Is Governance Keeping Pace? Highlights From KPMG's 2012 Audit Committee Issues Conference
Audit Committee Institute | March 15, 2012 | Article
Aside from financial communications, disclosures and related controls, the "top concern" for many of the 140 audit committee members attending KPMG's 2012 Audit Committee Issues Conference is the adequacy of "governance processes, controls and risk management -- particularly in light of emerging technologies, globalization and changes to the business."

Is Governance Keeping Pace With Technology, Business Change?
Audit Committee Institute | March 07, 2012
From risks posed by emerging technologies, cyberterrorism and globalization, to leveraging social media and data to shape customer strategy and support real-time business decisions, the speed and complexity of the business environment has pushed governance to the top of many agendas.

Fall 2011 Audit Committee Roundtable Report: Transformational Implications of Technology Pushing IT Higher on Audit Committee, Board Agendas
Audit Committee Institute | Dec. 30, 2011
The pace of technology change and the growing threat of cyber attack has pushed IT risk higher on audit committee and board agendas.

Prospect of Tax Reform Highlights Oversight Challenges
By Audit Committee Institute | Dec. 13, 2011
Oversight of tax risk has become an increasingly important responsibility for audit committees in recent years. In a survey conducted by KPMG's Audit Committee Institute, nearly one-quarter of audit committee members and executives reported that tax risk is on the audit committee's agenda at least quarterly - and for some, at every audit committee meeting. In this article, KPMG's Dennis Whalen and Hank Gutman share insights on how audit committees are carrying out their tax oversight responsibilities.

Where Does the Audit Committee Want to Spend More Agenda Time?
Audit Committee Institute | Nov. 14, 2011 | Article
As a barometer, audit committee agendas offer an important view -not only for directors but for management teams as well - of some of the critical issues that companies face in the current environment and in the months ahead. Even deeper insight can come from knowing where the audit committee wants to devote more of its agenda time.

Social Media: Time for a Governance Framework
Social media are no longer just social - these tools are commercial, and they are becoming a key element of business strategy.

Guidance for Governance Challenges – 2010 and Beyond
The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is offering a new publication aimed at helping board members identify critical issues and develop essential governance practices. The publication leverages the knowledge of NACD Alliance Partners, including KPMG’s ACI, in the areas of audit, compensation, law, finance, risk, and succession.

Defining Issues: PCAOB Proposes Auditing Standard on Communications with Audit Committees
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently released for comment a proposed auditing standard, Communications with Audit Committees. The PCAOB’s primary objectives in proposing a new auditing standard are to increase the relevance and effectiveness of communications between the auditor and the audit committee and emphasize the importance of effective, two-way communications.

Audit Committee Roundup: Growth, Risk, Financial Communications, Performance
Although we're seeing signs of economic growth, it's clear that a tenuous recovery lies ahead. Given the pressures on management, internal controls, and financial-reporting systems in this environment, the audit committee's role—and its effectiveness—will be pivotal. Read what 120 audit committee members from around the United States say are their top concerns and priorities, and what they see as keys to audit committee effectiveness going forward.

The 2010 Audit Committee Agenda – Uncertainty Rules
"With all thy governing, get understanding." More than a dozen public company directors who were convened for a speaker/panelist roundtable discussion at the sixth annual Audit Committee Issues Conference echoed the famous proverb, slightly amended for boardroom use. This article focuses on the opinions the directors shared in the wake of the economic crisis. While directors expressed their concerns about the immediate and long-term health of the U.S. economy and the prospects for growth, they are equally concerned about the specter of over-regulation.

Assessing the Adequacy of the Finance Organization's Resources
Does the CFO—and the finance organization—have the resources required to get the job done? Recent survey findings serve as a reminder to audit committees to periodically assess the adequacy of the CFO’s resources—including the internal audit function and the entire finance group. Many audit committee members and senior executives say they are concerned that the CFO and finance organization may be routinely working extraordinary hours, potentially impacting their effectiveness.

Benchmarking Key Disclosures Against Peers
This annual memo from KPMG’s Audit Committee Institute points to 10 items audit committee members should keep in mind as they consider—and carry