Database Security, Audit, Privacy and Support Blog

Two lawsuits filed by former employees against Fidelity Investments may resolve a simmering dispute in the securities industry: Whether mutual fund employees are protected by a whistle-blower law adopted in the wake of corporate accounting scandals.The Sarbanes-Oxley Act...

Internal auditors at the International Monetary Fund released a harshly critical report on governance Wednesday and urged "major changes" to maintain the embattled institution's relevance. The Independent Evaluation Office of the IMF said that effectiveness had been the...

We've invited the panelests from our General Audit Management Conference (GAM) GS2 presentation for a continuation of their Q & A session. Register today for Regulatory Perspectives Facing the Profession webinar.Regulatory Perspectives Facing the ProfessionA continuation of the 2008 General Audit Management (GAM) Conference session, "How Far Have We Come, and What is Coming Next?"Thursday, June 59:30 - 11:30 a.m. ETFREE to 2008 GAM AttendeesUS $65 members / US $85 non-members2 CPE Credits (live event only)Learn more or register at: http://www.theiia.org/iia-training/e-learning/webinars/webcast-schedule-2008/june-5-gam-panelist-webinar/

We've invited the panelests from our General Audit Management Conference (GAM) GS2 presentation for a continuation of their Q & A session. Register today for Regulatory Perspectives Facing the Profession webinar.Regulatory Perspectives Facing the ProfessionA continuation of the 2008 General Audit Management (GAM) Conference session, "How Far Have We Come, and What is Coming Next?"Thursday, June 59:30 - 11:30 a.m. ETFREE to 2008 GAM AttendeesUS $65 members / US $85 non-members2 CPE Credits (live event only)Learn more or register at: http://www.theiia.org/iia-training/e-learning/webinars/webcast-schedule-2008/june-5-gam-panelist-webinar/

Internal Auditor Compensation Study LaunchesThe IIA partners with HR consultants to validate salary surveyALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- While celebrating May as International Internal Audit Awareness Month, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) today launched the most comprehensive study of U.S. compensation in the internal audit profession."We expect the results of this study to tell us a lot about the demand of this growing profession - whether internal auditors are being paid competitively - which professional attributes and qualifications garner a higher salary - there's a lot to learn in this area," said Donna Batten, director of the Global Audit Information Network, The IIA's benchmarking division that is championing the initiative. "The Institute and other organizations have conducted salary surveys in the past, but never at this depth. And because of the method of data collection, the results will be useful to a wide range of audiences."Being performed in partnership with leading human resources consulting firm Harrington & Associates, Inc., the study is leveraging resources that will enhance its validity and credibility, providing human resources departments, internal audit activities, audit committees and senior management a rich resource for benchmarking. The internal audit profession has grown dramatically in the last several years, with The IIA's membership increasing 58 percent since 2004. Previous studies have shown the demand for internal auditors to drive salaries up as much as 18 percent over a two-year period.Once complete, The IIA's 2008 compensation study results will be available for purchase electronically, on CD, and in print. A feature story in the October issue of Internal Auditor magazine will also summarize and discuss the results. The study is being conducted as an on-line survey on The IIA's web site at www.theiia.org/compstudy, and closes on June 15, 2008.With members in 165 countries, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association, and is the internal audit profession's global voice, standard-setter, and resource for professional development and certification.###Contact: Scott McCallumOffice: 407-937-1247 Cell: 321-246-7649Scott.McCallum@TheIIA.org

International Conference Media InvitationALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is pleased to welcome the media to its 2008 International Conference being held July 6 - 9, 2008 in San Francisco. The IIA's 2008 International Conference is the largest gathering of internal auditors anywhere in the world, and is a ready-resource for media covering topics related to business, governance, risk, control, auditing, accounting, and more. World-renowned speakers and thought leaders in these areas will converge in one place to discuss some of the most pressing issues being covered by today's media. Interviews with select speakers and attendees will be available. Registration is complimentary for journalists who may provide editorial coverage and meet specific eligibility criteria.General session speakers include:Paul SarbanesFormer US SenatorPresenting: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Strength of International BusinessSharon AllenChairman, Board of Directors, Deloitte Presenting: Corporate Responsibility and Work-life BalanceGene L. DodaroChief Operating Officer of the United States Government Accountability Office Presenting: Latest Developments in Internal Audit StandardsLinda Bardo NichollsPresident, Australian Institute of Company Directors; Corporate Board Member; and International Risk Management Consultant Presenting: Risk Management From a Global PerspectiveJim CollinsAuthor of Good to Great and Built to Last Presenting: How Internal Auditors Can Promote Organizational GreatnessKevin "The Katalyst" CarrollMotivational SpeakerPresenting: Rediscovering Play: Bringing Fun and Passion to Your Work... And LifeTen tracks on:Audit ManagementFraud Detection and PreventionRegulatory Issues and ComplianceInformation Technology and SecurityCorporate GovernanceEnterprise Risk ManagementGovernment and Public SectorEmerging IssuesInternal Auditing Education Conference Press RoomThe IIA's International Conference 2008 will host an on-site press room open to credentialed media. The room will be open and staffed during conference operating hours and will offer amenities such as workspace, interview space, Internet access, computers, printers, fax, copier, and refreshments. Access to the conference press room will be limited to the media and IIA staff. Media may schedule the press room interview space for private meetings with speakers.RegistrationPlease review the eligibility criteria and complete the Media Credential Application available in the press area of The IIA International Conference web site at www.iia2008sf.org. You may also download a printed application and submit via one of the following methods: Fax: +1-407-937-1101Mail: Scott McCallum IIA Media Relations Manager The Institute of Internal Auditors Global Headquarters 247 Maitland Ave. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701Once your credentials are approved, you will receive further instructions to complete the registration process.To learn more about the conference and its speakers, visit www.iia2008sf.org. To learn more about The IIA, visit www.theiia.org, or call +1-407-937-1247. See you in San Francisco!###

