Sarbanes-Oxley isn’t just about complex compliance issues. Companies that fully embrace the measure can find that it serves as a potent catalyst for business and technology change. Greater enterprise value will accrue from enhanced controls, improved information quality and a more streamlined organizational structure.

Deloitte & Touche LLP and Deloitte Consulting LLP help companies maximize the long-term business value of their Sarbanes-Oxley activities. With our integrated audit, tax and consulting capabilities, we bring all the tools and perspectives needed to help our clients not only achieve full Sarbanes-Oxley compliance but also improve corporate governance, strengthen controls and increase investor confidence.

We believe that an organization that views Sarbanes-Oxley as an opportunity to improve business performance, rather than as a mere exercise in compliance, will get a re-energized company, reassured investors, and an ultimate increase in enterprise value. To reap these benefits, however, a company must build the right controls and approaches into its compliance program from the beginning. Some key guiding principles for companies implementing Sarbanes-Oxley compliance programs include:

• An internal control program adopted and endorsed by the board, audit committee, chief executive officer and other C-suite executives
• Sarbanes compliance based on effective and efficient business processes, enabled by properly designed and implemented technology, executed by competent people
• An expectation that the accuracy, timeliness, reliability and transparency of a company’s financial information will garner the recognition of stakeholders
• Change as a necessary component for improving the organization
• The critical need for sustainability (this is not a onetime issue)
• A financial commitment to strong governance
• A guarantee for open communication

We more fully discuss our point of view on Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in Lean & Balanced: How to Cut Costs Without Compromising Compliance. In addition, Sarbanes-Oxley Resources provides a wealth of information.