Tools

The following tools were published on KnowledgeLeader this week:

Revenue Forecasting Audit Work Program

Our Revenue Forecasting Audit Work Program provides a comprehensive framework to assist in evaluating and improving the revenue forecasting process within an organization. It outlines a systematic approach for reviewing the development, methodology and execution of revenue forecasts. The program considers key questions about who owns the forecasting process, how it is updated, and what information is used to formulate forecasts.

IT Project Governance Audit Work Program

Execute your organization’s IT project governance audit with the best-practice steps in this audit program. These steps include verifying that the project management organization has implemented a complete program management toolkit, ensuring that processes are in place to accurately and objectively convey the status of all layers of management, and confirming that project risks are reported to management in a timely manner. The document also provides steps to ensure that controls are incorporated into the applications.

IT Personnel Security Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that define the security standards that must be applied regarding personnel. Sample 1 includes a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring the security of IT personnel and resources within an organization. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous screening processes prior to employment to ensure that potential employees meet the required security standards. The policy mandates that all personnel, including employees and contractors, are well-informed of their security responsibilities through continuous awareness programs and training, ensuring that they are equipped to handle security incidents effectively.

Virus Protection Policy

The four sample policies included in this document outline the steps necessary to protect a company's computing environment from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and other forms of malicious software. Sample 1 emphasizes the importance of caution when dealing with email attachments and external disks. It also underlines the necessity of not disabling virus protection software installed on users' desktops. In case of suspected virus infestation, users are instructed to notify their service desk or local IT personnel immediately.

Vehicle Procurement Policy

This tool contains two sample policies that define and establish the responsibilities, internal controls and required authorizations for the creation, processing and issuance of purchase orders related to company vehicles. The first sample outlines the framework and procedures for the procurement of vehicles, parts and services at a company. It specifies that the creation of a purchase order (PO) is mandatory before any purchase can be made, ensuring that all acquisitions are pre-approved and documented to maintain financial control and accountability.

Human Resources (HR) Process and Compliance Audit Report

The objective of this review was to assess the overall effectiveness of human resources processes, with a specific focus on time reporting accuracy and completeness. This report primarily focuses on areas such as time reporting accuracy, payroll changes, recruitment, hiring and termination procedures. The tool identifies potential risks, inefficiencies and areas for improvement in these processes. It also provides detailed process maps for several HR functions, which can guide organizations in understanding and improving their workflows.

Product Safety Review Audit Report

Ensure compliance with product safety standards within your company with this audit report sample, which serves as an essential tool for internal audits, facilitating the review of product safety processes against significant U.S. regulatory requirements. The report outlines the roles and responsibilities across various departments such as social accountability, quality assurance and product safety, aiming to clarify their overlapping functions and eliminate any potential gaps in compliance. 

Publications 

KnowledgeLeader has also published several publications this week.

Managing Organizational Blind Spots and Disruption 

With the pace of change, technological advancement, geopolitical developments and business-model evolution in the marketplace, organizational blind spots and industry disruption continue to command interest in the boardroom. In October 2024, Protiviti hosted two events attended by more than 700 directors and senior-level executives to discuss these topics. Prior issues of Board Perspectives have discussed these issues, and our intention in facilitating these additional expert panels was to solicit further commentary on these topics of interest to many directors. This issue of Board Perspectives discusses 10 key takeaways from these events. 

Top Digital Experience Trends in 2025 and Beyond

To ensure that an organization’s brand remains at the forefront of digital innovation, it is important to identify the digital experience trends in the market today and explore how to best apply them in your business. This whitepaper highlights five digital trends that marketing and experience leaders should be prepared to leverage this year and beyond.

National Australia Bank's Paul Jevtovic: Public-Private Partnerships Key to Data Privacy

“Government agencies have to increase their level of trust in the private sector,” according to National Australia Bank’s Paul Jevtovic. He has enjoyed a long career serving Australia in national and international law enforcement, national intelligence and anti-corruption, as CEO of AUSTRAC, and as regional money laundering reporting officer and head of financial crime at HSBC. In this VISION by Protiviti interview, Adam Johnston, Protiviti managing director and country lead for Hong Kong, sits down with Jevtovic to discuss privacy regulation, customer expectations and the need for public-private cooperation to meet challenges.

Recommended Resources 

This list of recommended resources from the web may be of interest to you. Click each link to learn more. 

1. Six Generative AI Lessons Every CFO Should Take Into 2025
2. New FASB Standard Addresses Induced Conversions
3. Five Budgeting Strategies for CFOs Navigating Economic Uncertainty