The IIA's Compensation Study is now available for YOUR participation! This will be the most comprehensive study available for the internal audit profession on the topic of compensation. Participate in the survey.

New members of the North American Board, which oversees activities of The Institute in the United States, Canada, Carribbean, Guyana and Bermuda, were elected at The IIA's North American Membership meeting on April 28, 2008, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The 68th Annual Business Meeting of The Institute of Internal Auditors will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, at the Hilton Hotel in San Francisco, California. Matters to be addressed will include a proposed amendment the Bylaws (see below), the election of IIA officers and directors, and other appropriate items. All IIA members are invited to attend.Proposed Bylaws AmendmentA Global Finance Committee (GFC) was established four years ago to assist the Board and the Treasurer in providing more thorough oversight of the budget and financial policies and procedures of The IIA. It has been made up of the Treasurer and four board members appointed by the Chairman, two from outside North America and two from North America. The Chairman of the GFC is chosen from the four appointed board members. The responsibility of this committee has increased significantly since its establishment, and it has become increasingly difficult to find board members who are qualified, willing and able to give the committee the necessary time it needs for due diligence. This amendment proposes an additional position on the Board of Directors for the Chairman of the GFC, who will have no other responsibilities. Changes are underlined below. Resolution: That the following changes to the Bylaws be approved: Article IV Section 2. - Board of Directors -Composition a. 3 4 Ex-officio Directors who are the Chairmen of the Audit Committee, Global Finance Committee, Board of Regents, and Internal Auditing Standards Board. b. North American members will always comprise at least 40 percent of the total number of Board members, or 15 16 Directors, excluding the IIA President. Article IV Section 4 - Board of Directors - Quorum.At meetings of the Board of Directors, 25 26 members shall constitute a quorum.

District advisors and district representatives to serve institutes in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean were elected at The IIA's North American Membership meeting on April 28, 2008, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. North America is divided into nine regions, and the regions into 31 districts. Volunteers to serve are selected by the North American Nominating Committee and elected at the North American Membership meeting in April or May each year.2008-2009 North American District AdvisorsKen Bolstad, CIA CalgaryCorinne Bryan, CIA DallasRon Farrimond, CIA PortlandMichael Fucilli, CIA New YorkClaire Gomez-Miller, CIA Trinidad / TobagoDeborah Janis, CIA, CFSA S. New EnglandWilliam Mannix, CIA Long IslandVicki McIntyre, CIA Orange CountyJohn Wszelaki, CIA Central VirginiaCentral Region - North AmericaDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Christopher Clay McCord, CIA Central OhioDistrict 2 Representative 2008-2009 D. Bruce Ring DetroitDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 John M. Bowman, CIA Central IllinoisEastern RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Marian E. Dougherty, CIA New York District 2 Representative 2008-2009 David Naser, CIA PhiladelphiaDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 Raven Henderson, CIA, CFSA Northern VirginiaMid-Atlantic RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Deanne A. Hennett, CIA Tidewater District 2 Representative 2008-2009 W. Kenneth Jenkins Jr., CIA CharlotteDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 Cynthia Walker, CIA NashvilleDistrict 4 Representative 2008-2009 A. Loran Adams, CFSA PalmettoMidwestern RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Barbara L. Schaffert, CIA Kansas City District 2 Representative 2008-2009 Jay Mages, CIA ChicagoDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 Donna L. White, CIA Ak-Sar-Ben District 4 Representative 2008-2009 A. Douglas Vickers, CIA, CCSA, CFSA Twin CitiesNortheastern RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Mark Britt, CIA TorontoDistrict 2 Representative 2008-2009 Keri Rogers, CIA Greater BostonDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 Margaret L. Pecorello, CIA Central New YorkSoutheastern RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Heather Smitherman BirminghamDistrict 2 Representative 2008-2009 Glenda Ostrander, CIA, CGAP AtlantaDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 John K. Lafser Northeast FloridaDistrict 4 Representative 2008-2009 Michele Drolette, CIA MiamiDistrict 5 Representative 2008-2009 Daniella Williams-Hinds Trinidad / TobagoSouthern RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Larry G. Wallis, CIA San AntonioDistrict 2 Representative 2008-2009 Christine Stark, CIA North ArkansasDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 Allison F. May, CIA Ark-La-TexWestern North RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Brian Luessen, CIA Puget SoundDistrict 2 Representative 2008-2009 Ken Bolstad, CIA CalgaryDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 Lyle Thomas Smith, CIA BoiseWestern South RegionDistrict 1 Representative 2008-2009 Edmundo Calderon, CIA, CGAP El PasoDistrict 2 Representative 2008-2009 Keith B. Kawashima Northern CaliforniaDistrict 3 Representative 2008-2009 Vicki A. McIntyre, CIA Orange County (CA)

