rolling forecasts, integrated business planning...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 24, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Purchasing Bypass Process Policy

This sample policy outlines the circumstances in which employees are allowed to bypass the company policy requiring all ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 17, 2017
Sarbanes-Oxley CPE Courses

Executive Certification: Understanding Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (KLplus CPE Course)

This is a basic-level course that provides an overview of Sections 302 and 906 and describes disclosure controls procedu...
Mon, Apr 10, 2017
Checklists & Questionnaires

Audit Committee Annual Planning Schedule

This sample schedule provides an annual planner for audit committee activities and demonstrates how to schedule and trac...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 3, 2017
Audit Reports

Financial Due Diligence Report

This sample report presents findings from a financial due diligence analysis of a company being acquired.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 3, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Trade Accounts Receivable Policy

This sample policy ensures that trade accounts receivable are recorded accurately, completely, timely, consistently betw...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 3, 2017
Internal Audit CPE Courses

Using Sampling in Internal Auditing (KLplus CPE Course)

This basic-level course introduces the learner to audit sampling and the role it plays in controls testing as well as fo...
Mon, Apr 3, 2017
Sarbanes-Oxley CPE Courses

Validating Operational Effectiveness (Testing of Controls) (KLplus CPE Course)

This basic-level course provides an overview of Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 requirements for validating operational effec...
Mon, Apr 3, 2017
Checklists & Questionnaires

Internal Controls Structure Questionnaire

The purpose of this questionnaire is to help in the assessment of a company’s general controls and internal controls by ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 6, 2017
Checklists & Questionnaires

Internal Controls Checklist

This sample internal controls checklist provides a list of items to consider when assessing internal controls for common...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 27, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Journal Entry Policy

This policy sample provides a standard for preparing, authorizing and posting journal entries and ensuring the adequacy ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 13, 2017
Policies & Procedures

Debt Covenant Policy

This policy sample sets forth appropriate guidelines for monitoring and complying with debt covenants related to financi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 6, 2017
Newsletters

Setting the 2017 Audit Committee Agenda

This issue of The Bulletin suggests 10 top issues for audit committees to consider for the coming year based on Protivit...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 19, 2016
Process Flows

Tax Process Flow

This sample tax process flow focuses on income tax provision, forecast of annual book income, tax reserves, discrete ite...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 5, 2016
Process Flows

Accounts Receivable Process Flow

This process flow focuses on the accounts receivable process including steps for credit review and credit limit granting...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 7, 2016
Process Flows

Financial Reporting Process Flow

This process flow focuses on the annual reporting on Form 10-K and quarterly reporting on Form 10-Q.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 24, 2016
Process Flows

Forecasting and Budget-vs-Actual Analysis Process Flow

This process flow focuses on the development of the annual plan, development of the quarterly forecast, and the quarterl...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 10, 2016
Process Flows

Impairment Process Flow

This process flow details the various steps involved in the impairment process, covering determination of reporting unit...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 10, 2016
Memos

Sarbanes-Oxley Walkthrough Preparation Memo

This Sarbanes-Oxley process memo informs and prepares business process control managers to engage in “walkthrough” discu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 3, 2016
Memos

Internal Control Audit Instructions Memo

This memo documents instructions for reviewing and testing a company's internal control environment.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 26, 2016
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Manage Cash Flow/Treasury RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the "manage cash flow/treasury" process in an RCM format.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 19, 2016
Memos

Enterprise Accounting System Post-Implementation Review Memo

This review focuses on the configurable application controls, application security, and segregation of duties for the ac...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 12, 2016
Audit Programs

Hotel Financial Reporting and Management Contract/Lease Agreement Areas Review Audit Work Program

This audit program outlines steps to perform a comprehensive review of a hotel's financial reporting area and its compli...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 1, 2016
Audit Programs

U.S. Domestic Income and Property Tax Review Audit Work Program

This work program reviews key tax processes and systems related to a company’s U.S. operations.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 1, 2016
Memos

Expense Reporting Policy Violation Memo

This expense reporting violation review focuses on an employee’s potential noncompliance with this standard corporate po...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 30, 2016
Policies & Procedures

Domestic Intercompany Accounting Policy

This policy outlines procedures for recording accounting transactions that occur between two or more company locations.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 9, 2016
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Internal Financial and Management Information RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the internal financial and management information process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 18, 2016
Memos

