The Importance of Internal Control Audits

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The Importance of Internal Control Audits The two research papers focus on the importance and effectiveness of internal control audits in the post-SOX period. Internal control audit opinions are deemed to be value-relevant information to investors. There are several factors that could mediate the relationship between the internal control audit opinion and the stock return of a company. Considering the significant costs of conducting internal control audits, qualified small companies are exempted from internal control audits under SOX section 404. The readings mainly focus on investor perceptions of and market reactions to internal control audits. In this aspect, internal control audits are effective in providing investors with useful information and to maintain investors’ confidence in companies who obtain unqualified opinions in their internal control functions. I think that the primary goal of SOX and other related regulations regarding internal control audits is achieved. However, the accompanying costs and some inherent limitations of internal control audits cannot be ignored. While auditors’ opinions on companies’ internal control over financial reporting significantly influence investors’ perceptions and firm values, can the audits detect or prevent all kinds of fraudulent activities? I think the answer should be no. Internal controls can be overrode by collusions, and it is difficult to detect fraudulent activities created by such collusions. Especially in cases of management fraud when astute employees or managers know well about the system’s loopholes, it will require additional efforts from auditors to detect such internal control weaknesses. Sometimes auditors fail to do so due to various reasons, such as time limits or inadequate understanding of the clients. In this aspect, auditors may issue an unqualified opinion of the

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