This course explores how identifying and documenting controls for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) is key to enabling the evaluation of process design.  It will also ensure testing processes can be effectively executed.  Assessors must have a strong understanding of the types and methods of internal controls.  Documentation methods must meet organizational needs.

To identify controls, you must understand the concept of internal control.  Internal control is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following areas: effectiveness/efficiency of operations; reliability of financial reporting; compliance with applicable laws/regulations; and safeguarding assets. You must also understand the types of control and the various methods of documentation.

Information within this course comes from readily available public domain documents and is utilized by the trainer as a supplement for relaying the course content.

Note: The concepts outlined in this course are up to date and relevant in regards to the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. Although there have not been any changes in the legislative concepts of the law since it’s release in 2002, some aspects of executing the work have evolved. This speaker is preparing a series of courses titled “Sarbanes-Oxley 20 years later”. Those courses can be found individually on the platform and would be beneficial for anyone involved with compliance.

NOTE: The Instructor has created 5 new segments on Sarbanes-Oxley Update - 20 Years Later:
Sarbanes-Oxley Update - 20 Years Later: Accounting Risk Assessment Considerations
Sarbanes-Oxley Update - 20 Years Later: Sourcing Emerging Risks Part 1
Sarbanes-Oxley Update - 20 Years Later: Evaluating Testing Processes
Sarbanes-Oxley Update - 20 Years Later: Sourcing Emerging Risks Part 2
Sarbanes-Oxley Update - 20 Years Later: Examining Fraud Risks

Learning Objectives
  • Explore the types and methods of internal controls
  • Identify controls related to Initiation, Authorization, Processing and Recording
  • Identify the various methods of documentation, and recognize the differences between control narratives vs. control flowcharts
  • Explore how to update and maintain documentation

 

Last updated/reviewed: March 21, 2024

Included In Certifications

This course is included in the following Certification Programs:

16 CoursesSarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Certification

  1. Sarbanes Oxley Overview
  2. SOX: Authoritative Bodies
  3. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Standards - Evolution
  4. Information Technology General Controls Primer
  5. COSO 2013 Overview
  6. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404
  7. Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302: ICFR
  8. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) And Fraud Sections
  9. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) - Top Down Risk Assessment Part 1
  10. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) - Top Down Risk Assessment Part 2
  11. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) - Entity Level Controls
  12. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Identifying and Documenting Controls
  13. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Testing
  14. Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) - Assessing Data Impact
  15. XBRL - Connection to SOX 302/404 and Critical Roles
  16. Tools For Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
133 Reviews (523 ratings)

Reviews

5
Anonymous Author
The On Demand Course on Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) focuses on the identification and documentation of controls within organizations. Participants will gain insights into the regulatory framework, learn to identify key control points, and develop skills in documenting processes to ensure compliance with SOX requirements.

5
Anonymous Author
Lynn provided a great overview of the options for documenting controls, narratives or flow charts, as well as the key elements for developing the control documentation. This course would be very beneficial to accounting staff members to educate them on control development.

4
Anonymous Author
I have taken several courses where Lynn is the presenter. She is very effective speaker and very knowledgeable of her topics. She summarized the important information in a very comprehensive manner. This is a good course. The time allotted for the course is about right.

5
Anonymous Author
The instructor provides a great overview of the different types of internal controls, how information flows through the control (inputs, processes, outputs). Further, the instructor goes in-depth into the documentation needed for SOX purposes.

4
Anonymous Author
It was very well structured, well-paced and easy to follow training course. Structuring the course in segments as well as offering a continuous play option is perfect for any learning style. The examples given were good.

5
Anonymous Author
Great concise course over SOX, Identifying and Documenting controls. Materials covered more on the financial audit side vs. information technology side, but all in all great information. I would recommend this course.

5
Member's Profile
This course is well written. Even if you're not unfamiliar with Internal Control it provides a very good overview. The definitions are spot on and easy to retain. I particularly enjoyed the instructor's examples.

5
Anonymous Author
This is an interesting subject to do a generalized training on. While the main tenants of the training are applicable to all auditors, it then comes down to each team and their company to determine specifics.

4
Anonymous Author
This course provided a lot of detail around the identification and documentation requirements Even though I have quite a bit of experience here, I did learn more and it was a good refresher for other areas.