Sarbanes-Oxley Spreadsheet Controls Memo

This is a sample email sent by the process owner to finance staff regarding the documentation of controls over spreadshe...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 18, 2016
Policies & Procedures

Foreign Intercompany Accounting Policy

This policy outlines guidelines for financial transactions that arise between a domestic (U.S.) and a foreign entity or ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 11, 2016
Memos

Process-Level Documentation Requirements Memo

This memo describes the documentation requirements for each in-scope process related to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compl...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 21, 2016
Memos

Financial Elements and Business Process Prioritization Memo

This memo summarizes the customized models used to prioritize financial statement elements (FSE) and processes for Sarba...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 14, 2016
Newsletters

Principles for Improving Board Risk Reporting

This issue of Board Perspectives discusses six principles for delivering the focused risk reporting the board needs.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 14, 2016
Memos

Sarbanes-Oxley Testing Strategy Memo

This memo documents a company's high-level testing strategy for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 7, 2016
Checklists & Questionnaires

Setting the Audit Committee Agenda Questionnaire

Good business leaders are aware that the world is changing–dramatically. This questionnaire is for executive management,...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 15, 2016
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Short-Term Investments Borrowing RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the short-term investments and borrowing process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 1, 2016
Newsletters

Setting the 2016 Audit Committee Agenda

Interesting challenges are in store for audit committees in the coming year and in this issue of The Bulletin, we delive...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 21, 2015
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Consolidation RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the consolidation process in a risk control matrix (RCM) format.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 30, 2015
Newsletters

Accounting for Revenue Recognition: A New Era

In this issue of The Bulletin, we discuss several important topics related to the the Financial Accounting Standards Boa...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 23, 2015
Audit Programs

Warranty Processing Review Audit Work Program

The purpose of this audit work program is to review a company’s method of tracking and recording in-warranty repairs, ou...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 23, 2015
Audit Programs

Journal Entries Audit Work Program

This audit work program reviews company procedures focused on creating, posting and retaining journal entries between op...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 16, 2015
Audit Programs

Investments in Securities, Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Audit Work Program

The objective of this audit program is to review the controls related to a company’s investment procedures.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 12, 2015
Audit Programs

Balance Sheet Review Audit Work Program

This audit work program ensures that each account on the balance sheet is assigned to someone for reconciliation during ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 28, 2015
Audit Programs

Customer Service and Support Renewal Audit Work Program

This audit program provides steps to review the overall effectiveness of the customer service and support renewal functi...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 24, 2015
Policies & Procedures

Insider Trading Policy

This policy outlines a set procedures for insider trading. Transactions must comply with these procedures in order to co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 17, 2015
Audit Programs

Budgeting Process Audit Work Program

The purpose of this sample audit program is to evaluate the overall process for planning and completing budgeting, to de...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 3, 2015
Audit Programs

Cost Estimation Audit Work Program

This audit program sample covers several cost estimation areas, including bids, labor/material cost, engineering, other ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 20, 2015
Audit Programs

Third-Party Labor Contractor Audit Work Program

This audit program sample covers topics such as contract/bid processes, billing matters and time reporting controls.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 13, 2015
Audit Programs

Other Assets Audit Work Program

This sample audit program reviews the other assets account maintenance process and related accounting controls.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 6, 2015
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

Develop Budgets RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the "develop budgets" process in a risk control matrix (RCM) format.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 22, 2015
Risk & Control Matrices - RCMs

General Ledger Accounting—Close the Books RCM

This document outlines risks and controls common to the “general ledger accounting—close the books” process in a risk co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 15, 2015
Process Flows

Order Entry, Billing and Shipping Process Flow

There are many steps involved from the time a customer places an order to the time their order is delivered to them. To ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 15, 2015
Process Flows

Product Pricing Process Flow

Product pricing is the process a business goes through when it sets the price to sell its products and services. This pr...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 15, 2015
Process Flows

Accounts Receivable Aging and Collections Process Flow

This process flow outlines the accounts receivable aging and collection process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 8, 2015
Process Flows

Sales and Marketing Development Process Flow

This sample process flow focuses on the sales and marketing development function.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 8, 2015
Audit Programs

IT Strategy Management Audit Work Program

This document outlines steps to audit an organization’s IT infrastructure management strategy process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 18, 2015
Guides

Hotel Site Audit Training Material Guide

This guide illustrates how to conduct a hotel site audit.
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 11, 2015
Process Flows

