Internal Controls Need Owners, Not Just Documents
Written policies and procedures are important, but they are only effective when someone is responsible for putting them into practice. Departments should identify owners for significant controls and higher-risk processes and make sure responsibilities are clear as roles and operations change.
Internal Control Officers, Chief Fiscal Officers, General Counsels, Department Security Officers, managers, and other business owners all play a role in maintaining effective internal controls. A control owner does not need to perform every step. Instead, the owner helps ensure responsibilities are clear, staff are trained, and assigned activities are performed and reviewed.
Why This Matters
Clear ownership helps prevent gaps when employees or responsibilities change, while supporting accountability and segregation of duties. It also helps demonstrate that internal controls are operating in practice and provides documentation for the Department Head’s Annual Internal Control Certification and audits.
Action Steps
- Assign owners. Identify who is responsible for significant controls and higher-risk processes.
- Keep responsibilities current. Update assignments when employees transfer, separate, take extended leave, or change roles.
- Monitor and document. Periodically confirm activities are being performed as intended and retain appropriate documentation.
Bookmark the Internal Controls webpage and CTR Compliance Corner for alerts, resources and success factors you can integrate into daily operations to help your department stay compliant and support your mission.