Audit committees faced many challenges in 2021. As the economy continues to navigate a global pandemic, there are new dimensions to the oversight roles and responsibilities of the audit committees. Consider taking the following four steps to fortify your committee’s effectiveness.
1. Focus on fundamentals
Check in with your accounting team and evaluate the planning processes that have been put in place for the first quarter of 2022 to ensure that the financial reporting process will wrap up on time. Take the time to revisit goals and expectations to develop an agenda for 2022 that directs the audit committee’s attention back to the basics. The committee is responsible for oversight of the following key areas:
• Financial reporting,
• Disclosures,
• Internal controls, and
• The company’s audit process.
Each agenda item before the audit committee should ideally relate to one of these areas.
2. Assess the composition of the audit committee
Periodically, it’s appropriate to assess the level of financial expertise that each committee member possesses, especially if the group’s composition has recently changed. If the company anticipates significant changes in the regulatory environment, now may be the time to add suitably qualified members to the audit committee. At least one member of the audit committee should possess in-depth financial expertise. (Publicly traded companies have specific “financial literacy” requirements.)
Today, companies increasingly recognize the value of adding gender and racial diversity to decision-making bodies, including audit committees. These companies believe diversity is a strength that leads to better-informed decisions and fresh perspectives.
3. Get a handle on operational risk
Your company’s risk profile may have changed during the pandemic. For example, you may have temporarily cut staff or deferred capital investments to preserve cash flow during uncertain times.
However, these crisis-driven decisions may adversely affect the company’s long-term financial performance. The audit committee should consider asking management to review significant operational decisions made in the last year to determine if excess risk was created and whether it’s time to change course.
In addition, operational changes and increased financial pressures on accounting staff may expose the company to increased risk of internal and external fraud. And remote working arrangements could lead to cyberattacks and theft of intellectual property. If you haven’t already done so, it’s a good time to request that internal auditors commission a fraud and cyber-risk assessment. Proactively assessing these issues can dramatically reduce the probability of losses occurring.
4. Consider exposure to financial difficulties across the supply chain
The pandemic may have affected certain suppliers and customers, especially those located overseas or in states with COVID-19-restrictions on business operations. The audit committee should evaluate whether management has identified the company’s material relationships and the potential financial and operational impact if any of those businesses close or file for bankruptcy.
Full speed ahead
By taking proactive measures, your audit committee can help improve your company’s performance. Contact us to help position your company to minimize risks and maximize value-added opportunities in 2022 and beyond.
© 2021