Role in Internal Control
Internal auditing activity is primarily directed at improving internal control. Under the COSO Framework, internal control is broadly defined as a process, effected by an entity's board of directors, management, and other personnel, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following internal control categories:
- Effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
- Reliability of financial reporting.
- Compliance with laws and regulations.
- Safeguarding of Assets
Management is responsible for internal control. Managers establish policies and processes to help the organization achieve specific objectives in each of these categories. Internal auditors perform audits to evaluate whether the policies and processes are designed and operating effectively and provide recommendations for improvement.
In the United States, internal auditors may assist management with compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
Read more about this topic: Internal Audit
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