Budgeting Process Flow

The budgeting process focuses on developing corporate strategy, creating an annual budget, approving the annual budget, ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 4, 2015
Policies & Procedures

Sales and Use-Tax Policy

This policy establishes the responsibilities, controls, authorizations and procedures for sales and use-taxes for all co...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 27, 2015
Policies & Procedures

Order Management Process Audit Work Program

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the period-end close cycles required to prepare financial statemen...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 13, 2015
Policies & Procedures

Investment Income Policy

This policy sets forth guidelines for recording revenue on the sale of investments.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 6, 2015
Audit Programs

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Qualification Audit Work Program

This sample audit work program focuses on processes and controls a company may use to select, qualify, approve and maint...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 6, 2015
Audit Programs

Stock Option Review Audit Work Program

This internal audit work program focuses on understanding and evaluating a company's stock option management process, pe...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 6, 2015
Audit Programs

Order Management Process Audit Work Program

This work program provides key steps for a review of the order management process, including identification of performan...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 30, 2015
Audit Programs

Sales Compensation Audit Work Program

This audit work program suggests steps for a review of a company's sales compensation and commission payment process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 30, 2015
Audit Programs

Accrued Liabilities Audit Work Program

This audit program primarily focuses on identification and reporting of contingencies and accrued liabilities.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 16, 2015
Policies & Procedures

Non-Routine Transactions Policy

This policy establishes uniform procedures for identifying and recording non-routine transactions.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 16, 2015
Audit Programs

Cash Accounts Audit Work Program

This work program covers existence, accuracy and cut-off of cash balances.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 9, 2015
Process Flows

Project Management Process: Monitoring, Scope Changes, Forecasting and Contract Closing Process Flow

There are many steps involved in the project management process, such as monitoring, forecasting and contract closing. I...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 16, 2015
Process Flows

Sarbanes-Oxley Check Disbursement Process Flow

This sample process flow provides the tasks involved in the process of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) check disbursement, includin...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 16, 2015
Audit Programs

Incentive Compensation Audit Work Program

This document provides two work programs focused on reviewing incentive policies and procedures, speaking with key indiv...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 9, 2015
Process Flows

Acquisition of Business, Contracting and Revenue Recognition Process Flow

There is pervasive business risk associated when projects are not properly maintained, resulting in revenues that are no...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 12, 2015
Audit Programs

Capital Leasing Audit Work Program

The purpose of this work program is to provide the general steps used to perform a capital leasing audit.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 12, 2015
Process Flows

Sales Forecast Process Flow

This sample process flow can be used as a general guide to help with understanding and reviewing a company's sales forec...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 22, 2014
Newsletters

Setting the 2015 Audit Committee Agenda

This issue of The Bulletin details 10 items that audit committees should consider as they look forward in 2015.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 15, 2014
Process Flows

Close the Books Process Flow: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll and Sales Tax

This sample process flow shows the close-the-books process organized by day-to-day activities.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 3, 2014
Audit Programs

Consolidation of Finance Functions Audit Work Program

The purpose of this work program is to provide the general steps used to perform an audit on consolidation of finance fu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 15, 2014
Policies & Procedures

Management Reporting (Revenue) Policy

This policy addresses the regular reporting and analysis requirements relating to the revenue cycle that must be produce...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 5, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Sales Commissions Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish accountability for setting commission rates and to define the point at which ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 5, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Sales Contracts Policy

The purpose of this policy is to outline basic contract content and authorization requirements for sales contracts.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 5, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Customer Master File Maintenance Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish the guidelines for setting up new customers and modifying existing customer i...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 15, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Invoicing Policy

This sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for invoicing customers and issuing invoice corrections.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 15, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Price Administration Policy

This sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for establishing guidelines related to price administration, inclu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 15, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Estimate-at-Completion Policy

This policy establishes guidelines and methods for maintaining an accurate revenue recognition process by periodically a...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 24, 2012
Process Flows

SOX Process Flow: High-Level Methodology

This process flow documents a high-level methodology for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 30, 2012
Audit Programs

Management Reporting Audit Work Program

The objective of this work program is to evaluate the management reporting process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 18, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Financial Document Access Control Policy

This policy documents the controls and procedures designed to ensure limited access to, and control of financial reporti...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 4, 2012
Policies & Procedures

New Disclosures Policy

This policy is intended to facilitate the early detection and disclosure of reportable items to the SEC and to improve t...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 23, 2012
Policies & Procedures

