COSO Framework: ICFR Assessments - In-Person
Master ICFR Assessments and Strengthen Your Understanding of the COSO Framework
Enhance your expertise in internal controls and SOX compliance with the COSO Framework: ICFR Assessments – In-Person CPE Training Event. This 8-hour comprehensive program is designed to provide professionals with a deep understanding of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR) and their alignment with the COSO Framework. Guided by experienced instructors, this training equips you with tools, strategies, and best practices to assess and improve internal controls while earning 8 NASBA-approved CPE credits.
Why Attend?
Earn 8 CPE Credits - Fulfill your professional development requirements with valuable Continuing Professional Education credits, including Yellow Book (YB) compliance for government attendees.
Master ICFR and the COSO Framework - Explore the essential components, principles, and best practices of the COSO Framework for effective ICFR assessments.
Improve Internal Control Effectiveness - Learn to identify, evaluate, and enhance internal controls at all organizational levels, from entity-wide governance controls to individual process controls.
Prepare for SOX Compliance - Gain actionable insights and strategies to meet the requirements of Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
Learn from Industry Experts - Benefit from interactive training sessions led by seasoned professionals with real-world experience in SOX compliance and internal control frameworks.
Course Highlights
This engaging course delivers a complete understanding of the COSO Framework and actionable steps for managing ICFR assessments. Key highlights include:
Understanding the COSO Framework - Debunk myths, learn key definitions, and understand the foundational components of internal controls.
Assessing and Testing Internal Controls - Develop a methodology for scoping ICFR assessments, selecting sample sizes for key controls, and conducting effective control tests.
Adopting Best Practices for Compliance - Explore techniques to manage policies, set expectations, and prevent issues such as fraud and non-compliance.
Evaluating Control Maturity and Effectiveness - Apply frameworks like CMMI to assess the maturity and reliability of internal controls, ensuring continuous improvement.
Integrating Risk Management and Audit Practices - Understand the role of governance controls, internal and external audits, and regulatory compliance in maintaining robust ICFR systems.
Learning Objectives
This course equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge to improve internal controls and achieve successful ICFR assessments. Key learning outcomes include how to:
Assess Internal Controls Across Different Layers - Understand and evaluate governance controls, management controls, and process-level controls within your organization.
Link Controls to the COSO Framework Components - Master control assessments aligned with the COSO principles for effective compliance and operational optimization.
Perform Effective ICFR Assessments - Implement best practices for risk scoping, process documentation, and control self-assessments across various organizational layers.
Strengthen Compliance Efforts - Enhance your organization’s compliance programs by setting a strong “tone at the top” and understanding external auditor expectations.
Develop Proactive Fraud-Prevention Techniques - Recognize vulnerabilities, set clear compliance policies, and create frameworks to prevent fraud effectively.
Key Agenda Topics
Gain actionable insights and practical strategies through a detailed exploration of the following agenda topics:
Morning Sessions
- Myths and Fundamentals of the COSO Framework
- Exploring Effective Internal Controls and ICFR Governance
- Tools for Evaluating Components, Principles, and Deficiencies
Afternoon Sessions
- Scoping and Conducting ICFR Assessments
- Testing and Measuring Control Effectiveness
- Leveraging the Maturity Model for Internal Controls
- Managing External Audits and Knowledge Transfer
Additional Topics:
- Building narratives and documenting processes effectively.
- Strengthening project management practices for ICFR implementation.
- Addressing key challenges in the transition to stronger control environments.
Event Details
- Format: Group-live, interactive CPE training with real-world case studies and examples.
- Schedule: Tuesdays, 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- Duration: 8 Hours.
- Cost: $720 per participant.
- Location: Offered in numerous cities to support flexible attendance options.
Who Should Attend?
This program is designed for professionals who are responsible for ICFR management, audit processes, and SOX compliance. Ideal participants include:
- Internal Auditors: Improve audit processes with stronger knowledge of ICFR and COSO integration.
- External Auditors: Gain insights into client compliance requirements and assist with ICFR evaluations.
- Internal Control Professionals: Strengthen controls and governance practices within organizational frameworks.
- Financial Executives: Ensure effective compliance with SOX and other financial reporting standards.
Why the COSO Framework Matters for ICFR
The COSO Framework provides the gold standard for internal control and risk management frameworks. It serves as the backbone of a compliant and efficient ICFR system, helping organizations ensure financial integrity and mitigate risks effectively.
