Integrating Risk Management and Compliance into Integrated Financial

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Integrating Risk Management and Compliance into Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS)

Integrating Risk Management and Compliance into Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS)

The Global Financial Environment

The Global Financial Environment

The Global Financial Environment • No successful economy or government can operate today without

The Global Financial Environment • No successful economy or government can operate today without global interconnectivity • Markets and industries exist transparently across the globe, and conduct business 24 hours a day. • Growth of that connectivity has increased the demands for the availability and reliability of financial information • That information demand is fed by the growing use of automated Financial Management Systems, using integrated Information Technology (IT). © Grant Thornton 333

The New Financial Reporting Environment • As a result of the global economy, Financial

The New Financial Reporting Environment • As a result of the global economy, Financial Reporting must be relevant, timely, and comparable across jurisdictions • Company assets are considered more "intangible" and subject to inconsistent valuation • Company data is instantly accessible but not always sufficient to satisfy all stakeholders requirements – Citizens – Shareholders – Regulators © Grant Thornton 444

The Result of their Analysis? • In the long term, Financial reporting will be

The Result of their Analysis? • In the long term, Financial reporting will be standardized to provide adequate information to all interested parties • Global auditing standards will converge and harmonize to deliver reasonable assurance of the accuracy of financial reports • Adoption of new data standards to improve enforcement of controls and improve detection of Fraud • Financial systems must have adequate internal controls enabled for consistent transparency © Grant Thornton 555

Impact on Federal Managers • Governments are increasingly involved in global financial markets, not

Impact on Federal Managers • Governments are increasingly involved in global financial markets, not only as regulators but as investors and participants. • They must provide the highest quality financial information to a range of interested parties, in a multitude of formats, often with repetitive efforts and inefficient processes. • Government agencies are entrusted by their citizens to maintain sound financial practices, limit fraud and corruption, and provide adequate controls over financial reporting © Grant Thornton 666

Overview of Internal Controls

Overview of Internal Controls

Internal Controls Defined Internal control is broadly defined as a process, effected by an

Internal Controls Defined Internal control is broadly defined as a process, effected by an entity's board of directors, management, and other personnel, that is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following categories: – Effectiveness and efficiency of operations – Reliability of financial reporting – Compliance with applicable laws and regulations Source - The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission Internal Control — Integrated Framework Management has a fundamental responsibility to develop and maintain effective internal control. © Grant Thornton 888

Background on Internal Controls Internal control is a means of managing the risk associated

Background on Internal Controls Internal control is a means of managing the risk associated with programs and operations Internal controls – organization, policies, and procedures – are tools to help program and financial managers achieve results and safeguard the integrity of their program © Grant Thornton 999

COSO • Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) – US private-sector

COSO • Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) – US private-sector initiative created in 1985. – Its major objective is to identify the factors that cause fraudulent financial reporting and to make recommendations to reduce its incidence. – COSO is sponsored by 5 main professional accounting organizations in the US: • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), • American Accounting Association (AAA), • Financial Executives Institute (FEI), • The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) • The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). • COSO has established a common definition of internal controls, standards, and criteria against which companies and organizations can assess their control systems which is the basis for the SOX Internal Control framework. » Source: www. coso. org © Grant Thornton 10 10 10

COSO Internal controls structure © Grant Thornton 11 11 11

COSO Internal controls structure © Grant Thornton 11 11 11

Control Environment • Sets the tone of the organization – influencing control consciousness of

Control Environment • Sets the tone of the organization – influencing control consciousness of its people • Includes integrity, ethical values, competence, authority, and responsibility • Acts as foundation for all other components of control © Grant Thornton 12 12 12

Risk Assessment • Identification and analysis of relevant risks to achieving the entity's objectives

Risk Assessment • Identification and analysis of relevant risks to achieving the entity's objectives – forming the basis for determining control activities © Grant Thornton 13 13 13

Control Activities • Policies and procedures assure management's directives are carried out • Range

Control Activities • Policies and procedures assure management's directives are carried out • Range of activities, including approvals, authorizations, verifications, recommendations, performance reviews, asset security, and segregation of duties © Grant Thornton 14 14 14

Information and Communication • Pertinent information identified, captured, and communicated in a timely manner

Information and Communication • Pertinent information identified, captured, and communicated in a timely manner • Access to internally and externally generated information • Flow of information that allows for successful control actions from instructions on responsibilities to summary of findings for management action © Grant Thornton 15 15 15

Monitoring • Assessment of a control system's performance over time • Combination of ongoing

Monitoring • Assessment of a control system's performance over time • Combination of ongoing and separate evaluation • Management and supervisory activities • Internal audit activities © Grant Thornton 16 16 16

Internal Controls Are Integrated into Processes Finance & Administration Internal Controls Major Programs ©

Internal Controls Are Integrated into Processes Finance & Administration Internal Controls Major Programs © Grant Thornton Information Technology 17 17 17

Global Trends in Internal Control mandates

Global Trends in Internal Control mandates

U. S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act • The Public Company Accounting Oversight Act, otherwise known U.

