Controls

Below are listed some basic Internal Control concepts that we believe managers should know, and which have been discussed with VDH Division and Department managers during new Employee Orientation and Audit exit meetings.

These concepts are discussed in great detail in most texts about management, managing risk and internal control. It is management's responsibility to ensure internal controls are present and functioning in all operations.

Key components of good Management Controls:

• Clear, concise, well-communicated policies.
• Adequate separation of key components of operating functions.
• Well defined transaction approval limits.
• Clear exception procedures.
• Regular monitoring and feedback through proofing, reviewing, reconcilements, verifications, confirmations or physical inspection.
• Management held accountable at all levels of responsibility for their actions and for those of staff reporting to them.
• Intolerance for intentional errors, omissions and lack of knowledge.

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