Overview

Strengthen internal controls

COSO is an acronym for the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. It provides comprehensive frameworks and guidance on enterprise risk management, internal controls and fraud deterrence. COSO is not a statutory requirement but it is recommended as best practice.

Prevent fraud
Improve performance
Deliver assurance

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Effective COSO management

The COSO framework consists of five pillars, and 17 principles. Implementing the framework requires a holistic approach to risk management and internal controls. This includes:

Designing and implementing controls
performing risk assessment
Monitoring activities

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Meeting the requirements of COSO

COSO requirements	Ideagen solution
Establishing an effective control environment at each stage of your operations.	Ideagen solutions help to support an organizational structure that promotes ethical conduct and a sense of accountability. This includes the assignment of authority, ethical values and competency of employees.
Ensure thorough risk assessments are performed across your organization.	Risk managers and internal auditors can easily implement robust processes for identifying and assessing risk across the business.
Design and implement control activities for all key actions and tasks.	Ideagen solutions are ideal for designing and implementing control activities, including approvals, authorizations, verifications, reconciliations, reviews of operational performance, security of assets, and segregation of duties.
Effectively manage information, ensuring it's communicated properly and made easily accessible.	As well as improving the quality and relevance of the data related to COSO, Ideagen solutions make it easier to visualize and report that data in all directions – down, up and across the organization.
Implement activities that effectively monitor your controls and ensure everything is running smoothly.	Ideagen’s specialized system for internal audit and risk management makes it easier to provide assurance that all internal controls are present and functioning.

COSO FAQs

Who has to comply with COSO?

Compliance with the COSO framework is not a statutory requirement. However, it is strongly recommended for any company that wants to strengthen its risk management, ensure the accuracy of financial reporting, and uphold stringent compliance.

Public companies, particularly those listed on U.S. stock exchanges, are often required to comply with COSO as part of their obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).

How do internal audit teams contribute to COSO compliance?

Internal audit teams play a pivotal role in COSO compliance. They are integral to establishing, monitoring and improving internal controls, risk management systems and governance processes. Internal audit teams also provide objective assurance and independent review.

How does software help with COSO compliance?

COSO compliance involves a large amount of complex data. Manual processes may not be sufficient to manage risk effectively. Software helps to integrate the data points across an organization so that data analysis and the tracking of controls can be automated.

Companies that want to achieve their objectives while mitigating potential risks should consider implementing software solutions as part of their COSO compliance efforts.

What are the benefits of complying with COSO?

Compliance with the COSO framework leads to more efficient operations, stronger financial reporting, and better compliance with laws and regulations. It also provides shareholders and potential investors with confidence in the company's financial reporting.

How do risk managers contribute to COSO compliance?

Risk managers play an essential role in ensuring that risk processes align with the COSO framework. They perform risk assessments, design and implement control activities, monitor compliance and report on performance against COSO requirements.