As your company completes the FY2025 Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance cycle and prepares for FY2026, now is the ideal time for Internal Audit teams to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen control precision, and enhance audit readiness.
This article, the first of a focused series, guides you through next steps so you can approach SOX compliance in 2026 with clarity and confidence.
Key Insights and Actions from Your FY2025 Compliance Cycle
As part of your FY2026 planning process, take a proactive lookback at your FY2025 SOX cycle. Use this review to pinpoint what worked well and where you can drive further improvement. Areas for your Internal Audit team to consider include:
- Analyzing control deficiencies, related observations, and specific process improvements identified during FY2025
- Conducting root cause analysis on any controls that required excessive remediation or auditor re-performance
- Reviewing recurring issues involving documentation, timing, or evidence quality to target process adjustments
- Evaluating areas that faced heightened external auditor scrutiny, so you can anticipate and address challenges early
Facilitate Lessons Learned Sessions Across Audit Teams and Key Stakeholders
Facilitate internal lessons learned meetings with your own audit team, any co-source providers or subject matter experts involved, and your external audit team. Expand your feedback loop by soliciting input from control owners and other key stakeholders to ensure a well-rounded perspective for future cycles.
If you have questions about refining your SOX approach or want to discuss how to strengthen your internal processes, reach out to the Schneider Downs team at [email protected].
About Schneider Downs Risk Advisory
Our team of experienced risk advisory professionals focus on collaborating with your organization to identify and effectively mitigate risks. Our goal is to understand not only the risks related to potential loss to the organization, but to drive solutions that add value to your organization and advise on opportunities to ensure minimal disruption to your business.
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