Page 2 - Accume SOX Toolkit

also be involved in this process to ensure that audit coverage and the level of
documentation is adequate.

The level of effort required to become fully compliant can be substantial.

Understanding early where gaps exist within the existing internal control
environment is critical to the success of the program. Early detection allows for
sufficient time for remediation of control failures.

AN EFFECTIVE PROCESS LIMITS INTERNAL DISRUPTION

An organized efficient approach to compliance is critical to the success of the
compliance program and less intrusive to the normal operation of the

organization. Any implementation program that streamlines the process used to
identify and document the current internal control environment can be a
significant benefit from a cost perspective as well as limiting internal disruptions.

It can also significantly limit the time required of management in the discovery
and documentation phase of the process.

NEXT STEPS

The selection of the right outsourced provider is a critical next step. The selection
process should include a provider with the following attributes which are
essential to the success of the program, and limit the impact to your organization

and the cost to comply:

• Access to seasoned well qualified professionals experienced in SOX 404
implementation across a wide variety of company types and control

environments

• Firms with a diverse set of skills including financial and IT SOX
implementation expertise

• Internal audit specialists with access to documentation that is robust
enough to support a streamlined compliance process

• Providers that can provide tools that limit staff interruptions and assist in
the acceleration of the compliance program

HOW ACCUME CAN HELP