QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS STUDY COMPANION.
Policies and procedures used to monitor and control business activities
internal control system
4 purposes of internal control
protect assets
ensure reliable accounting
promote efficient operations
uphold company policies
Requires managers and auditors of companies whose stock is traded on an
exchange to document and verify internal controls
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
Requirements of Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX)
must have effective internal controls
auditors must evaluate controls
harsh penalties- up to 25 years
audit is over seen by PCAOB
Lists 5 ingredients of internal control that add to the QUALITY of accounting
information
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO)
5 ingredients of internal control that add to the QUALITY of accounting
control environment
risk assessment
control activities
info and communication
monitoring
, Internal control varies from company to company but internal control applies to
ALL companies
7 principles of internal control
establish responsibilities
maintain adequate records
insure assets and bond key employees
separate recordkeeping from custody of assets
divide responsibility for related transactions
apply technology controls
perform regular and independent reviews
7 principles of internal control:
responsibility for a task is clearly established and assigned to one person; can be
difficulty to determine if fault if not completed; ex: separate cash drawers for
each clerk
establishing responsibilities
7 principles of internal control:
good recordkeeping, detailed reports, less likely to be entered wrong if chart of
accounts is used, preprinted forms, prenumbered slips, computerized point of
sale
maintain adequate records
7 principles of internal controls:
assets should be insured against losses, and employees handling lots of cash