According to ITIL 4, an effective control environment is one that ensures that the organization’s objectives are achieved in a reliable and compliant manner1. Effective controls are the mechanisms that prevent, detect, or correct errors, fraud, or non-compliance in the organization’s processes and activities2. Some of the characteristics of effective controls are that they are aligned with the organization’s goals, policies, and standards, they are proportionate to the level of risk, they are consistent and transparent, they are regularly monitored and reviewed, and they are responsive to changes and improvements3.
In the scenario given, the legacy financial system requires the user to manually enter the time and date of the transaction to meet regulatory requirements, but these fields are often blank. This indicates a lack of compliance and accuracy in the financial reporting process, which could expose the organization to legal, financial, or reputational risks. Therefore, some effective controls that could improve compliance are:
Modify the application to automatically add the current time and date when transaction is entered. This is a preventive control that reduces the risk of human error or omission by ensuring that the required information is always captured and recorded in the system. This control also enhances the efficiency and reliability of the process by eliminating the need for manual input.
Create a report showing non-compliant records and take action to correct. This is a detective and corrective control that identifies and resolves any instances of non-compliance or inaccuracy in the financial records. This control also provides feedback and evidence for the performance and effectiveness of the process and the controls.
The other options are not effective controls for improving compliance in this scenario because they do not directly address the root cause of the problem or provide a specific solution. Establishing a communication plan to remind users of the importance of time and date on transactions is a good practice, but it does not guarantee that the users will follow the instructions or comply with the requirements. Developing a goals cascade so all staff know their role in achieving company goals is a strategic activity, but it does not specify how the financial reporting process or the legacy system will be improved or controlled. Therefore, the best answer is D. 1 and 4. References:
1: ITIL 4 Managing Professional: Transition Module | Axelos
2: ITIL® 4 Managing Professional Transition Course Online - Simplilearn
3: ITIL 4 MP Transition: a transformed framework | Axelos
4: Internal Controls for Better Compliance | Reducing Risk
5: Internal Controls: The Definitive Guide for Risk and Compliance Professionals — RiskOptics
6: How to Establish an Effective Control Environment
