The Internal Controls Quarterly Self-Assessment Program Guide is a comprehensive manual aimed at enhancing the understanding and application of internal controls within an organization. It begins with a definition of internal control as a process influenced by an entity's board of directors, management and personnel to ensure the achievement of objectives such as operational efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with laws and regulations. The guide emphasizes that internal control is not merely about policy manuals or forms but involves people at every level of an organization. It also seeks to debunk common myths surrounding internal controls, highlighting that they are integral to every aspect of business and should be built into business processes rather than on to them.

The guide further outlines the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Compliance Quarterly Assessment Program with steps including maintaining control documentation, validating control accuracy, reviewing control responses, updating controls, and evaluating information for required disclosures. As part of this program, it sets responsibilities for process owners and subsidiary management who are required to escalate any potential disclosable issues or changes at least quarterly. The guide provides useful instructions on how process owners can surface significant changes in their internal controls through questionnaires for evaluation by the internal audit team for possible disclosure. Furthermore, it offers resources for assessment demonstrations with details on key control certification, process owner certification, and more.