"Where will the next generation of qualified internal auditors come from?" In an effort to address that question, the Atlanta Chapter of The Institute of Internal Auditors hosted a Student Day event in February in conjunction with Kennesaw State University (KSU) and 21 metro Atlanta area employers. Attended by more than 200 students from 18 colleges and universities who were looking for internships or employment in internal auditing, accounting and finance fields, IIA-Atlanta Academic Relations Committee Chair Fred Masci said the event was a "win-win situation for KSU, Atlanta metro employers, and especially the students." To read more about IIA-Atlanta's Student Day event, click here.

Read along with internal auditors across the globe! Every profession has a body of knowledge on which practices, performance, and new initiatives are based, and internal auditing is no exception. Recently, influences such as technology, globalization, corruption, fraud, changes in regulations, and expectations of stakeholders have all affected the practice of internal auditing. To determine just how much these and other internal and external factors have changed the roles internal audit practitioners play in organizations all around the world, The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF) conducted a global survey in 2006 to contribute to the profession's "body of knowledge."In December 2007, The IIARF's A Global Summary of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) survey was made available to all members of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) as a free download from The IIA 's Web site. The results of CBOK will drive many critical aspects of the profession and will help define its future and ensure that it remains a valued profession. Each month, you can read an article on a featured research topic along with a recommended course of action. The article will provide some insight from the data of the featured topic and is something you can reproduce and use as needed. If you have questions about "CBOK of the Month" or need further assistance with interpretation of CBOK data, please contact research@theiia.orgMay's "CBOK of the Month" research topic: "Staffing" (PDF)

Addressing Stakeholder EngagementThe May edition of Tone at the Top examines the need for two-way communication between boards and stakeholders. "In Pursuit of Consensus" encourages boards to provide accurate and relevant information to stakeholders, based on assurance provided by the internal auditors. If your executive management and audit committee members are not already receiving Tone at the Top, please provide their mailing and e-mail information to pr@theiia.org.

The May edition of Tone at the Top examines the need for two-way communication between boards and stakeholders. "In Pursuit of Consensus" encourages boards to provide accurate and relevant information to stakeholders, based on assurance provided by the internal auditors. If your executive management and audit committee members are not already receiving Tone at the Top, please provide their mailing and e-mail information to pr@theiia.org.

The Institute of Internal Auditors' auction will run from April 1, 2008, to April 30, 2008, with proceeds going to both the Internal Auditing Academic Advancement Fund (IAAAF) and The IIA Research Foundation (IIARF). Participate in the auction.

The Board adopted Rule 3526 to enhance communication between audit committees and registered firms regarding the firm's independence. Rule 3526 will require a registered public accounting firm, before accepting an initial engagement pursuant to the standards of the PCAOB,...

When auditors seek evidence of fraud, they take a careful look at a company's financial statements. Maybe they should examine other statements, such as those uttered by company executives. That's the theory behind new fraud-detection software developed by two professors at...

The IIA's popular Operational Auditing seminar has been reengineered to better meet your needs.We've reworked our four-and-a-half day course into two separate two-day courses that target more specific objectives and today's best practices, and are structured to your knowledge level.Operational Auditing: An Introduction provides a basic understanding of internal audit and control frameworks, and the tools you need to perform your first operational audit. (Two-day / 16 CPE credits)Operational Auditing: Advanced includes audit techniques and best practices, and encourages you to discuss yoru own operational auditing experiences. (Two-day / 16 CPE credits)Attend them individually or together for a comprehensive review of this important aspect of your job. Save US $200 when you attend both!Two-day seminars: US $1,150 IIA members / US 1,280 nonmembers / 16 CPE creditsFour-day seminars: US $2,100 IIA members / US $2,230 nonmembers / 32 CPE creditsClick here for more information on NASBA information and compliance.

