COSO by Control Environment

The control environment is the foundation for an internal control system. It provides the discipline and structure that affect the overall quality of internal control. It influences how objectives are defined and how control activities are structured. The oversight body and management establish and maintain an environment throughout the entity that sets a positive attitude toward internal control.

1. The oversight body and management should demonstrate a commitment to integrity and ethical values.
2. The oversight body should oversee the entity’s internal control system.
3. Management should establish an organizational structure, assign responsibility and delegate authority to achieve the entity’s objectives and mitigate the risk of fraud, waste or abuse.
4. Management should demonstrate a commitment to recruit, develop and retain competent individuals.
5. Management should evaluate performance and hold individuals accountable for their internal control responsibilities.