Thursday, March 15, 2012

3/21 WEBINAR: COSO INTERNAL CONTROL FRAMEWORK 20 YEARS LATER

For the past two decades, accountants around the globe have relied on the internal control framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) to better understand enterprise risk management, its benefits and limitations and to effectively communicate enterprise risk management.

A new exposure draft released in December will update the original framework, making it easier to use and more relevant to today’s business environment.

On Wednesday, March 21 from noon to 1 p.m., we'll host a free webinar tailored to board members on finance or audit committees, chief financial officers, internal auditors, as well as accounting and auditing professionals.

“This session will focus on the proposed changes to the Internal Control Framework which is scheduled for release in the fall of 2012,” said Frank Venezia, CPA, director. “Participants will be introduced to changes that take it from a rules- to a principles-based approach that explicitly identifies the 17 core principles of internal control. We will also cover some of the more common internal control deficiencies we see in our practice, their causes and how to implement cost-effective compensating controls.”

Additionally, for-profit, non-profit and governmental entities will expand their knowledge of internal control concepts that apply to their organizations. More common internal control deficiencies and possible ways to mitigate control deficiencies will also be discussed.

Frank, who will lead the session, has more than 35 years of public accounting experience and has served as the director in charge of audits, management advisory and other services to a number of organizations including not-for-profit organizations and for-profit businesses in a variety of different industries.

PC-based attendees are required to have Windows® 7, Vista, XP or a 2003 Server, while Macintosh®-based attendees need Mac OS X 10.5 or newer.

Space is limited. Reserve your seat now by going to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/484792258

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session.

For more information, give me a call at 518-785-0134 or email me kpo@marvincpa.com.

Cheers!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Survey Reveals Optimism Among Regional Businesses

Just in case you missed it, the Times Union ran a nice piece yesterday showing the results of the the 26th annual Business Climate Survey by Marvin and Co. and the University at Albany School of Business.