Customer Reviews

Accounting and Finance Policies and Procedures, (with URL)

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Policies and procedures represent the foundation of internal controls for organizations. It is important they be clearly written, current, and comprehensive. The author provides an excellent framework for organizations to use in establishing and updating policies and procedures. The book begins with a chapter on how to use the book. The book is structured as a final product that is supported by a Web site containing all the sample documents in Microsoft Word format. Rose explains the steps before getting started, followed by getting started with the program, developing the table of contents and a self assessment exercise. The rest of the book is devoted to sample policies and procedures. There is a continuity of structure for each document which details the scope, the policy, control/areas of responsibility, and contact and exhibit if necessary. Internal auditors are sometimes in a position where they recommend that management update policies and procedures or create them where none exist. This book is an excellent resource that auditors can use to steer management to as an example of a structured approach to policy and procedure development.

The book seems to be well laid out and covers a broad amount of information. It is relevant for business with focus around accounting and controllership to support governance and good business practices. The book does not specifically focus on non-profit organizations but the principles and content is there to assist.

Indicators that the time is right for a Policy and Procedure program
* Are you within the 99% of companies which have ineffective controls over financial reporting due to a "lack" within Accounting and Finance documentation, policies and procedures?
* Does your documentation reside within many server repositories and not easily accessible by employees?
* Do different areas use the same term or acronym to mean different things?
* Does your company work cross functionally, not in silos and as a team?
* Does the documentation undergo a review and approval cycle?
* Are policies and procedures linked to internal controls and audit checklists?


It is time for a documentation strategy refresh when there is a need for:
* A clear hierarchy of documents with...
o Policy setting the rules and principles setting the tone from the top
o Procedure classifying work phases linked to policies
o Work Instructions identifying step by step details linked to procedures
* Document ownership of the content and accountability for deployment
* Standardized templates, and process which ensures cross functional content review and approval
* A focused Program Manager to coordinate and manage the strategy, content and program

Contact the policyguru@idealpolicy.com or visit www.idealpolicy.com