Big4Guy

The SOX act governs evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting and encompasses controls which one way or the other affect the financial reporting process. Today, I am focusing on some special areas of concern in a Sarbanes Oxley Controls audit. I might have discussed these in some of my earlier articles, I have collated all special audit areas here.

1. Antifraud Programs and Controls - SOC requires auditors to focus on controls which address the risks of fraud which can have a material effect on the company's financial statements.

2. Effectiveness of Audit Committee - Effective audit committee sets the right tone at the top. Infact an ineffective audit committee is a strong indicator of significant deficiency which can lead to a material weakness.

3. Accounting Policies - Selection and application of accounting policies in line with GAAP generally accepted accounting principles is important from a accounting controls perspective. This includes accounting policies over non-routine transactions,

4. Journal Entries - Journal entries represent another special area of focus in SOX. In case there are numerous adjusting entries in the year end or quarter end, it might indicate a significant deficiceny.

5. Documentation - Lastly, documentation of the audit work is important and should be as per the record retention requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley act. Inadequate documentation may lead an auditor to form an qualified opinion about the financial statements.