Internal Control Strategies: A Mid to Small Business Guide - Tapa dura

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Julie Harrer, CPA, is the President and founder of Hamlet Auditing Corporation, a consulting firm that provides Sarbanes-Oxley, management advisory, process improvement, and accounting services. She managed the Sarbanes-Oxley section 404 project for Qualcomm Incorporated, the first company to comply with section 404 in November 2004. Since then, she has managed several compliance projects as both an external auditor and internally working with management of large and small public companies. Prior to creating her own firm, she was vice president of finance for eAssist Global Solutions and Controller for MarDx Diagnostics. She began her career in public accounting as an auditor with Cairns, Eng & Applegate, LLP and Carter Polito Muscio, Inc.

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Praise for Internal Control Strategies: A Mid to Small Business Guide

"Internal Control Strategies is an excellent field guide for the implementation and maintenance of efficient and effective internal control systems. The book provides a practical approach to interpreting guidance from oversight agencies and integrating it with industry practice in a real-world environment. This handbook is an essential tool for managers and professionals going through the day-to-day struggle of managing auditor expectations and permitting business to proceed in the most efficient manner."

?Michael Rodriguez, former senior manager of finance, Qualcomm Incorporated

"Internal Control Strategies is the clearest path forward for middle-market SEC registrants and their independent registered public accounting firms as they streamline the SOX 404 compliance process in 2008 and beyond."

?Stephen G. Austin, MBA, CPA, Managing Firm Partner,Swenson Advisors, LLP, Regional PCAOB Accounting Firm

"Clearly written and practical, Internal Control Strategies is a must-read for every chief audit, finance, or compliance executive."

?Jeff Miller, Partner-in-Charge, Business Risk Services, Squar, Milner, Peterson, Miranda & Williamson, LLP

"As a CFO of small to mid-sized publicly traded and privately held companies, one is usually faced with the challenge of developing and implementing the right levels of internal controls and compliance within the restrictions of limited financial and human resources. Internal Control Strategies presents the relevant topics in a clear and concise manner, allowing the reader to understand the internal control framework and specific underlying requirements quickly. The author's vast experience with SOX compliance ensures a targeted and pragmatic approach for the successful implementation of internal controls. Her recommendations are 'to the point' and eliminate some of the guesswork we all have experienced while working towards SOX compliance."

?Robert S. Stefanovich, Chief Financial Officer, Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The SEC requires all publicly traded companies to attest to the effectiveness of their internal controls.

Is your business ready?

Internal Control Strategies: A Mid to Small Business Guide clearly explains the latest PCAOB, SEC, and COSO guidance, providing you with an effective tool and reference guide for successful implementation of sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Extremely knowledgeable and insightful, author Julie Harrer brings practical clarity to this complex topic, leading you step by step in addressing the challenges associated in bringing your business in compliance with SOX.

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Internal Control Strategies
A Mid to Small Business Guide

As of December 2007, the SEC required all publicly traded companies to attest to the effectiveness of their internal controls in accordance with sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Already a requirement for accelerated filers, an external auditors' report on internal control will soon be required for non-accelerated filers. While many larger companies spent millions of dollars implementing internal control programs, smaller budget-conscious companies may still be struggling with their compliance programs without the option of expensive advisors and systems. Internal Control Strategies: A Mid to Small Business Guide provides smaller, publicly traded companies with clear guidance on creating strong but streamlined internal control programs.

Designed to be a resource of truly practical ideas for controllers, business managers, and auditors to cut costs and reduce time, this timely book expertly reveals how both accelerated and non-accelerated filers can implement effective internal controls and covers:

• The SEC's guidance for management

• The PCAOB's guidance on implementing auditing standard No. 5

• Using entity-level controls to create efficiencies

• Minimizing excess costs through proper scoping practices

• Advantageous project management techniques

• Streamlining documentation

• Economical testing tips

• Successful methods for remediation

• Simplified tools for evaluating deficiencies

• Common areas of concern and how to address them

With discussion of the latest PCAOB, SEC, and COSO guidance in nontechnical, easy-to-understand language, Internal Control Strategies: A Mid to Small Business Guide provides auditing professionals with useful advice and distinct practice tips for each phase of sections 302 and 404 compliance. This hands-on guide is a must-read for every business serious about identifying and understanding operational threats and monitoring the health of their internal control structure.