Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) ITGC Audit Concepts and Coordination

Introduction to the core concepts behind SOX ITGC audits. This lecture outlines the key topics covered in this section, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), IT general controls (ITGCs), the COSO Framework, and the Risk Control Matrix (RCM), so you know what to expect and how these foundational concepts support effective audit coordination.

This lecture will discuss the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the major provision that impacts IT departments called "Section 404". 

Learn what a SOX IT audit is and how IT general controls (ITGCs) including access controls, change management, and IT operations are evaluated to ensure systems supporting financial reporting are secure, reliable, and accurate.

Learn what IT general controls (ITGCs) are and how they support reliable financial reporting. This lecture introduces the three core areas: access, change management, and IT operations.

Learn what access controls are and how they ensure only authorized users can access systems and data. This lecture introduces key concepts like least privilege, logical and physical access, and common control practices evaluated during a SOX IT audit.

Learn how data backup and recovery controls protect systems and ensure data can be restored. This lecture covers backup schedules, disaster recovery, and restoration practices reviewed during a SOX IT audit.

Learn how change controls help manage updates to systems so they are documented, tested, and approved before going live. This lecture walks through common practices like testing, approvals, and segregation of duties, and why they matter during a SOX IT audit.

Learn how organizations manage larger system changes through the system development life cycle (SDLC) and why this process is important for supporting financial reporting.

Learn how the COSO framework provides a structured approach to designing and evaluating internal controls and why it is widely used to support SOX compliance.

We'll cover the ITGC Risk Control Matrix (RCM) and how it’s used to document and manage controls.

You’ll learn how to read an RCM, understand key columns, and see how it supports walkthroughs and audit testing.

Includes a SOX ITGC RCM Example.

Introduction to SOX ITGC coordination. This lecture outlines the key topics covered in this section, including the purpose of a SOX ITGC audit, how the audit process flows from start to finish, and the key activities you’ll be involved in.

Learn the SOX ITGC audit process, including planning, evaluating controls, testing, reporting, and follow-up.

Learn how to structure a SOX ITGC audit timeline, including key phases, activities, and how to plan effectively for walkthroughs, testing, and remediation.

Introduction to SOX ITGC walkthroughs. This lecture outlines the key topics covered in this section, including the objectives of walkthroughs, how to prepare, how walkthroughs are conducted, and the common questions you can expect.

Learn the objectives of SOX ITGC walkthroughs, including understanding control design, confirming implementation, and building a foundation for audit testing.

Learn how to prepare for a SOX ITGC walkthrough, including key documents, logistics, and how to organize evidence for a smooth and efficient process. Includes a practical SOX ITGC Walkthrough Preparation Checklist to help you stay organized. Includes a SOX ITGC Walkthrough Preparation Checklist example.

Learn how SOX ITGC walkthroughs are conducted, including interviews, process validation, documentation, and evidence collection.

Understand common questions asked during SOX ITGC walkthroughs and how to prepare effective responses.

Learn how to avoid red flag responses and provide audit-ready answers during SOX ITGC walkthroughs.

Introduction to SOX ITGC audit testing. This lecture outlines the key topics covered in this section, including testing phases, results, remediation, and final validation.

Learn how Round 1 (R1) testing is performed and how auditors evaluate control design and operating effectiveness.

Learn how to effectively collaborate with auditors and internal teams to support a smooth and efficient SOX ITGC audit.

Understand how R1 testing results are communicated, including passes, exceptions, and management response expectations.

Learn how to address audit findings through effective remediation, including training, process improvements, and compensating controls.

Includes a SOX ITGC Remediation Tracker example.

Learn how Round 2 (R2) testing validates controls and evaluates remediation efforts.

Learn how update testing provides final validation of controls and supports year-end audit reporting.