Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Also known as: ICFR · Item 9A
DEFINITION
Internal Controls over Financial Reporting are the processes designed by management to ensure financial statements are prepared reliably in accordance with GAAP. SOX 404(a) requires management to assess ICFR annually; SOX 404(b) requires an independent auditor's attestation for large accelerated filers. Item 9A of the 10-K reports the conclusion: effective, or not effective due to a material weakness.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR RETAIL INVESTORS
ICFR conclusions are binary in their reading: 'effective' is normal, 'not effective' is a red flag. Read Item 9A first, then look at the specific weakness described. Companies often distinguish between 'material weakness' (most severe) and 'significant deficiency' (less severe). Multiple consecutive years of material weakness is the strongest signal that a company's reported financials cannot be fully relied on.
OFFICIAL SEC SOURCE
https://www.sec.gov/info/smallbus/secg/icfr-faq.htm ↗RELATED TERMS
See Internal Controls over Financial Reporting in a real filing
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