Executive Education
... Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance Right arrow Curriculum
... Right arrow Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance Right arrow Curriculum

Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance

Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance
  • Upcoming Sessions
  • (1 of 2)
Chao-campus-nightlife

"Anyone would benefit from this program because the cases reflect situations we all deal with."

Douglas Johnson
Board Director, Aflac Incorporated, U.S.
Read His Story
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Chao-campus-nightlife

"Anyone would benefit from this program because the cases reflect situations we all deal with."

Douglas Johnson
Board Director, Aflac Incorporated, U.S.
Read His Story
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

What You Will Learn

The curriculum addresses the core responsibilities of audit committees as well as the emerging area of risk management. You will learn how to strengthen internal control systems and ensure that your company's strategy is reflected in its financial reporting. Through a rich learning experience that includes faculty presentations, case studies, and small group discussions, you will explore four key areas critical to effective audit committees.

Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Dropdown down Dropdown up

What You Will Learn

The curriculum addresses the core responsibilities of audit committees as well as the emerging area of risk management. You will learn how to strengthen internal control systems and ensure that your company's strategy is reflected in its financial reporting. Through a rich learning experience that includes faculty presentations, case studies, and small group discussions, you will explore four key areas critical to effective audit committees.

Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Key TopicsCollapse All

Strategy and financial reportingStrategy and financial reporting
Dropdown down
  • What are the drivers of success and risk in the company? How are these reflected in its financial reporting?
  • How should audit committees provide oversight of financial reporting and risk management?
  • How can the company best manage its key financial reporting risks?
Transparency and investor communicationTransparency and investor communication
Dropdown down
  • How can audit committees ensure that the company is meeting investor expectations for improved transparency in financial reporting and disclosure?
  • What role, if any, should audit committees play in the investor relations process?
  • How should you assess the costs and benefits of providing non-GAAP disclosures? What form should non-GAAP disclosures take?
  • How should the financial reporting strategy balance short-term performance pressure with achievement of long-term objectives?
Risk managementRisk management
Dropdown down
  • How can audit committees create an appropriate risk management infrastructure in the company?
  • What are the risk culture and the tone at the top of the company, and how do they affect corporate performance?
  • How should companies manage their cybersecurity risk, and how should boards monitor this?
  • How can companies use strong internal controls to promote rather than hamper growth?
  • How can audit committees measure performance in the areas of ethics and compliance?
Audit committee processesAudit committee processes
Dropdown down
  • How can audit committees better manage their relationships with directors, corporate management, and internal and external auditors?
  • What can an audit committee do to help improve audit quality?
  • How can audit committees ensure effective talent management and succession planning in the finance, accounting, and risk management function?
  • How can audit committees be designed to manage increasing demands?

Key Topics Dropdown up

Key Topics Dropdown down

Strategy and financial reporting

  • What are the drivers of success and risk in the company? How are these reflected in its financial reporting?
  • How should audit committees provide oversight of financial reporting and risk management?
  • How can the company best manage its key financial reporting risks?

Transparency and investor communication

  • How can audit committees ensure that the company is meeting investor expectations for improved transparency in financial reporting and disclosure?
  • What role, if any, should audit committees play in the investor relations process?
  • How should you assess the costs and benefits of providing non-GAAP disclosures? What form should non-GAAP disclosures take?
  • How should the financial reporting strategy balance short-term performance pressure with achievement of long-term objectives?

Risk management

  • How can audit committees create an appropriate risk management infrastructure in the company?
  • What are the risk culture and the tone at the top of the company, and how do they affect corporate performance?
  • How should companies manage their cybersecurity risk, and how should boards monitor this?
  • How can companies use strong internal controls to promote rather than hamper growth?
  • How can audit committees measure performance in the areas of ethics and compliance?

Audit committee processes

  • How can audit committees better manage their relationships with directors, corporate management, and internal and external auditors?
  • What can an audit committee do to help improve audit quality?
  • How can audit committees ensure effective talent management and succession planning in the finance, accounting, and risk management function?
  • How can audit committees be designed to manage increasing demands?
ApplyDownload Brochure
ApplyDownload Brochure
ApplyDownload Brochure
More Admissions Information
Chao-campus-nightlife

"Anyone would benefit from this program because the cases reflect situations we all deal with."

Douglas Johnson
Board Director, Aflac Incorporated, U.S.
Read His Story
Apply
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Chao-campus-nightlife

"Anyone would benefit from this program because the cases reflect situations we all deal with."

Douglas Johnson
Board Director, Aflac Incorporated, U.S.
Read His Story
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Related Programs
Preparing to Be a Corporate Director
Status

Accepting Applications

Date 15–18 MAR 2023
Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
Location HBS Campus
New Program
Advanced Corporate Director Seminar
Status

Accepting Applications

Date 11–13 MAY 2023
Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
Location HBS Campus
Value Creation Through Effective Boards
Status

Accepting Applications

Date 15–18 MAY 2023
Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
Location Spain
Making Corporate Boards More Effective
Status

Accepting Applications

Date 12–15 JUL 2023
Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
Location HBS Campus
Compensation Committees: New Challenges, New Solutions
Status

Accepting Applications

Date 16–18 JUL 2023
Format In-Person