This anthology presents the results of a comprehensive empirical study of internal control evaluation and auditor judgment initiated by Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in 1977 and originally published as an American Institute of CPAs research monograph in 1981, which was awarded the American Accounting Association Wildman Award in 1982. This book contains an updated review of the professional literature related to internal control, multivariate analyses of the original statistics and analyses of the decision criteria used by the auditors.

Audits provide essential accountability and transparency over government programs. Given the current challenges facing governments and their programs, the oversight provided through auditing is more critical than ever. Government auditing provides the objective analysis and information needed to make the decisions necessary to help create a better future. The professional standards presented in this 2018 revision of Government Auditing Standards (known as the Yellow Book) provide a framework for performing high-quality audit work with competence, integrity, objectivity, and independence to provide accountability and to help improve government operations and services. These standards, commonly referred to as generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), provide the foundation for government auditors to lead by example in the areas of independence, transparency, accountability, and quality through the audit process. This revision contains major changes from, and supersedes, the 2011 revision.

"In the new age of philanthropy, donors expect charities to be models of accountability and transparency...Internal controls: Guidance for Private, Government, and Nonprofit Entities is a must read for CEOs and CFOs who want to gain a clear understanding of cost-effective ways to implement the controls necessary to protect their organizations." - Elizabeth Myatt, Chief Executive Officer, World Lung Foundation "If you were looking for the silver bullet to understand and audit internal controls, you just found it. This book will prove invaluable in planning the audit internal controls, you just found it. This book will prove invaluable in planning the audit because it specifically covers COSO and the new AICPA risk assessment auditing standards. " - George I. Victor, CPA, Partner in Charge of Quality Control, Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP "Author Lyn Graham gives practical, easy-to-understand guidance for documenting internal controls. I recommend this book for both my clients and our staff. It is very useful for auditors and clients alike." - David E. Adams, CPA, Partner, Geffen Mesher & Company "This book is an essential guide...and provides very practical advice about what to do(and what not to do) in making an investment in internal controls. The author's expensive experience as an audit firm partner and standard-setter are evident in the details provided. I also recommend this book to teaches of auditing and systems, as it provides a useful background to...how internal controls really should work in today's business environment." - Jean C. Bedard, CPA, PhD, Timothy B. Harbert Professor of Accountancy, Bentley College

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.