SOX Compliance and Certification: A Pathway to Excellence in Financial Governance
In 2002, multiple financial Scandals, such as Enron and Worldcom, took place. That is where the Sarbanes Oxley Act 2002 comes into light, which aims to improve financial disclosure and reporting to rebuild investors' trust.
Sox compliance always evolves with a new twist, and complying with this has always been a complicated task for business. They need a master of the intricacies of SOX compliances, and you can become the one.
Professionals such as CPAs, CIAs, CMAs, accountants, and auditors holding the position of CEO, CFO, legal advisor, and internal auditor must equip themselves with SOX-specialized skills.
Any professional can take the Sarbanes Oxley Certification program with the intent of helping businesses follow the rules and comply with them. These Professionals can become management consultants or business advisors.
Even non-accounting professionals who are actively engaged in corporate governance and risk management can also take the course.
Professionals must enroll in the course to get a deep insight into SOX and its implications. Designed and instructed by Lynn Fountain (CAE) and Michel Morley (CPA), the 33 hours of course learning will guide you to be a SOX professional, holding a Special and valuable designation.
The Advanced Certification Program Will Include
A Simplified course to learn SOX compliances.
Learn Key principles and SOX framework 1992.
SOX Section 806 and its legal requirements.
COSO framework 2013 with its advantages and limitations.
Strong internal control to meet your standards.
Public Company: All public companies, their subsidiaries, or foreign-parented companies in the US must comply with SOX.
Company planning for IPO: SOX compliance is compulsory for Private companies or businesses planning to list for IPO.
Accounting Firm: Accounting firms that conduct audits of public companies must comply with SOX compliances.
Private Company: In some cases not specifically mentioned, Complying with the SOX is also necessary for private companies.
SOX encodes strict rules for accountants, auditors, and Corporate officers for law enforcement.
Complying with the SOX is compulsory to present effective corporate governance, internal control, accountability, and transparency in financial reporting.
Some Established companies prefer to comply with SOX for better internal and financial control, business transparency, and risk assessment.
It helps the business prioritize and manage risk, improves collaboration, and effectively presents financial reporting.
Noncompliance may lead to a punishment offense of a monetary fine or imprisonment of 10-20 years.
It helps to develop a sustainable business environment and long-term vision for the business.
Hence, the SOX certification is very important for businesses and knowledge of SOX compliance opens a new opportunity to upskill and grow one's career.
The corporate structure is becoming more competitive and complex. Demand for SOX professionals has become stagnant, and professionals with strong command over SOX are highly valued today. Achieving a SOX certification can be a game-changer for professionals in multiple ways:
Improve your corporate governance, financial reporting, and Professional knowledge to improve business reporting and transparency.
It is a professional credential to improve your credibility and reputation as a trusted advisor.
Specializing with the SOX designation will benefit you with higher designation and Salary.
SOX is globally recognized, and expertise in financial governance risk management opens a global career opportunity.
It creates a sense of fulfillment by mastering critical regulation and advocating for ethical business practice.
CPAs, CIAs, and CMAs can benefit from the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits provided by the SOX Certification, which also count towards their professional education requirements.
SOX Certification is primarily beneficial for finance and auditing professionals. Still, for anyone involved in corporate governance, risk management, and legal compliance, the certification offers a broader understanding of corporate financial practices.
Publicly registered businesses traded in the investment market and audit firms of public companies must comply with SOX. A private holding company planning to register for an IPO should also comply. In some specific cases, private companies may also need to follow. For other major private corporations, it is not mandatory to comply, but they can choose to follow for better financial management, corporate governance, and internal control.
SOX Certified Professionals can help organizations manage their compliance frameworks, improve internal control systems, and ensure accurate financial reporting, thereby strengthening the organization's overall compliance.
John Paul Ruiz has over 27 years of experience in the retirement and financial services industries. Before joining Entrust, he served as Vice President of Professional Development for Integrated Retirement Initiatives, LLC. John Paul has valuable retirement plan insight from his roles at Ascensus, the IRA Institute, and American Bankers Association, among others. In addition to his extensive career in the industries of retirement and finance, he holds QKA and CISP certifications. John Paul ensures the Entrust team remains compliant with ERISA regulations, and uses his impressive retirement industry knowledge to help them better serve their clients.
