HMI being an accountancy and auditing firm in Cyprus, provides clients with professional advice and assurance on controls and accounting systems. We understand our clients' operations, their industry and the issues they face, and this enables us to provide them with relevant advice. The combination of our specialist skills, industry expertise and ongoing investment allows us to anticipate complex business problems for our clients and recommend preventative action. Our computerised audit approach and investment in technology enables us to deliver seamless accounting and auditing services.
The specific services offered by our firm of Chartered Accountants in Cyprus are:
- Auditing and Reporting compliance in accordance with International Accounting and Auditing Standards
- Preparation and submission of Statutory Accounts to the relevant Cyprus Government Authorities
- Presentation of Financial Statements to the directors and shareholders
Sarbanes Oxley compliance
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
In July of 2002 the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed, and made law, in response to the collapse of Enron and a series of other corporate scandals in the US. The Act was introduced with the hope of reassuring investors and restoring their confidence through significant changes to the regulation of the auditing profession in the US. Section 404 of the Act requires the production of annual management reports and auditor attestation on the effectiveness of internal controls and procedures in respect of financial reporting for US companies registered on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and for their global subsidiaries.
"Sarbanes-Oxley is not about checking boxes. It is about accountability. If you audit a financial statement, if you are the CEO of a publicly traded company, indeed, if you have any role in the capital markets, you must be accountable for your actions."
William McDonough, chairman of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)
How it affects you?
In order for an auditor to successfully undertake the audit of your company's internal controls over its financial reporting, your management teams must ensure they:
- take full responsibility for the effectiveness of the company's internal controls over financial reporting;
- evaluate the effectiveness of the company's internal controls over financial reporting;
- provide supporting evidence of the aforementioned evaluation;
- submit a document attesting to the effectiveness of the company's internal controls over financial reporting.
The challenge faced adherence to, and implementation of, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, in particular Section 404, is one of the most significant challenges facing many companies today. Whilst many are increasingly committed to ensuring that they comply with the regulations, this is often considered against a backdrop of cost cutting. Many management teams are simply not fully aware of the real risks to themselves or their auditors.
As a result of the enormity of the task, many companies are struggling to find the manpower and the experience to conduct the project without professional support. To help you and your company to successfully address these new requirements, we are able to offer guidance and advice; whether that be in a purely consultative capacity or in providing professional help at every step of the way.
For a professional consultation on auditing and financial reporting matters in Cyprus, please
contact our firm of Chartered Accountants.