U. S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act • The Public Company Accounting Oversight Act, otherwise known U. S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or "SOX". • Composed of three sections: – Title I – Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. PCAOB formed as branch of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Public Auditing firms must register with PCAOB and are now brought under the regulation of the PCAOB. – Title III – Corporate Responsibility. Section 302 establishes certification requirements for CEOs and CFOs of Annual and Quarterly reports filed with the SEC. – Title IV – Enhanced Financial Disclosures. Section 404 (a) requires management to assess and report on internal controls, and Section 404 (b) requires the company’s External Auditor to attest to and report on management’s assertions on internal controls. © Grant Thornton 19 19 19

Canadian Bill 198 • Published in 2003 by the Ontario Securities Commission and the

Canadian Bill 198 • Published in 2003 by the Ontario Securities Commission and the Canadian Security Administrators • Consists of three statutes: – Multilateral Instrument 52 -108 Auditor Oversight – Multilateral Instrument 52 -109 Certification of Disclosure in Companies' Annual and Interim Filings (“CSOx”) – Multilateral Instrument 52 -110 Audit Committees • Multilateral Instrument 52 -109 is basically Section 302 with an emphasis on Disclosure Controls and Procedures (DC&P). • Implementation of Section 404 equivalent certification still pending © Grant Thornton 20 20 20

Japanese SOX (J-SOX) • February 15 th, 2007 – Business Accounting Council of the

Japanese SOX (J-SOX) • February 15 th, 2007 – Business Accounting Council of the Financail Services Agency – "Implementation Standards for Evaluation and Auditing of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting" • Requires all publicly-held companies to submit consolidated internal control reports on or after April 1, 2008 • Reporting standards similar to sections 302 and 404 under US SOX. © Grant Thornton 21 21 21

Evolution of Internal Controls in the US Government Sarbanes Oxley 2002 Budget and Accounting

Evolution of Internal Controls in the US Government Sarbanes Oxley 2002 Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950 IG Act 1978 FMFIA 1982 OMB A-123 1981 CFO Act 1990 OMB Q&A 1984 GAO Green Book 1983 © Grant Thornton FFMIA 1996 FISMA 2002 DHS Financial Accountability Act 2004 OMB A-123 1995 GAO Green Book 1999 CFO Council Implementation Guide 200522 22 22

Other International Government Standards • INTOSAI Internal Control Standards • UK Government Internal Audit

Other International Government Standards • INTOSAI Internal Control Standards • UK Government Internal Audit Good Practice Guide • Canada Government Internal Audit Policy • Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Code of Ethics • Canadian Government risk management framework © Grant Thornton 23 23 23

Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS)

Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS)

Describing a Financial Management System • The term "financial management system" means an information

Describing a Financial Management System • The term "financial management system" means an information system, comprised of one or more applications, that is used for any of the following: – Collecting, processing, maintaining, transmitting, and reporting data about financial events; – Supporting financial planning or budgeting activities; – Accumulating and reporting cost information; or – Supporting the preparation of financial statements • A financial system may include multiple applications that are integrated through a common database or are electronically interfaced, as necessary, to meet defined data and processing requirements » Source: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-127 © Grant Thornton 25 25 25

Information Technology (IT) and IFMIS • IFMIS systems are designed to automate financial process

Information Technology (IT) and IFMIS • IFMIS systems are designed to automate financial process to aid transparency and accountability in public financial management • Modern Financial Management Systems are driven by IT • Key to driving adequate transparency and accountability is to enable systems with comprehensive internal controls framework • IT requires special considerations to properly implement and enforce Internal Controls © Grant Thornton 26 26 26

IT 's Potential Contribution to Internal Control • IT provides potential benefits of effectiveness

IT 's Potential Contribution to Internal Control • IT provides potential benefits of effectiveness and efficiency for an entity’s internal control because it enables an entity to: – Consistently apply predefined business rules and perform complex calculations in processing large volumes of transactions and data – Enhance the timeliness, availability, and accuracy of information – Facilitate the additional analysis of information from multiple sources on an as needed basis © Grant Thornton 27 27 27

IT's Potential Contribution to Internal Control (cont. ) • Enhance the ability to monitor

IT's Potential Contribution to Internal Control (cont. ) • Enhance the ability to monitor the performance of the entity’s activities, policies, and procedures • Reduce the risk that controls will be circumvented • Enhance the ability to achieve effective segregation of duties by implementing security controls in applications, databases, and operating systems © Grant Thornton 28 28 28

IT as a Source of Risk • Reliance on systems or programs that are

IT as a Source of Risk • Reliance on systems or programs that are inaccurately processing data, processing inaccurate data, or both • Unauthorized access to data that may result in destruction of data or misappropriation of assets through improper changes to data, including the recording of unauthorized or nonexistent transactions, or inaccurate recording of transactions • Potential loss of data • Unauthorized changes to data in master files • Unauthorized changes to systems or programs • Failure to make necessary changes to systems or programs • Inappropriate manual intervention © Grant Thornton 29 29 29

