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Internal Control Self-Assessment Checklist

A self-assessment checklist for management to evaluate internal control across the five COSO components.

Internal Control Self-Assessment Checklist

A self-assessment checklist for management to evaluate internal control against the COSO framework's five components.

Control environment

  • [ ] Code of conduct is documented, communicated and enforced
  • [ ] Authority and responsibility are clearly defined
  • [ ] Competence requirements are established for key roles

Risk assessment

  • [ ] Risks to objectives are identified and rated
  • [ ] Fraud risk is explicitly considered
  • [ ] Change is assessed for new risks

Control activities

  • [ ] Controls are designed to address identified risks
  • [ ] Controls are operating as designed
  • [ ] IT general controls support application controls

Information and communication

  • [ ] Quality information supports objectives
  • [ ] Internal communication flows support responsibilities
  • [ ] External communication meets stakeholder needs

Monitoring

  • [ ] Ongoing and/or separate evaluations are performed
  • [ ] Deficiencies are evaluated and escalated
  • [ ] Corrective action is tracked to closure

Management owners complete the checklist annually; results feed the internal audit risk assessment and the board's assurance view.

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