Internal control: Definition/Importance/Objectives

　　Definition/Importance

　　(Definition)

　　Internal control is any action taken by management to enhance the likelihood that established objectives and goals will be achieved. Management plans, organizes and directs the performance of sufficient actions to provide reasonable assurance that objectives and goals will be achieved. Thus the control is the result of proper planning, organizing and directing of management. Controls attempt to ensure that risks and those factors which stop the achievement of company objectives are minimized.

　　(Importance)

　　(1) Internal control and risk management are fundamental components of good corporate governance.

　　(2) Good corporate governance means that the board must identify and manage all risks within a company.

　　(3) In terms of risk management, internal control systems span financial, operational, and other areas i.e. all the activities of the company.

　　(4) However, internal control system are only as good as the people using them.

　　Objectives

　　(APB)

　　(1) The orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adhere to internal policies.

　　(2) The safeguarding of assets.

　　(3) The preventing and detection of fraud and error.

　　(4) The accuracy and completeness of the accounting records.

　　(5) The timely preparation of financial information.

　　(COSO)

　　(1) Effectiveness and efficiency of operations.

　　(2) Reliability of financial reporting.

　　(3) Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.