Duplicate Deductions Policy

This policy outlines a set of procedures for identifying and correcting duplicate deductions and/or rebate payments in a...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 5, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Financial Policy Development Policy

This document outlines procedures for developing company financial policies and the related approval process.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 26, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Sales Customer Follow-Up Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for sales customer follow-up.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 19, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Termination of Benefits Liability Policy

This policy establishes guidelines for appropriate recognition of a liability relating to employee termination benefits ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 19, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Sales Order Entry Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for sales order entry.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 12, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Sales Returns Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for sales returns.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 12, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Sales Training Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for sales training.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 5, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Expense Recognition Policy

This sample policy establishes the standards and procedures to ensure that accounting for expense recognition is in comp...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 8, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Financial Close Schedule Policy

This sample outlines a set of policies and procedures to establish standards and a calendar for the monthly financial cl...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 8, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Creating or Revising Financial Policies

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for creating or revising corporate financial policy state...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 1, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Deferral of Collateral Charges Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for ensuring that accounting for deferring and amortizing...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 25, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Monthly Accruals Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for monthly accruals.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 18, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Translation of Foreign Financial Statements Policy

The following sample outlines a set of policies and procedures for translation of foreign financial statements.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 11, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Shareholders’ Equity: Corporate Finance Responsibilities Policy

This sample policy documents the approval process required to incur long-term debt or issue equity to fund major interna...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 13, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Asset Management Policy

This policy focuses on maintaining an asset management system to monitor and manage investments made in fixed assets and...
Subscriber Content
Mon, May 16, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Shareholders’ Equity – Investor Relations Policy

This policy focuses on having continuous dialogue with present and potential investors; informing them of the company’s ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 25, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Financial Systems Policy

This policy addresses the development, implementation, enhancement and maintenance of financial systems such as the gene...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 11, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Internal Control Policy

This policy outlines scope, responsibilities and procedures for establishing an internal control environment that meets ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 28, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Unusual or Non-Recurring Items Policy

This policy focuses on identifying unusual or non-recurring items so they can be properly disclosed and discussed in ext...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 7, 2011
Policies & Procedures

Accounting for Goodwill Policy

The primary goal of this policy is to help document a company’s process and procedures for accounting for goodwill under...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Dec 20, 2010
Protiviti Booklets

Guide to International Financial Reporting Standards

This booklet will answer IFRS-related questions to provide guidance regarding the conversion to IFRS.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 26, 2010
Newsletters

Public Company Readiness: Getting Ready for Prime Time Before the Market Does

In this issue of The Bulletin, we focus on certain aspects of the IPO preparation process, including the need for a rea...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 13, 2009
Newsletters

Managing Outsourcing and Offshoring Risk

This issue of The Bulletin explores the advantages, disadvantages and risks associated with outsourcing and offshoring, ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 23, 2009
Newsletters

Setting the 2009 Audit Committee Agenda

This issue of The Bulletin provides observations and ideas for board members to consider as they get through the trying ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 2, 2009
Protiviti Booklets

Guide to Internal Audit

This booklet is designed to be a resource that internal audit professionals can refer to regularly in their jobs.
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 16, 2009
Newsletters

Credit Rating Analysis of Enterprise Risk Management at Nonfinancial Companies: Are You Ready?

This issue of The Bulletin explores how consideration of ERM quality can impact the ratings process and what nonfinancia...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 23, 2008
Newsletters

Creating Transparency Into Your Largest Risk Exposures

This issue of The Bulletin offers approaches for improving transparency into an entity’s most significant risk exposures...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Apr 7, 2008
Newsletters

IFRS or Country-Specific GAAP: Who’s on First

This issue of The Bulletin considers the issues and the ramifications of transitioning from country-specific GAAP to IFR...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 10, 2008
Newsletters

Setting the 2008 Audit Committee Agenda

This issue of The Bulletin provides observations and ideas for boards of directors and their audit committees regarding ...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 21, 2008
Protiviti Booklets

Guide to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Internal Control Requirements - Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Section 404

This booklet is designed to help answer questions about the sections of SOX pertaining to public reporting; this informa...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jan 7, 2008
Newsletters

The SEC’s New Guidance on Section 404: What It Means to You

In May, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved its interpretive guidance to management on implementing Se...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 23, 2007
Newsletters

