Information & Communication is necessary for the entity to carry out internal control responsibilities to support the achievement of objectives.  Management generates and uses relevant and quality information from both internal and external sources to support the functioning of internal control.  Communication is considered a continual and iterative process of providing, sharing and obtaining necessary information.  Information and Communication is the fourth component in the COSO framework.

COSO 2013 maintained the same five components previously identified within the 1992 framework.  These include:

  • Control Environment
  • Risk Assessment
  • Control Activities
  • Information & Communication
  • Monitoring

This COSO training course is designed to focus on the Information and Communication  component and the three separate principles that support this component. 

Information and Communication stands at the heart of any company.  It incorporates not just verbal communication but also a company’s IT infrastructure.

  • Principle 13: The organization uses relevant information. (5 POF)
  • Principle 14: Internal communication is effective.            (4 POF)
  • Principle 15:  External communication is sufficient.         (5 POF)

The course dissects the three principles and important concepts that companies need to understand and support in order to prove that the principles are in place and functioning.  We also discuss concepts related to mapping the principles to controls within the organization.

Management and the external auditors must understand each of these principles and be able to adequately support that they exist, are appropriately designed and functioning.  In addition, the components must effectively work in combination to provide for a positive attestation to internal controls.

“Citations of information on the COSO framework, principles and points of focus mentioned through this course are directly worded from the COSO literature and relayed here with the permission of COSO.org as a training mechanism related to their framework. The full document of the Framework can be found at COSO.org”.

Course Series

This course is included in the following series:

7 CoursesCOSO 2013

  1. COSO 2013 Overview
  2. COSO 2013 Control Environment
  3. COSO 2013 Risk Assessment
  4. COSO 2013 Control Activity
  5. COSO 2013 Information and Communication
  6. COSO 2013 Monitoring
  7. COSO 2013 - Operational Execution
Learning Objectives
  • Defining Information & Communication component for COSO 2013
  • Examining the principles supporting the information and communication component.
  • Articulation of the Points of Focus that support the principles of Information & Communication.
  • Exploring how to utilize these points of focus most efficiently in your transition process.
  • Design of principles vs. execution – understanding the critical difference.
  • How the Information & Communication component connects to the other four components of COSO.
Last updated/reviewed: March 18, 2024
40 Reviews (170 ratings)

Reviews

5
Anonymous Author
Another very valuable course from Lynn. Many references to real life examples are what makes this course unique, in my opinion. The course would be useful for management to better understand importance of internal controls and COSO principles.

4
Anonymous Author
Information and Communication is an element of IC that can be overlooked as something obviously existing and working in the company. This course outlines the basic requitrements to Information and teaches us to not take them lightly.

5
Anonymous Author
Lynn did an excellent job explaining why information management and communication are so important to the control environment. I liked how the materials also captured the importance of the IT Infrastructure elements.

4
Anonymous Author
Another great course on COSO 2013 from Lynn Fountain. The material was relevant and well-presented, moved at an appropriate pace and was informative. Thank you for your dedication to continuous education.

5
Anonymous Author
Good overall presentation on the Points of Focus of the principles of Information&Communication Compliance. The quiz and exam were shorter and easier than the others.

5
Anonymous Author
Overall the course was well presented, and the slides were quite detailed, and provided a good understanding of the importance of information and communication.

5
Anonymous Author
Good overview of information and communication requirements under COSO 2013, including discussing of the 3 underlying principles and related POFs.

5
Member's Profile
very informative provided additional clarification to allow for the ability to further improve the internal control structure

4
Member's Profile
A good overview of how important information and communication are to the control environment of an organization.

5
Anonymous Author
Crucial topic for internal auditors to understand and implement in their organization. Very good presentation.

4
Anonymous Author
This is an interesting and refreshing course. Nothing surprised me. Beginners will benefit from this training.

4
Anonymous Author
This course discusses the importance of information and communication in the implementation of a good ICS

5
Anonymous Author
Lynn continues her dominance as the best trainer on this site. You go, Lynn! Keep up the amazing work.

4
Member's Profile
It is a great course to refresh concepts of COSO 2013 / Information and Communication element.

4
Anonymous Author
good information on COSO Complying information & communication component. good examples.

5
Member's Profile
Did not do these in order, as I thought would be best, but they also stand alone very well.

3
Member's Profile
Great review and refresher on COSO principle that concerns information and communication.

4
Member's Profile
Good class on the IC component. Worth taking. I like all of the COSO 2013 classes.

5
Member's Profile
Overall helpful in understanding the information and communication principle

5
Anonymous Author
Good course for COSO 2013 information and communication that add value

4
Anonymous Author
COSO 2013 Information and Communication is a good course.

5
Anonymous Author
Very informative and well structured course. Good Job.

5
Anonymous Author
Very comprehensive and covering all aspects of COSO

5
Member's Profile
Very detailed information for the topic.

5
Member's Profile
Very detailed and easy to follow.

4
Anonymous Author
Good understanding of IC for COSO

5
Member's Profile
Very good course presentation

5
Member's Profile
Nicely presented course!!!

4
Anonymous Author
It was a very good course

5
Member's Profile
Excellent presentation

5
Member's Profile
Interesting subject.

4
Anonymous Author
Good information.

5
Anonymous Author
good course

Member's Profile
Good Course

4
Anonymous Author
Good topic

5
Member's Profile
great!

4
Anonymous Author
Good

4
Member's Profile
Good

4
Anonymous Author
Good

Anonymous Author
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Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

Prerequisite: Exposure to risk management

 

Advanced Preparation: None

 

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Information and Communication
  Defining Information and Communication10:23
  Information and Communication Principles18:24
Points of Focus
  Points of Focus that Support the I&C Principles12:23
  Understanding How to Utilize the POF in Your Transition Process5:45
CONCLUSION
  Course Conclusion and Summary7:51
Continuous Play
  5 COSO 2013 Requirements for Complying with the Information & Communication Component58:01
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: Requirements for complying with the Information & CommunicationPDF
  COSO Control Activity Glossary/IndexPDF
BONUS MATERIAL
  Bonus Material: "The Pain of Risk Tolerance"PDF
REVIEW & TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam