A successful risk management strategy requires a strong internal control environment. The RCM format emphasizes that strong and risk-oriented internal control environments are often optimized with automated/manual controls, depending on the situation.

An RCM provides an overview of different control objectives that organizations should take into consideration and the corresponding controls to safeguard the company against risks, which may arise if not checked timely. Once customized to an organization, this document can help the user in assessing each control. The control assessment can then also be summarized to develop an action plan to strengthen the internal control structure.

This document outlines risks and controls common to the 05.2.5 General Ledger Accounting (Close the Books) process in a risk control matrix (RCM) format.

Sample risks include:

• Account balances are not properly classified in the general ledger and financial statement
• Accounting may not be performed in compliance with GAAP and SEC requirements
• Controls do not exist to prevent the re-opening of a closed accounting period and the subsequent adjustment of activity
• Duties are not adequately segregated

This document can be used as a sample RCM and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of risks and controls. The KnowledgeLeader team will periodically update this RCM with new content. Organizations should select, update and modify the risks and controls included in this document to ensure that it reflects business operations.