SOX: The Complete Planning Guide
Harold Peckron, J.D., LL.M., M.B.A., Ph.D.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or “SOX,” has had far-reaching consequences not only for U.S. public companies but also for foreign issuers listed on a U.S. exchange, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and government entities. It has changed the culture of business, raising standards for governance, integrity in financial reporting, and ethical conduct for all entities. SOX implications affect every aspect of business from the Human Resources department’s national or international whistleblower protections, through due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, to Board of Directors’ responsibilities.

Also, SOX has set specific new standards of conduct for professionals such as securities analysts and lawyers. Because the requirements of SOX are so wide-ranging and because they are implemented over time by a variety of institutions, it is difficult for a company and its advisors to be certain they have done everything necessary to comply. Equally important, it is difficult to see past the myriad rules to the planning opportunities in the post-SOX environment.

SOX: The Complete Planning Guide provides the all-encompassing guidance an organization and its advisors need to make sure all the bases are covered. It explains and analyzes:

the Sarbanes-Oxley Act itself
how the implementing institutions operate
the requirements for corporate governance and especially the audit committee
the requirements and processes for establishing internal controls over financial reporting
how SOX affects a variety of specific transactions such as new business acquisitions
how SOX applies to non-issuer organizations
the new professional standards that apply
the new SOX-mandated civil and criminal penalties

What makes the publication unique is that it draws together the requirements from all governing institutions (FASB, GASB, IASB, PCAOB, AICPA, ASB, SEC, and national securities exchanges) into one resource. Examples and pointers throughout the guide offer practical solutions for all organizations. Checklists at the end of each part cover, for example, criteria for selecting a registered public company auditing firm, the design of a corporate complaint system, the design of effective disclosure controls, identification of deficiencies and material weaknesses in internal control, and many more. Supplements to the guide include the full text of SOX and the PCAOB’s Auditing Standards.

Other books written by Harold Peckron:

• Pricing a Company: The Complete Guide
• Revenue Recognition: The Complete Guide