This book taps into an inherent paradox: with the ease of reliance on external, cloud providers to provide robust functionality and regular enhancements comes, as their very own audited service organization control (SOC) reports are quick to point out, the need for client organizations to devise and sustain a system of effective internal controls. By addressing the practitioner in the field, it provides tangible, cost effective and thus pragmatic means to mitigate key risks whilst leveraging built-in cloud capabilities and overarching principles of effective system design.

Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.

This book taps into an inherent paradox: with the ease of reliance on external, cloud providers to provide robust functionality and regular enhancements comes, as their very own audited service organization control (SOC) reports are quick to point out, the need for client organizations to devise and sustain a system of effective internal controls. By addressing the practitioner in the field, it provides tangible, cost effective and thus pragmatic means to mitigate key risks whilst leveraging built-in cloud capabilities and overarching principles of effective system design.

FISCAM presents a methodology for performing info. system (IS) control audits of governmental entities in accordance with professional standards. FISCAM is designed to be used on financial and performance audits and attestation engagements. The methodology in the FISCAM incorp. the following: (1) A top-down, risk-based approach that considers materiality and significance in determining audit procedures; (2) Evaluation of entitywide controls and their effect on audit risk; (3) Evaluation of general controls and their pervasive impact on bus. process controls; (4) Evaluation of security mgmt. at all levels; (5) Control hierarchy to evaluate IS control weaknesses; (6) Groupings of control categories consistent with the nature of the risk. Illus.

Many people in organizations resent internal control and risk management; these two processes representing unwelcome tasks to be completed for the benefit of auditors and regulators. Over the last few years this perception has been heightened by the disastrous implementation of section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which is generally regarded as having been too expensive for the benefits it has brought. This important book offers a way of improving this prevailing perception and increasing the value of control and risk management by bringing creativity and design skills to the fore. The value of risk and control activities is often limited by the value of the control ideas available and so Matthew Leitch provides an arsenal of 60 high performance control mechanisms. These include several alternative ways to design controls and control systems, as well as providing controls for monitoring and audit, controls for accelerated learning, and techniques for finding and recovering cash. This design material is combined with insights into the psychology of risk control, strategies for encouraging helpful behaviour and enabling change, and a surprisingly simple integration of internal control with risk management. The book is realistic, practical, original, and easier reading than most in the field. The material is not specific to any one country and has international appeal for internal auditors and all those concerned with risk management, corporate governance and security.