Now updated and fully revised, The Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Implementation Toolkit, Second Edition helps large or small companies continue to meet the complex internal control reporting requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley. Brimming with a wealth of forms and checklists, the new edition helps you get up to speed quickly with SOX 404 requirements and makes the compliance process repeatable, more efficient, and more effective.
The tools to manage ongoing Sarbanes-Oxley compliance In The Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Implementation Toolkit, author and consultant Michael Ramos provides a detailed road map to help companies not only streamline their compliance process, but also make the process manageable and repeatable year after year. The first book to provide detailed implementation practice aids for Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance, The Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Implementation Toolkit is packed with work programs, audit checklists, and examples that readers can tailor to meet their own unique needs. Featuring a useful CD-ROM that contains all of the tools from the book, this timely workbook includes best practices that will benefit anyone who participates in the planning or performance of the effectiveness of internal control. A must-read for all CFOs, internal auditors, CPA firms, and independent auditors involved in the compliance process, The Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 Implementation Toolkit embraces the common approaches and methodologies that have proven successful in the new world of Sarbanes-Oxley internal control testing and reporting.
Examines how risk management security technologies must prevent virus and computer attacks, as well as providing insurance and processes for natural disasters such as fire, floods, tsunamis, terrorist attacks Addresses four main topics: the risk (severity, extent, origins, complications, etc.), current strategies, new strategies and their application to market verticals, and specifics for each vertical business (banks, financial institutions, large and small enterprises) A companion book to Manager's Guide to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (0-471-56975-5) and How to Comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 (0-471-65366-7)
Need help ensuring your campany complys with Sarbanes-Oxley? Armed with this hands-on guide, you can detect early signs of fraud and operational loss, and safeguard your job, your employees' jobs, and the long-term success of your company. Don't let fraud derail your career. Protect yourself with the fail-safe Control Smart method found in Manager's Guide to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Order your copy today!
Praise for Internal Control Strategies A Mid to Small Business Guide "Internal Control Strategies is an excellent field guide for the implementation and maintenance of efficient and effective internal control systems. The book provides a practical approach to interpreting guidance from oversight agencies and integrating it with industry practice in a real-world environment. This handbook is an essential tool for managers and professionals going through the day-to-day struggle of managing auditor expectations and permitting business to proceed in the most efficient manner." -Michael Rodriguez, former senior manager of finance, Qualcomm Incorporated "Internal Control Strategies is the clearest path forward for middle-market SEC registrants and their independent registered public accounting firms as they streamline the SOX 404 compliance process in 2008 and beyond." -Stephen G. Austin, MBA, CPA, Managing Firm Partner,Swenson Advisors, LLP, Regional PCAOB Accounting Firm "Clearly written and practical, Internal Control Strategies is a must-read for every chief audit, finance, or compliance executive." -Jeff Miller, Partner-in-Charge, Business Risk Services,Squar, Milner, Peterson, Miranda & Williamson, LLP "As a CFO of small to mid-sized publicly traded and privately held companies, one is usually faced with the challenge of developing and implementing the right levels of internal controls and compliance within the restrictions of limited financial and human resources. Internal Control Strategies presents the relevant topics in a clear and concise manner, allowing the reader to understand the internal control framework and specific underlying requirements quickly. The author's vast experience with SOX compliance ensures a targeted and pragmatic approach for the successful implementation of internal controls. Her recommendations are 'to the point' and eliminate some of the guesswork we all have experienced while working towards SOX compliance." -Robert S. Stefanovich, Chief Financial Officer, Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The SEC requires all publicly traded companies to attest to theeffectiveness of their internal controls. Is your business ready? Internal Control Strategies: A Mid to Small Business Guide clearly explains the latest PCAOB, SEC, and COSO guidance, providing you with an effective tool and reference guide for successful implementation of sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Extremely knowledgeable and insightful, author Julie Harrer brings practical clarity to this complex topic, leading you step by step in addressing the challenges associated in bringing your business in compliance with SOX.
Sarbanes-Oxley Internal Controls: Effective Auditing with AS5, CobiT, and ITIL is essential reading for professionals facing the obstacle of improving internal controls in their businesses. This timely resource provides at-your-fingertips critical compliance and internal audit best practices for today's world of SOx internal controls. Detailed and practical, this introductory handbook will help you to revitalize your business and drive greater performance.
You may not believe that there’s a fun and easy way to comply with Sarbanes –Oxley, but once you have Sarbanes-Oxley For Dummies, Second Edition in front of you, you’re sure to change your mind. This friendly guide gets you quickly up to speed with the latest SOX legislation and shows you safe and effective ways to reduce compliance costs. In plain English, this completely reliable handbook walks you through the new and revised SOX laws, introduces compliance strategies for changed and unchanged guidelines, and gives you an effective framework for implementation You’ll find out how to create an efficient audit committee, purchase and use SOX software solutions, and make practical, cost-effective decisions in your initial compliance year and beyond. You’ll also find proven strategies for staying public or going private and learn how to deal with all those SOX forms. Discover how to: Establish SOX standards for IT professionals Minimize compliance costs in every area of your company Survive a section 404 audit Avoid litigation under SOX Anticipate future rules and trends Create a post-SOX paper trail Bolster your company’s standing and reputation Work with SOX in a small business Meet new SOX standards Build a board that can’t be bought Comply with all SOX management mandates Complete with invaluable tips on how to form an effective audit committee, Sarbanes-Oxley For Dummies is the resource you need to keep your SOX clean.
Step-by-step guidance on creating internal controls to manage risk Internal control is a process for assuring achievement of an organization's objectives in operational effectiveness and efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with laws, regulations, and policies. This is a "toolkit" approach that addresses a practical need for a series of standards of internal controls that can be used to mitigate risk within any size organization. Inadequate internal controls can cause a myriad of problems that adversely affect its ability to provide reliable, timely, and useful financial and managerial data needed to support operating, budgeting, and policy decisions. Reliable data is necessary to make sound business decisions. • Toolkit approach with detailed controls and risks outlined for key business processes • Foundational for SOX 404 initiatives • Key material to improve internal control efforts • Guidance during M&A projects Poor controls over data quality can cause financial data to be unreliable, incomplete, and inaccurate—this book helps you control that quality and manage risk.
Praise for How to Comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, Second Edition "In his Second Edition of How to Comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, Michael Ramos incorporates new developments and lessons learned in the last two years into the definitive guide on SOX 404 implementation . . . An effective tool not just for consultants, this book is THE reference guide for every corporate manager facing SOX 404 implementation." —David W. Hinshaw Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Southern Community Financial Corporation "Very informative . . . this is a book you can actually sit down and read . . . Michael Ramos is extremely knowledgeable and insightful, and his level of detail related to proper documentation has been invaluable in helping me effectively perform Section 404 consulting engagements . . . This Second Edition contains the most pertinent updates and important PCAOB releases. Most importantly, Mr. Ramos has managed to effectively include real-world examples and lessons learned in the field over the last few years. This has saved me countless hours of research and my clients countless dollars." —Christina M. Wenk, CPA Director-Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Grassi & Co. "How to Comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, Second Edition brings practical clarity to this complex topic and guides the reader, step by step, through implementation. Mike Ramos draws on his deep understanding of the technical 404 requirements as well as his keen insights as a storyteller . . . Our firm has used Mike's guides over the years to understand and implement technical standards. This guide will be indispensable as we assist companies in the future." —Michael C. Knowles Partner Frank, Rimerman & Co. LLP
