Abstract: Whether
audit expertise is provided by an internal staff or an independent, outside agency, calling in an
audit specialist is as normal as calling in a kicking specialist in a penalty or field goal situation in football. Particularly when you consider the majority of an enterprise software implementation is all about testing, the present of an auditor as a functioning member of the project team makes perfect and logical sense.
PubDate: 10/21/2003
Abstract: Thanks, in part, to the fallout from the financial scandals of Enron, WorldCom, Tyco and others, the corporate spotlight is being refocused on the audit function. However, by waiting until systems are live and in production before applying an audit regimen, you may miss an excellent opportunity to establish effective controls at the outset, when the enterprise software is being implemented. Read on to learn where and how, as an executive sponsor, project manager, or team member, you can instill audit procedures that can continue throughout the life of the software.
Abstract: While today’s regulatory environment poses significant challenges to businesses, it should be looked at as an opportunity—one that turns compliance efforts into capital gains. You can accomplish this with an internal audit of your change management policies. This checklist will help your business prepare for a high-level process audit while providing tools your IT managers can use for maximum results.
Abstract: Most companies create a new marketing plan every 12 months. At the same time, they should audit their message strategy to stay on top of competitors’ marketing and to have confidence that they are delivering the right message to their market.
Abstract: Find out in the practical survival guide. managing transaction tax
audit risk.
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Abstract: Unencrypted communication between users’ workstations and the backend SAP servers is a significant vulnerability to your SAP environment. This can put the confidential data inside your SAP systems and your entire business activity at risk—and have a negative impact on your customers. Find out how to reduce business risks and improve audit results through encrypted communication and two-factor user authentication for SAP.
Abstract: An earlier article, Audit Considerations for Enterprise Software Implementations, included a brief discussion of the use of computer-based tool sets and repositories to facilitate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). Here we examine this issue in more detail. Of particular interest are the key characteristics that you should look for when selecting such tool sets. Read on to see how these tool sets can assist your company in meeting the new audit challenges facing corporate America.
Abstract: Acquiring, validating, and managing sales tax and use tax exemption certificates can be challenging. However, the appropriate exemption certificate management (ECM) strategy can help avoid sales tax audit risk while lowering audit assessments and penalties. Learn how to find the right solution for your organization.
Abstract: Would spending millions of dollars and countless hours securing your data center be enough for it to pass a compliance audit? While many businesses work hard at securing their data centers, they often forget to secure remote office data. With the consequences of non-compliance ranging from financial penalties to job loss and worse, it could mean the end of your business. Don’t let compliance become your Achilles heel.
Abstract: Card auditing and calculating takes a great deal of time, particularly for companies using full-time time-keepers to calculate and audit time cards. If the time cards are handwritten, it takes even more time to review, calculate, edit, and (typically) re-enter the data into a payroll system. However, automation reduces audit time by pre-processing punches against rules defined within the system.
Abstract: A common pain many business managers experience is the proliferation of spreadsheet-based reports and tracking. Disconnected or manually integrated systems, unapproved data, and wild e-mail exchange leads to an environment that is ripe for errors, fraud, and control weakness. Employing a system that works in conjunction with legacy systems, and provides policy and rule-based time and expense entry with audit support capabilities can ameliorate the pain and create a compliance-enabled environment.
Abstract: Spreadsheets can provide rudimentary business performance management (BPM) capabilities. But there are many reasons to leave them behind: improved collaboration among users with data security and audit capabilities, greater accuracy of analysis and reports, real-time information, and more. Discover other benefits, as well as how you should approach and carry out the transition from spreadsheets to a BPM solution.
Abstract: Sales and use tax compliance is serious business. To reduce your risk of facing a costly audit, you need to invest time and effort up-front by formulating a transaction tax policy. Responding effectively to audits involves knowing about your company, your operations, and your resources. Find out why a tax policy is important to your organization and how to make it part of your business process and procedures.
Abstract: With traffic being the lifeblood of an e-commerce site the Marketing crew knows that the traffic numbers are going to be audited. And they look to the CIO to make sure that the numbers will pass muster. If there’s a problem with the numbers, the CIO may be blamed. So it’s important to understand what auditors want to see, and to make sure that your collection and reporting procedures are appropriate. The greatest danger is having to restate numbers that you’ve already provided to advertisers.
Abstract: In the computing world, a dramatic shift is taking place—enabling a new way for IT departments to manage services. The promise of a leaner, more efficient data center has many businesses clamoring to go virtual. In the rush to virtualize, however, they have forgotten the painful and expensive lessons learned from introducing risk into the physical environment. Find out how detective controls can mitigate those risks.
Abstract: Organizations are overwhelmed with how to begin implementing identity and access management (IAM) solutions. They are scratching their heads and asking, 'Where do I start?' Even after implementation, security and information protection must be continually improved while ensuring compliance with regulations. Auditors continue to ask: 'Are the right controls in place?' 'Are they effective?' Download this white paper to learn more about defining the steps necessary to understanding and deploying IAM, giving enterprises a roadmap to an effective IAM program.
Abstract: Even in the best economic times, businesses must be vigilant against unnecessary costs and risks. But not just businesses need to be vigilant—states and other tax authorities are feeling the same economic pinch, and are ready to seek out non-compliers with tax reporting. Get tips on how to survive sales and use tax audits, starting with understanding your exposure to audits and how to avoid them right from the start.
Abstract: It is hard to recall the last time an ERP implementation team included an auditor as an active member. This article explores key points in a project's lifecycle where the audit function should be involved and the deliverables to be expected.
Abstract: Beyond the operational efficiencies and cost savings of an improved product audit trail, standardized GS1 barcode labels contribute to greater supply chain security by protecting against the entry of counterfeit products into a legitimate supply chain. There are many complications to having fully conforming GS1 barcode labels, however. Find out how to address these issues with five strategies for the global supply chain.