COSO defines monitoring as “including
ongoing evaluations, separate evaluations,
or some combination of the two used to
ascertain whether each of the five components
of internal control, including controls
to affect the principles within each component,
is present and functioning.”
Without regular monitoring, controls tend
to weaken over time. This element of internal
control can be especially cost effective
for smaller and entrepreneurial enti ties,
because review by an owner or manager
is a very effective monitoring technique if
done well and in a timely manner.
The authors recommend compiling a
monitoring schedule, with assigned responsibility
and expected completion dates.
Owners and managers might need to be
trained in what to look for. Some recommendations
include reviewing the following: