“CSOX™”
Certified in Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)™
Certification Training

✅ Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

🧠 Foundational Knowledge & Frameworks

• Describe the historical context, legislative process, and key provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including its structure, titles, and objectives.

• Explain the requirements of Section 404 (ICFR) and the roles of regulatory and standard-setting bodies such as the SEC, PCAOB, AICPA, and COSO.

• Interpret key auditing standards and frameworks relevant to SOX compliance, including Auditing Standard 2201 (AS2201 – previously AS5).

• Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of professionals involved in SOX compliance at the entity and process levels, including those related to IT General Controls (ITGCs).

• Define and use core terminology relevant to SOX Section 404 compliance, such as significant accounts, key controls, significant deficiencies, and material weaknesses.

🛠️ Practical Application & Control Design

• Apply a top-down, risk-based approach to support internal controls, financial reporting, and SOX-related audits within an organizational context.

• Design and implement processes for scoping, assessing, documenting, testing and remediating internal controls in alignment with SOX and auditor expectations, including considerations for SOC reports and Critical Audit Matters (CAMs).

• Evaluate internal control systems and audit processes to identify opportunities for ongoing monitoring and improvement.

🚀 Modernization, Technology & Strategic Insight

• Adapt compliance strategies to address emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and evolving industry standards, including disclosure controls and procedures.

• Assess the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools to enhance SOX compliance efforts and audit efficiency.

• Analyze real-world challenges, costs, and practical considerations associated with SOX implementation and auditing.

📘 Phase 1: Foundations of SOX & Internal Controls

Module 1: Introduction to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) - Learn why SOX exists, who enforces it, and how it impacts your work.

• Historical Context and Legislative Background

• Overview of SOX Titles and Key Provisions

• Key Stakeholders and Regulatory Bodies

• (New) Case example: how WorldCom’s internal control failure led to Sox Title IV

• (New) Timeline visual of SOX implementation over the past 20 years

Module 2: Section 404 – Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (ICFR) - Understand what internal controls really mean and why they matter.

• Understanding Section 404 Requirements

• COSO Internal Control Framework

• Key Terminology in 404 Compliance

• Section 302 and Fraud Responsibilities (moved to 6)

• (New) Example ICFR narrative and RCM (Risk Control Matrix) walkthrough

🛠️ Phase 2: Audit Readiness, Testing, and Implementation

Module 3: Auditing Standards and Guidance for SOX - Connect standards to practice - learn how auditors assess controls and risk.

• Overview of Relevant Auditing Standards (AS)

• Risk Assessment and the “Top-Down, Risk-Based” Approach

• Auditor Reporting and SOX

• Audit Committee and Board Governance

• (New) Walkthrough of PCAOB AS 2201

Module 4: Designing and Implementing Internal Controls - Translate risk into well-documented, audit-ready controls.

• Identifying and Designing Controls

• Documentation Best Practices

• IT General Controls (ITGCs) — rename to Introduction to ITGCs

• Managing Change and Its Impact on Controls

• (New) Template review: Control Design Matrix

• (Optional New) Entity-Level vs. Transaction-Level Control Mapping

Module 5: Testing and Evaluating Controls - Gain hands-on tools for control validation and deficiency management.

• Types of Control Testing

• Evaluation of Deficiencies

• Third-Party Reliance and User Control Considerations (UCCs)

• (New) Control Testing Techniques (Inquiry, Observation, Reperformance, Inspection)

• (New) Deficiency aggregation guidance (quantitative + qualitative factors)

📈 Phase 3: Sustaining, Scaling & Modernizing SOX

Module 6: Monitoring, Reporting, and Ongoing Compliance - Keep your SOX program audit-ready year-round.

• Management’s Annual Internal Control Assessment

• Internal Audit’s Role in SOX Compliance

• Continuous Improvement and SOX Sustainment

• Disclosure Controls and Procedures (DCPs)

• Communication and Escalation Protocols

• (from Module 2) Section 302 and Fraud Responsibilities

• (New) Sample SOX dashboard + reporting cadence

• (New) Management certification example (CEO/CFO)

Module 7: Real-World Challenges, Costs, and Trends - Learn what really happens inside SOX programs, beyond the textbook.

• Practical Challenges in SOX Implementation

• Cost Management and ROI

• Benchmarking and KPIs for SOX Programs (suggestion to move to downloadable tools/templates section)

• Industry-Specific Considerations

• (New) Mini-debate: Internal SOX vs. Co-Sourced vs. Outsourced – pros/cons

Module 8: Technology, Tools, and Emerging Topics - Future-proof your SOX strategy with emerging tools and technologies.

• Tools and Templates for SOX Compliance

• Cybersecurity and SOX: Bridging the Gap

• AI, and in particular Generative AI, in SOX

• Future of SOX: Regulatory Trends and Global Influences

• (New) Demo: Example of a SOX automation tool (Workiva, AuditBoard, Hyperproof, etc.)

• (New) Example: AI control risk in financial reporting models

• (Optional New) ESG disclosures and SOX-like controls

Module 9 (NEW): Capstone Simulation or Role-Based Exercise

Capstone Ideas:

• Walk through a mock SOX audit from risk assessment to final reporting

• Identify ICFR gaps in a provided RCM or walkthrough

• Use a sample SOX dashboard to report findings to a “Board”

• Include role-based breakout (IT vs. Finance vs. Audit vs. Legal)

Prepare with confidence by focusing on these essential areas that cover both foundational knowledge and practical expertise for SOX compliance and auditing success.

1. Foundations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – 10%

Covers the legislative background, structure, and objectives of SOX, including its broader regulatory context and the roles of key stakeholders (SEC, PCAOB, etc.).

2. Section 404 and Internal Controls (ICFR) – 20%

Focuses on the core of SOX compliance - Section 404. Includes the COSO framework, key ICFR terminology, responsibilities under Section 302, and fraud considerations.

3. Auditing Standards and Governance – 15%

Explores the auditing standards applicable to SOX (e.g., AS2201), the role of auditors, risk assessment strategies, and the governance duties of boards and audit committees.

4. Internal Control Design and Implementation – 15%

Addresses the practical aspects of identifying, designing, documenting, and updating internal controls, including IT General Controls (ITGCs) and managing change.

5. Testing, Evaluation, and Remediation – 10%

Discusses testing methodologies, identifying control deficiencies, remediating issues, and using third-party and SOC reports to support compliance.

6. Monitoring and Ongoing Compliance – 10%

Focuses on continuous improvement of internal controls, including management assessments, internal audit functions, disclosure controls, and communication protocols.

7. Real-World Applications and Strategic Considerations – 10%

Examines the practical, financial, and operational challenges of SOX implementation, with emphasis on ROI, benchmarking, and sector-specific strategies.

8. Technology, Tools, and Future Trends – 10%

Explores how modern tools, including AI and generative AI, can enhance SOX compliance and audit processes, alongside discussions of cybersecurity and future regulatory landscapes.