Thank you for your interest in this program. The JUL 2020 session currently is waitlisted. The Admissions Committee will consider additional applications should space become available. For up to date information on future offerings, please bookmark this page.
Summary
As the focus on corporate governance and oversight has grown, so has the complexity of regulatory challenges facing audit committees. This virtual corporate governance strategy program explores the best practices that your audit committee can use to fulfill its mandate and increase its strategic contribution. You will acquire the frameworks to align corporate strategy with financial reporting—and help your company operate more effectively in today's rigorous market and regulatory environment. You will emerge from this live online program equipped to grapple with the understanding of how audit committees can deal with the new business environment created by the COVID-19 crisis.
You may also be interested in the related in-person program: Audit Committees.
This program is eligible for the Corporate Director Certificate. Learn More
As the focus on corporate governance and oversight has grown, so has the complexity of regulatory challenges facing audit committees. This virtual corporate governance strategy program explores the best practices that your audit committee can use to fulfill its mandate and increase its strategic contribution. You will acquire the frameworks to align corporate strategy with financial reporting—and help your company operate more effectively in today's rigorous market and regulatory environment. You will emerge from this live online program equipped to grapple with the understanding of how audit committees can deal with the new business environment created by the COVID-19 crisis.
You may also be interested in the related in-person program: Audit Committees.
This program is eligible for the Corporate Director Certificate. Learn More
Key Benefits
This audit committee virtual training program prepares you to manage the creative tension between the compliance and strategic roles of the audit committee. While improving your ability to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability, you will learn how to move your company beyond a compliance mentality toward strategic financial reporting and effective risk management. You will take away key learnings that you can apply immediately to the challenges and uncertainties presented by the COVID-19 crisis.
This audit committee virtual training program prepares you to manage the creative tension between the compliance and strategic roles of the audit committee. While improving your ability to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability, you will learn how to move your company beyond a compliance mentality toward strategic financial reporting and effective risk management. You will take away key learnings that you can apply immediately to the challenges and uncertainties presented by the COVID-19 crisis.
Details
Enable the audit committee to play a more strategic role
Align financial reporting, compliance, and risk management functions with the company's growth and profit objectives
Ensure the integrity of financial information
Foster the right culture regarding compliance and risk
Develop a financial reporting strategy
Improve audit committee effectiveness
Develop better tools to manage cybersecurity and other risks
Enhance oversight of the finance, accounting, and risk management functions
Improve transparency and the quality of audit and financial reporting
Oversee legal and regulatory compliance more effectively
Strengthen collaboration with corporate management and auditors
Ensure optimal communication with investors on financial reporting and disclosure
Expand your personal and professional network
Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished directors from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions
Who Should Attend
Current or potential audit committee members on boards of publicly listed companies, board chairs, and chief executive officers
Chief financial officers, general counsels, and risk officers who work closely with audit committees
Also appropriate for: Audit firm partners, investor relations professionals, legal advisors, and nonprofit board members
Attendance by two or more representatives of your audit committee or organization will foster teamwork and enhance the program's impact.
Leaders in Virtual Learning
When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.
Dive Deeper into the Experience
We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?
Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.
We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.
Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).
Application Submission
We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.
Application Review
To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.
We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.
Answering Your Questions
Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).
Application Submission
We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.
Application Review
To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.
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. The program includes a focus on the emerging issues resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. 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.
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. The program includes a focus on the emerging issues resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. 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.
Program Format
The program takes place over three days, with live, synchronous classes daily (10:00 AM to 2:45 PM ET, including two 30-minute breaks), a recommended welcoming session, and small group discussions for learning and networking. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside a total of 2-3 hours per day for program work in addition to the synchronous class sessions.
The program takes place over three days, with live, synchronous classes daily (10:00 AM to 2:45 PM ET, including two 30-minute breaks), a recommended welcoming session, and small group discussions for learning and networking. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside a total of 2-3 hours per day for program work in addition to the synchronous class sessions.
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?
How has the COVID-19 crisis affected your strategy and how should financial reporting respond?
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 risk management concerns have manifested during the COVD-19 crisis and how should you respond?
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?
How should your audit committee reorient itself to respond to the demands created by the COVID-19 crisis?
The HBS Advantage
Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
Faculty Chair
Suraj Srinivasan
Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Business Administration
Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
Faculty Chair
Suraj Srinivasan
Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Business Administration
Program content, dates, fees, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.
