How often should internal controls be reviewed?

Internal controls should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and relevant to changing risks. The business environment is dynamic, with various factors such as regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifts in operational processes that can impact the effectiveness of existing controls. Routine reviews enable organizations to identify and respond to these evolving risks timely, thereby ensuring that internal controls continue to mitigate potential issues effectively.

By conducting regular assessments, organizations can pinpoint weaknesses or gaps in their internal controls and make necessary adjustments before they lead to significant problems. These reviews can also help to reinforce a culture of compliance and accountability within the organization, as employees become accustomed to regularly assessing the efficacy of their operational frameworks.

In contrast, reviewing internal controls only at infrequent intervals, during management changes, or at the end of the fiscal year limits the organization's ability to respond proactively to new challenges. Relying on such sporadic assessments could lead to vulnerabilities that might be exploited, thereby compromising the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with regulations. Regular evaluations are thus essential for maintaining a robust internal control system.