Automation of Internal Controls and Risk Management

Automation of Internal Controls and Risk Management

Why Automate the Controls Process? • Given the complexity of IT and financial reporting,

Why Automate the Controls Process? • Given the complexity of IT and financial reporting, automated controls software can potentially provide tremendous benefits to an internal controls program. • Automated solutions can detect, monitor, and report a wide range of control issues, risk areas, and performance indicators. • Software allows for business rules to be built into system to insure compliance with regulations and automate reporting processes. © Grant Thornton 31 31 31

Benefits of automation • Provides structure for the internal control program • Improves monitoring

Benefits of automation • Provides structure for the internal control program • Improves monitoring of control deficiencies and corrective action plans at all levels of management within an organization • Provides a repository of documentation that can be made available to auditors and stakeholders • Enables senior management to gain awareness of areas that require process changes or additional resources © Grant Thornton 32 32 32

Discipline over internal control program • Software can help an organization maintain discipline over

Discipline over internal control program • Software can help an organization maintain discipline over its internal control program by providing a framework for documenting and assessing controls, testing internal controls or controlling the workflow to ensure the controls are enforced • Software can make it easier to demonstrate your internal controls to your auditors and may lessen the amount of testing that needs to be performed by the auditors © Grant Thornton 33 33 33

Uses of automated internal control software • The types of software available in the

Uses of automated internal control software • The types of software available in the market include: – – – – Testing and Reporting Document and records management Business process modeling Policy management Risk management and risk assessment Support for multiple control frameworks Support for multiple regulations across multiple business units Controls automation and monitoring © Grant Thornton 34 34 34

Repository software • Provides a central repository for the documentation of internal controls throughout

Repository software • Provides a central repository for the documentation of internal controls throughout the organization • Allows the documentation of workflow and key processes, control objectives, control activities and risks for each major function in the organization • May be set up as a web based tool that allows multiple users to input information • Allows the organization to centrally manage the documentation of internal controls and capture information about the results of testing • May come "out of the box" with standard templates for control objectives, control activities and risks © Grant Thornton 35 35 35

Testing software • Allows an organization to test the internal controls of a system

Testing software • Allows an organization to test the internal controls of a system by directly interfacing with the system • May test for segregation of duty and authorization violations • Allows organizations to identify where violations can or have occurred and make changes to business processes or roles as appropriate • May come "out of the box" with standard control objectives and control activities that can be modified as appropriate • May has a limited repository capability to document workflow © Grant Thornton 36 36 36

Business process management software • Allows an organization to design and dictate the workflow

Business process management software • Allows an organization to design and dictate the workflow for a given process • Integral to the performance of the process • Allows for the documentation of the workflow process • The workflow is performed outside of the primary system • Helps ensure the workflow process is performed as designed by not allowing the process to continue until each step is performed • May include features such as email notification when a step has been completed • May have a limited capability for repository or to test transactions © Grant Thornton 37 37 37

Reporting capabilities • Capabilities may allow for management reports to provide a status on

Reporting capabilities • Capabilities may allow for management reports to provide a status on one or more of the following: – Documentation or testing of controls – Potential violations that have been identified – Where a document is in the process • May also allow for customizable management reports – May be capable of personalized "dashboards" for each user that present a current status, a "to do" list and interactive reports with drilldown capability © Grant Thornton 38 38 38

Basic steps to implementing a software solution • Selection – Products should be selected

Basic steps to implementing a software solution • Selection – Products should be selected based on the needs of a defined internal controls program – A requirements analysis should be performed to identify areas that the program can be improved, or further meet compliance goals – The analysis forms the basis for product selection • Implementation – Once a product is selected, an implementation plan should be developed – The plan incorporates the required steps to implement the solution and how the functions will be used in the corresponding areas of the internal control program © Grant Thornton 39 39 39

Basic steps to implementing a software solution • Utilization – Once the solution is

Basic steps to implementing a software solution • Utilization – Once the solution is fully implemented, the full functionality of the solution can be utilized – Key performance indicators (KPIs) should be established that measure how well the solution is improving risk management and compliance efforts. • Example KPIs include: – Improved rate of fraud detection – Improved speed in reporting – Accuracy of reporting measures © Grant Thornton 40 40 40

Conclusions • The implementation, maintenance and reporting of Internal controls compliance and risk management

Conclusions • The implementation, maintenance and reporting of Internal controls compliance and risk management is the way of the future for global financial management and accounting • Financial reporting will become increasingly demanding and require greater transparency and validity of financial information • Automated tools and processes can be of benefit in managing the increasing level of effort in meeting the demands for financial reporting, managing risk and providing reasonable assurance of internal controls and fraud detection. © Grant Thornton 41 41 41