5
Member's Profile
This was the best section in my opinion. It really pulled together the details of each area discussed! The samples and explanations were easily understandable. This section has me feeling more confident!

5
Member's Profile
A good topic, it provides you the process of identifying and documenting of controls, on which it is important for auditors to understand and how it works so they can properly use it to assess controls.

5
Member's Profile
It is always good to brush up on these topics, including best practices for narratives and flowcharts. I really liked the idea of using different colors to denote specific things, like risk level.

4
Anonymous Author
Great nuts and bolts discussion on control documentation. If not covered in upcoming course, a course that provides a survey of the electronic tools available in today's market would be helpful.

4
Anonymous Author
This is an excellent course - it provides sufficient background and experienced insight with repect to process and control documentation for management, as well as internal and external audit.

5
Anonymous Author
The course was informative and helpful in better understanding in identifying and documenting controls as it relates to sarbanes-oxley. This instructor speaks clearly and gives good information.

5
Anonymous Author
Thank-you Lynn. Your thoughts are clear and methodical. I took notes from your presentation as I went through it, pertaining to processes within the organization I work in. I will use this.

5
Anonymous Author
This course is a good overview for those familiar with internal controls and those not as familiar; would be beneficial for control owners to understand some of the points in this course.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a fun course. Documentation and flowcharts are really important to the overall audit function. I really enjoyed learning about the inputs and outputs from initiation to recording.

5
Member's Profile
Course content was presented clearly. Slides provided meaningful insight into the concepts discussed. Instructor was knowledgeable about the subject matter and offered practical insight.

5
Anonymous Author
This course is a very good material for beginners, but also experienced professionals. It is clearly and accessibly structured with key points brought to attention of the students.

5
Anonymous Author
Before taking this course, I took the SOX Overview course. I am glad I took this course as well because it is in-depth and I find the materials very useful to my job responsibility.

5
Anonymous Author
Course was invigorating. Though a lot of the information has already been dealt with in previous courses, it served as a reinforcement of knowledge already previously acquired.

3
Anonymous Author
Good overview of some of the documentation used for support material. The narrative section was helpful in that it included elements that are not always observed in practice.

5
Member's Profile
Lynn discuses the anatomy and/or concept of controls and documentation used to demonstrate the latter. The quality of her presentation is detailed, informative and relevant.

5
Anonymous Author
The course explains very well ways to identify and document controls. It also gives great examples of types of documentation and the importance of the ongoing review of it.

5
Member's Profile
The level of detail that this course goes into is appropriate for the content and concepts being explained. I appreciate the examples provided to facilitate understanding.

4
Anonymous Author
This course provides a good understanding of what controls are and methods of documenting the identification, maintenance, review, and updating of controls.

4
Anonymous Author
Very helpful to break down the various aspects to consider when analyzing control structure and appropriate documentation required for compliance testing.

4
Anonymous Author
This course would really benefit accountants or employees with limited experience in SOX to understand the basic concepts in designing internal controls.

4
Member's Profile
This is an excellent course to understand SOX requirements from an IC perspective and for identifying internal control documentation requirements.

5
Anonymous Author
This course thoroughly covered ALL aspects of identifying and documenting controls. I will be re-reviewing the content of my process narratives!

4
Anonymous Author
The course was informative and the slides had all the necessary information. The presenter was also very knowledgeable and gave great examples.

5
Member's Profile
I think the instructor does a great job a presenting the information that can make sense to even those who are not in the SOX or controls world.

5
Member's Profile
Great class. I would definitely refer back to the material over and over. This class is good refresher for many of us long in the field.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a good overview of SOX controls identification and documentation. Course content were clear, well explained, and to the point.

5
Anonymous Author
Another awesome course from Lynn. It is useful if you would like to get either a refresher or introduction to the subject. Thank you.

3
Member's Profile
The breakout and detail of course was easy to follow and help me learn the appropriate information to complete the applicable course

4
Member's Profile
good details and explanations organized for understanding of different stages/purposes of internal controls over financial reporting.

5
Anonymous Author
The course is very thorough and great for training new staff or reminding experienced staff of correct procedures and processes.

5
Anonymous Author
Good overview of identification and documentation of controls. Example used in the slides were easy to understand and relate.