The Financial Reporting Risk Profile: Getting Ahead of the Curve

In this issue of The Bulletin, we address the process of understanding and continuously evaluating an organization’s fin...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 18, 2007
Newsletters

Section 404 Compliance: Lessons Learned for the Next 12 Months

In this issue of The Bulletin, we articulate seven lessons for improving Section 404 assessment and compliance processes...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Sep 25, 2006
Newsletters

Setting the 2006 Audit Committee Agenda

This issue of The Bulletin provides eight agenda items for audit committees to consider regarding matters in the upcomin...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Aug 7, 2006
Newsletters

Section 404 Compliance: Planning for Next Year

This issue of The Bulletin focuses on some of the opportunities companies should consider as they plan for Year Three of...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Nov 21, 2005
Newsletters

Wanted: A Cost-Effective Approach to Validating Performance of the Internal Control Structure

This issue of The Bulletin addresses the importance of integrating self-assessment, entity-level monitoring, and indepen...
Subscriber Content
Thu, Aug 25, 2005
Protiviti Booklets

Internal Auditing Around the World: Volume 1

This booklet details the internal audit best practices, processes and strategies being employed at 13 leading multinatio...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jul 18, 2005
Newsletters

Driving Value Out of the Section 404 Compliance Process

In this issue of The Bulletin, we incorporate insights and lessons learned regarding finance processes and show how valu...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Mar 14, 2005
Newsletters

Establishing an Effective Complaint and Confidential, Anonymous Reporting Process

In this edition of The Bulletin, we address the issues that audit committees and management should consider as they coll...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Feb 2, 2004
Newsletters

Strengthening Governance Through Risk Management

This issue of The Bulletin provides five comprehensive recommendations for strengthening governance through improved ris...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Jun 2, 2003
Protiviti Booklets

FAQ: Sarbanes-Oxley Act Executive Certification Requirements

This booklet describes a major area of emphasis for many companies preparing to make their first filing subsequent to Au...
Subscriber Content
Mon, Oct 21, 2002
Blog

Audit Committee: Importance to the Board of Directors

What should the audit committee’s relationship be with an organization’s board of directors, compensation c...
Thu, Sep 26, 2019
Blog

Change Management Audits: Key Factors You Need to Know

Information technology is critical to the long-term success of most organizations. It is a key driver for ...
Thu, Feb 27, 2020
Blog

Close-the-Books Guide: Reduce Financial Close Risk

A fast, close-the-books process provides multiple benefits for the finance function and for the company. Fi...
Thu, Aug 3, 2017
Blog

Communicating With Shareholders: What You Need to Know

Communicating with shareholders is about capital – the ability to access either equity or debt at the lowes...
Thu, Feb 14, 2019
Blog

Developing Budgets: What You Need to Know

In a previous blog on Managing Mergers and Acquisitions KPIs, we discussed what exactly key performance ind...
Thu, Jan 17, 2019
Blog

Disclosure Controls and Procedures: Key Facts You Need to Know

The SEC introduced “disclosure controls and procedures” as a new term in its initial August 29, 2002, relea...
Thu, Feb 27, 2020
Blog

How Does Opportunity Risk Apply to Financial Business Processes?

Opportunity risk occurs whenever there’s a possibility that a better opportunity may become available after...
Wed, May 2, 2018
Blog

How to Build an Effective Business Process

Key Performance Measures Improving the Process An effective business process is built on a set of well-def...
Fri, Jun 1, 2018
Blog

How to Determine the Most Effective Budgeting Process

A budget is a systematic method of allocating financial, physical and human resources to achieve strategic ...
Fri, Feb 7, 2020
Blog

How to Effectively Audit Fixed Assets

Auditing fixed assets is extremely important to ensure that accounting for capital assets and depreciation...
Fri, Nov 22, 2019
Blog

Improving the Close-the-Books Process

An effective business process is built on a set of well-defined and clearly stated business objectives. The...
Thu, Feb 28, 2019
Blog

Integrating SOX Compliance Efforts for Optimal Results

Maintaining Control Corporate governance has become increasingly critical over the years, with organizatio...
Wed, Mar 8, 2023
Blog

Is Your Financial Close and Reporting Process Too Manual?

Most organizations continue to invest a significant number of hours every month in a particular set of acti...
Thu, Aug 24, 2017
Blog

What is Strategic Forecasting?

Budgeting is a systematic process for: Expressing future plans in formal quantitative terms Allocating re...
Wed, Jan 31, 2018