Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

The Internal Audit Function

By William Floyd
April 02, 2017

Among the many responsibilities of an audit committee, overseeing the function of internal audit can be among the more challenging and complex. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)-listed companies must include, and many companies generally do include, oversight of the internal audit function as one of the responsibilities of the audit committee. As a result, it is common for an internal audit function to be required and the scope of that function subject to the oversight of the audit committee. From a governance perspective, what is the mission of internal audit?

According to the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in its new professional practices framework, the mission of internal audit, and its role of enhancing and protecting the value of the organization, is to provide risk-based and objective assurance, advice and insight into the operations of an organization. One of the basic functions for an audit committee or a board of directors in connection with establishing and defining the functions of internal audit, is to seek agreement and consensus of the organization and management of the role to be played by internal audit and the focus of its work. Clearly, the basic functions relate to compliance programs, risk assessment and internal control; fostering a culture of excellence, integrity and compliance.

Today, the news frequently reflects inappropriate corporate activities, ranging from fraud and corruption, payment of bribes, and general rule-breaking by rogue employees. Compliance programs and training are intended to detect and prevent these activities and actions. In theory, an effective compliance program and an active, risk based internal audit function should thwart or deter illegal or inappropriate activity.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

Legal Possession: What Does It Mean? Image

Possession of real property is a matter of physical fact. Having the right or legal entitlement to possession is not "possession," possession is "the fact of having or holding property in one's power." That power means having physical dominion and control over the property.

The Stranger to the Deed Rule Image

In 1987, a unanimous Court of Appeals reaffirmed the vitality of the "stranger to the deed" rule, which holds that if a grantor executes a deed to a grantee purporting to create an easement in a third party, the easement is invalid. Daniello v. Wagner, decided by the Second Department on November 29th, makes it clear that not all grantors (or their lawyers) have received the Court of Appeals' message, suggesting that the rule needs re-examination.