5
Member's Profile
I currently work in a private company but still found the materials to be excellent refreshers regarding documentation, etc.

4
Member's Profile
Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Identifying and Documenting Controls course is really helpful to understand documentation importance.

4
Member's Profile
Good general overview. Someone who has no experience/knowledge of SOX Section 404 would benefit the most from this course.

4
Anonymous Author
Decent overview of SOX documentation, what is a control and why it might be important to an entitie's financial reporting.

5
Anonymous Author
Всегда есть смысл пройтись по такому курсу заново, чтобы повторить

2
Anonymous Author
kindly expect a bit more of this course as including a more comprehensive set of illustrative identification of controls

5
Member's Profile
The presenter has a good understanding of the subject matter and gives a very lucid explanation of different concepts

5
Member's Profile
This course provides clear example of control methodology and documentation which is very helpful for an organization.

4
Anonymous Author
Good refresher on basic concepts of identifying controls and documenting them in flow charts and process narratives.

4
Anonymous Author
This course was very informative. It provides some great information regarding controls and I enjoyed the training.

5
Anonymous Author
This is a great course for those new to SOX concepts, or for those who have forgotten what they learned in college.

5
Anonymous Author
I thought this course provided a nice high level overview of what to do and look for when documenting controls.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a great refresher on the main concepts for SOX and the course content was well delivered and laid out.

5
Member's Profile
This is a good foundation refresher. All beginners should take a course like this during their formative years.

5
Member's Profile
Great explanation, would recommend to new associates to go into detail of identifying and documenting controls.

5
Anonymous Author
A brilliant course and sheds some light on advantages and disadvantages of narrative vs process flow diagrams.

4
Member's Profile
Great information on documenting internal controls! Would like to take the other classes by this instructor.

4
Member's Profile
Course very good, clarified a lot of my questions related to documentation and was also very straightforward.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course. I found it helpful to walkthrough best practices for identification and documenting of IC's.

5
Anonymous Author
Enjoyed hearing all about flow charts and narratives. I has always liked using flow charts over narratives.

3
Anonymous Author
Good course. I especially liked the types of documentation section. In my job we create flow charts a lot.

5
Anonymous Author
I was looking for a more detailed overview of controls, and this course delivered! Really great, thank you

5
Member's Profile
Very thorough, well presented, good course no matter what your position within the financial/audit realm.

5
Anonymous Author
Lynn sure knows her stuff when is comes to SOX, she is easy to follow and clearly states the information.

5
Anonymous Author
Great overview of SOX controls, process of evaluating and documenting. PDF of slide show is very useful.

5
Member's Profile
Good explanation on controls and types of documentation used for defining controls for the organizations.

5
Anonymous Author
Helpful going into detail about the types of controls, flow of transactions and types of documentation

5
Anonymous Author
It is amazing that how many aspects need to be considered! This is a good list of important elements.

5
Anonymous Author
This session is a nice and clear presentation on the various ways to identify and document controls.

4
Anonymous Author
This training gave good understanding of the documentation needs related to internal controls.

5
Anonymous Author
Lynn's courses are always simple to follow yet filled with substantial material. Highly recommend.

5
Member's Profile
Very informative course that I will definitely utilize in future audit engagements in my career.

4
Member's Profile
Very practical even though Controls are difficult to understand and identify.I enjoyed it though.

5
Anonymous Author
really liked the course provided here looking forward to enrolling into more courses like this.

5
Anonymous Author
This course is refreshing. I like the content. New auditors will learn a lot from this training.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course on basic SOX concepts. I enjoyed the differences between narratives and flowcharts.

5
Anonymous Author
This course was excellent and provided important information that I will utilize in the future.

5
Member's Profile
Another good course in the SOX certification process. I would recommend it as a good review.

5
Member's Profile
Very beneficial and refreshes some of the details for my role being a second line of defense.

5
Member's Profile
In depth view of the planning process will be helpful in future planning procedures for work

5
Member's Profile
This section covered a lot but materials are easy to digest and the layout was done nicely.

5
Anonymous Author
The presentation and material are really easy to understand for people who are new in IA.

4
Anonymous Author
Good training. This is a basic view of controls. This facilitator does a very good job.

5
Anonymous Author
Course contains plenty of interesting information on identifying and documenting controls

4
Member's Profile
great detailed review of control documentation. Trainer is very thorough and detailed.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course which reinforces the need for proper documentation within an organization.