New Webinar Series from The IIA and DeloitteThe Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) and Deloitte are pleased to present two exciting new interactive Hot Topics webinar series focusing on fraud and information technology. The first fraud Hot Topics webinar - The Fraud Control Gap: Implications for Internal Auditors - will highlight the implications for internal auditors of a recent Deloitte Forensic Center study focusing on fraud controls. Extensive Q&A time will be provided to address your questions.The information technology Hot Topics webinar series will kick off on May 29. The webinar - Spreadsheet Management Solutions - will highlight internal controls that are designed to help mitigate spreadsheet risk. More information and how to register will be forthcoming.The Fraud Control Gap: Implications for Internal AuditorsIn the absence of detailed fraud control standards, many companies are uncertain how their anti-fraud practices compare with those of their peers. In this webinar, hear about:Practices that differentiate companies that have been successful in controlling fraud. Ways to enhance the performance of existing fraud controls and fraud risk assessments. Concerns regarding hotlines and employee anti-fraud training and opportunities for improvement.Thursday, May 81:00- 3:00 p.m. ET (GMT-5)US $85 per person2 CPE credits (Auditing)Presented By Toby Bishop, Partner, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, Director, Deloitte Forensic Center Deborah Temkin, Senior Manager, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLPRegister today and view the entire schedule Click here

Knowledge Management (KM) is more than a buzz phrase running through organizations, so if you were hoping this discussion was going to abruptly end, think again. With so many organizations facing labor shortages as the baby boomers look toward retirement, it becomes not...

I appreciate when readers share their challenges in applying issues and concepts, as invariably there are an additional dozen people also struggling with this same topic. One professional writes: I am new at this and need to understand about SOX and SOD, do you have any...

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board has scheduled an open meeting for Tuesday, April 22, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board's open meeting room at 1666 K St. NW, Washington, DC. The Board will consider adopting Rule 3526, Communication with Audit Committees Concerning...

Let Us Come to You!Get a sneak peek at the On-site Training courses to be featured in our next mailer. Mention that you saw this on the home page of The IIA's Web site, and we will offer you special pricing on these as well as many other courses! Learn more.

Another resource available for those seeking to better understand and manage their SOD risks and issues. Corporate and IT executives continue to feel the pressures of assuring federal regulators, auditors, boards of directors, and stockholders that corporate financial...

Recently, the US Government implemented a new rule and proposed yet more rules regarding ethics and corporate compliance programs for government contractors. This marks a continuing shift towards adopting a more aggressive approach in addressing government contractor fraud,...

Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Christopher Cox asked Congress to approve his nearly $1 billion budget request for fiscal year 2009. If lawmakers agree the SEC needs its first budget increase in three years, the commission will have realized a roughly 4 percent...

April/May IIA Research Foundation (IIARF) Report Available The current edition of RF Report is now online. Share Rod Winters' reflections on highlights from the past three years and the focus for the future as he steps down as IIARF president; CBOK's next steps are announced; St. Louis Chapter research addresses the dreaded m-word (meetings); and a long-time supporter explains why research plays an important role in taking the profession to the next level. You can also read about five new products that bring a higher level of competency to both the practitioner and the profession.

Read along with internal auditors across the globe! Every profession has a body of knowledge on which practices, performance, and new initiatives are based, and internal auditing is no exception. Recently, influences such as technology, globalization, corruption, fraud, changes in regulations, and expectations of stakeholders have all affected the practice of internal auditing. To determine just how much these and other internal and external factors have changed the roles internal audit practitioners play in organizations all around the world, The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF) conducted a global survey in 2006 to contribute to the profession's "body of knowledge."In December 2007, The IIARF's A Global Summary of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) survey was made available to all members of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) as a free download from The IIA 's Web site. The results of CBOK will drive many critical aspects of the profession and will help define its future and ensure that it remains a valued profession. Each month, you can read an article on a featured research topic along with a recommended course of action. The article will provide some insight from the data of the featured topic and is something you can reproduce and use as needed. If you have questions about "CBOK of the Month" or need further assistance with interpretation of CBOK data, please contact research@theiia.orgApril's "CBOK of the Month" research topic: "Continuing Professional Development"(PDF)

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been viewed as a watershed event in dealing with corporate fraud. In addition to its extensive provisions dealing with internal controls and corporate accounting procedures, the law adopted new crimes and pushed the United States...

Dreading your pending SOX initiative? Or the thoughts of IPO? Or how you might refine your implementation? Hopefully, "Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404A Guide for Small Business" from the SEC takes some of the sting out of it. This incorporates much of the thinking and...