The Power of Optimizing Your Internal Controls

Posted by Guthrie Chenon May 26, 2014

Let’s face it, dealing with internal controls from time to time can be a headache and can certainly get out of hand. The power of an organized internal control structure yields a plethora of benefits in terms of cost efficiency, reduced workload, fewer headaches, and happier employees – You know what they say, Organized People Play™.

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Tags: Internal Controls, segregation of duties, control reduction, SOX, auditing standards, audit costs, Controls Testing, SOX Compliance Made Simple, internal audit, Process Improvement, software, sox compliance, internal control, Sarbanes-Oxley, Vibato, audit scope, internal control tips

Sarbanes-Oxley & PCI: What is a 'complex' password?

Posted by Teresa Bockwoldton October 29, 2013

I found an interesting article from intuit relating to IT General Computer Controls (ITGCC) and what is the definition of a minimum requirement for a password to be accepted as 'complex.' According to the article from Intuit:

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Tags: Sarbanes-Oxley Articles & Information, Accounting Tip of the Day, ITGCC, Sarbanes-Oxley, Internal Control Education, internal control tips

Sam Antar: On Fraud & the Black Arts of White Collar Crime

Posted by Teresa Bockwoldton July 25, 2013
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Tags: Internal Controls, Sarbanes-Oxley Articles & Information, segregation of duties, risk assessment, Announcements, SOX, external audit, SOX Compliance Made Simple, White Collar Fraud, Bay Area Accounting Professionals Mixer, Sarbanes-Oxley Training, internal control, risk management, Sarbanes-Oxley, external auditing, Internal Control Education, internal control tips, Sarbanes-Oxley for Non-Profits, corporate governance

More prevention = Less need for Detection

Posted by Alex Roweon February 13, 2013
New technology is helping seek out fraudulent behavior behind closed doors of companies. Ernst & Young’s Fraud Investigation & Disputes Services is releasing new software that searches for specific key words in company e-mails and detects a change of voice in a spoken press release. The most common fraud phrases are obvious but interesting:
1. Cover Up
2. Write Off
3. Illegal
4. Failed investment
5. Nobody will find out
6. Grey area
7. They owe it to me
8. Do not volunteer information
9. Not ethical
10. Off the books 

Check out more at: http://tinyurl.com/az78o8g
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Tags: Internal Controls, fraud prevention, Press Release, software, compliance, internal control, internal control tips, fraud, Ernst & Young, key words

Internal Controls Alert: FAQ About the JOBS Act

Posted by Teresa Bockwoldton April 20, 2012

There have been several questions asked by our clients and followers about the Jobs Act and how it applies to various companies in various situations. One question that came up yesterday was what if you are already a public company and your switching exchanges? We found this great questions and answers list from the SEC that should help clarify some details about the Jobs Act, your Sarbanes-Oxley / internal controls requirements and things you should consider relating to this piece of legislation:

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Tags: Sarbanes-Oxley Articles & Information, Internal Control Education, internal control tips