Mastering AP Internal Controls: How to Reduce Risk and Prevent Fraud

Accounts payable is not only responsible for control of cash paid by the business, but also handles sensitive vendor information such as tax ID numbers.  Adequate internal control is an essential element of accounts payable operations. Controls serve to protect company assets including company reputation through the protection of sensitive information and processes.  Controls assure that company records are accurate and complete. They monitor compliance with company policy and compliance with legal and contractual obligations and measure progress toward the achievement of organizational objectives. In addition, controls can result in cost savings through assessment and improvement of operational efficiency as well as the prevention, detection, and mitigation of errors and fraud.

With the rise in asset losses through fraud schemes targeting accounts payable, accounts payable professionals who have the knowledge and skills to identify and control risks and suggest appropriate solutions are in demand. In this webinar, you will learn how to develop and use detective, preventive, and corrective internal controls to mitigate risk, ensure information system security, and prevent fraud. 

The session will cover organized approaches to the development of internal control systems and controls based on the COSO frameworks, including risk assessment, development of the control environment, training of employees, and the objectives of the business. It will also discuss how to identify opportunities to improve internal controls that aid in achieving the objectives of the business and you can use the need for SOX compliance to facilitate implementation of control improvements.

Participants will learn how to develop and use detective, preventive, and corrective internal controls to mitigate risk, ensure information system security, and prevent fraud.

• Understand how the COSO frameworks provide an organized approach to the development of internal control systems.
• Understand how risk assessment can aid in identifying and developing effective controls
• Define preventive, detective, and corrective controls and describe examples of each type of control
• Understand the impact of the control environment and the important role that training plays in an effective control system
• Apply control classification and business objectives in the identification of risks and appropriate controls
• Know the SEC's five key principles of a sound data security plan and how to apply them to protect sensitive data
• Identify opportunities to automate controls and improve efficiency and accuracy

• COSO and the COSO framework and its approach to risk assessment and control system development.
• The importance of defining business objectives.
• Key considerations in establishing internal controls.  
• The importance of the control environment and how it can be fostered and maintained.   
• Various internal control classification schemes and how cross-classification can help identify best practices.  
• Examples of internal controls and using classification schemes. 
• The importance of a data security plan.   
• The Federal Trade Commission’s key principles of a sound data security plan.
• How to apply the FTC principles. 
• The importance of staff training in establishing the control environment and in the effectiveness of the control system.

Accounts Payable (AP) is a critical function within any organization, responsible for managing the company's obligations to pay for goods and services it has received. Due to the significant financial transactions handled by AP departments, they are often targets for fraud and errors, making effective internal controls essential. By mastering AP internal controls, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure, enhance financial accuracy, and build trust with stakeholders. This proactive approach not only prevents fraud but also contributes to the overall financial health and stability of the organization.