CPA Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)

Certified Public Accountant Business Environment and Concepts examination.

Advanced Topics

Risk Management and Internal Controls

Protecting the Business

Risk management is identifying and addressing potential problems before they happen. Internal controls are policies and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure accurate reporting.

Key Components

  • Risk Assessment: Spotting potential threats.
  • Control Activities: Steps to minimize risks.
  • Monitoring: Regularly checking if controls work.

Importance for CPAs

Strong controls help prevent fraud, errors, and regulatory penalties.

Real-Life Example

A company separates duties so one person can't both approve and pay invoices, reducing the risk of theft.

Examples

  • A company installs security cameras to deter theft.

  • Regular audits catch policy violations before they become big problems.

In a Nutshell

Risk management and internal controls keep businesses safe and reliable.