By attending the COSO Framework: ICFR Assessments Training Event, you’ll gain practical insights and strategies to strengthen internal control systems, enhance audit efficiency, and align your organization with regulatory requirements such as SOX. This critical training builds resilience and positions organizations for long-term success in governance, compliance, and operational excellence.
Register Today
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding of the COSO Framework and sharpen your ICFR assessment skills. Join the COSO Framework: ICFR Assessments – In-Person Training Event to gain hands-on experience, engage with industry leaders, and achieve your professional development goals.
Earn 8 CPE credits and take the next step in advancing your career in governance, compliance, and internal audits today.
Sign up now to secure your spot and drive your organization toward stronger, more effective internal controls!
Details on Event Presentation
Offered on Tuesdays at 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
NASBA Program Disclosure
Program Level of Understanding: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Format: On-site Training (Group-Live); Seminar (Group-Live)
NASBA Field(s) of Study: Auditing
CPE Credits: 8, based on 50 minutes of instruction per hour
CPE Event Highlights
The seminar reviews the following:
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COSO Framework Myths, Definitions and Concepts
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Categories of "Control Deficiencies"
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COSO Framework Tools
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Seven layers of defense concerning ICFR
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Scoping the ICFR Assessment
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Best practices in policy and protocol management
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Effective use of Control Self-Assessments
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Sample sizes for Key Control testing
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Why are employees non-compliant
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Measuring "Control Maturity
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Learning Objectives
Attendees will learn how to:
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Ensure compliance with policies and procedures
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Discuss strengthening the health of the organization
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Avoid "carelessness" in day-to-day business processing
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Assess the maturity of existing controls and how to improve their implementation
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Manage policies and protocols
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Set the expectations related to the prevention and detection of fraud
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Discuss considerations and next steps for COSO Framework usage during the transition period, including available tools and resources
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Key Issues on the Agenda
Section 1 - COSO Framework: Myths, Definitions and Concepts
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Myths about controls
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COSO Framework: definition of internal control
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2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act
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PCAOB Auditing Standard 5
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SEC Guidance for Public Companies
Section 2 - COSO Framework: Effective Internal Control
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Categories of "Control Deficiencies"
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Reasonable assurance
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Management's judgment
Section 3 - COSO Framework: Illustrative Tools
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Overall assessment
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Component evaluation
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Principle evaluation
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Internal control deficiencies
Section 4 - COSO Framework: Seven Layers of ICFR
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Traditional lines of defense
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Risk management
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Getting the right information
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Business resilience
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New defensive strategies
Section 5 - COSO Framework: Scoping the Assessment
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Management's risk assessment
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External auditor's risk assessment
Section 6 - COSO Framework: Self Assessments and Process Documentation
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Control self-assessments
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Business process narratives
Section 7 - COSO Framework: Internal Control Testing
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Control testing
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Assertions of the key controls
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Control mix
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Business process controls
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Entity controls
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Sample size and level of risk
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Control effectiveness
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Control certifications
Section 8 - COSO Framework: The Maturity Model
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Control maturity
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CMMI levels of maturity
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Internal control reliability model
Section 9 - COSO Framework: External Audit
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PCAOB Audit Standard #5
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Inspection issues
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Knowledge transfer
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External auditor's assessment
Section 10 - COSO Framework: The PMO
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How to manage the assessment program
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Project management
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Project scoping
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Project killers
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Project deliverables
Section 11 - COSO Framework: Forming an Opinion
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Opining
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Effective assessment planning
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Weaknesses
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Sufficient evidence
Section 12 - COSO Framework: Rightsizing
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Reassessing risks
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Pareto's Law - 80-15-5
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Culture of compliance
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Sufficient evidence
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Summary of the Subject Matter
The CPE training event “COSO Framework: ICFR Assessments" is an essential seminar for individuals seeking comprehensive SOX compliance training. The seminar focuses on the COSO Framework from the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), which provides guidance on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR).
This training is ideal for professionals looking to understand the principles and components of the COSO Framework, including its criteria for evaluating ICFR. The seminar covers the assessment process, including risk assessment, control activities, and monitoring, providing a complete understanding of ICFR Controls.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the ICFR Framework and its role in SOX compliance. The seminar is led by experienced instructors who use real-world examples, case studies, and interactive exercises to reinforce the concepts learned.
Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. This ICFR training is a valuable opportunity for internal auditors, external auditors, internal control professionals, financial executives, and anyone involved in maintaining the effectiveness of an organization's ICFR system. Join the seminar and enhance your understanding of ICFR and SOX.