3
Anonymous Author
The program was good, and the materials were relevant. It met my learning objectives.

5
Anonymous Author
A complete summary of options on how to identify controls, and how to document them

5
Anonymous Author
The course was very insightful. I will be taking more of these sox related exams.

4
Anonymous Author
The course was informative on the topic of identifying controls and documentation.

5
Anonymous Author
I was perfectly able to relate to this course with my process owner background.

5
Member's Profile
Very well-designed course and provide learner a brief learning about these topics.

4
Member's Profile
Simple concepts , easy to understand especially for someone working in this area.

5
Anonymous Author
Not so much needed in Europe, but still interesting theme for general knowledge.

5
Member's Profile
Good course to get an understanding about controls and how to identify controls.

5
Anonymous Author
the course was well organized and written. the presenter provided good examples

4
Member's Profile
Helped to understand SOX testing better, as well as what interner controls are.

4
Member's Profile
Interesting concepts! Will be useful in my day to day operation! Great class!

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent tool to learn more about documentation and importance of policies.

4
Member's Profile
This was a well put together course and provided lots helpful information.

5
Member's Profile
It seems a basic but it is good to review the whole knowledgeable again.

5
Member's Profile
Great Course of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) Identifying and documenting controls.

4
Member's Profile
Great course. A lot of information to incorporate in daily job function.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course on controls that include numerous definitions and examples.

4
Anonymous Author
organized and detailed information. organized and detailed information.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent course that provides a deep insight about internal controls.

4
Member's Profile
Good overview of requirements for documenting transactions. Thank you.

4
Member's Profile
Very good course, Its good to have a one presentation rather than many

5
Anonymous Author
This course is good to understand proper documentation of SOX controls

5
Anonymous Author
Another good SOX course by Lynn regarding Documentation of Controls.

5
Member's Profile
Very good course to understand how to identify and document controls

4
Anonymous Author
This is a great overview of how to identify and document controls.

5
Member's Profile
very easy to understand and follow, good instructor, clear concepts

4
Member's Profile
Great recap about testing documentation and types os documentation

5
Member's Profile
Very thorough explanation of concepts in clear and concise manner.

4
Member's Profile
Clear and to the point information. Well laid out presentations.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overview and reminder of key elements of internal control.

5
Member's Profile
Great Instructor- I enjoyed the detailed level explanations.

5
Member's Profile
Thoroughly and concisely presented. My favorite instructor.

3
Member's Profile
good for me and served my needs as a continuing cpa and cia

4
Member's Profile
Please reveal the answers wrong when passing an exam!!!!!!!

5
Anonymous Author
The detailed breakdown of testing components was helpful.

3
Member's Profile
I have completed the course and have no further comments.

5
Anonymous Author
Objectives were met, Sufficient info, Effective Material

5
Anonymous Author
Informative, not much else to say here. Not applicable.

4
Anonymous Author
Good course- including content and the instructor.

4
Anonymous Author
The course is good and the explaination was good .

5
Anonymous Author
Easy to follow and lots of practical examples

4
Anonymous Author
Provided a lot of very useful information.

4
Member's Profile
Extremely thorough.

4
Member's Profile
Great Presentation

5
Member's Profile
Great

3
Anonymous Author
Good

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course, but completion of the instructor's previous webinars on Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) may be helpful

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION and OVERVIEW
  Introduction to On Demand Course Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Identifying and Documenting Controls4:58
Identifying and Documenting Controls
  Understanding Controls9:27
  Identifying Controls 4:15
  Initiation 11:25
  Processing 8:16
  Determining What to Document 13:22
  Types of Documentation 11:15
  Flow-Chart Identified Controls6:29
  Narratives 6:02
  Policies, Procedures, and Organization Charts 5:47
  Questionnaires and Surveys 6:16
CONCLUSION
  Course Summary 4:44
Continuous Play
  Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Identifying and Documenting Controls 1:32:15
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: Identifying and Documenting ControlsPDF
  Identifying and Documenting Controls Glossary/IndexPDF
REVIEW and TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam