Risk Advisory

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (ICFR)

Assurance That Your Financial Reporting Stands on Solid Ground

ASC Group’s ICFR services in the UAE empower businesses to enhance transparency, reinforce internal governance, and ensure financial reporting accuracy. Our specialized approach integrates compliance, process-level controls, and industry benchmarks to help clients design, implement, and test robust internal controls over financial reporting, mitigating financial misstatements and regulatory risks

Key Benefits

Compliance with Financial Control Mandates

Supports UAE regulations and international standards such as SOX and COSO

Risk Mitigation

Reduces the possibility of material errors, fraud, or financial misstatements

Improved Financial Accuracy

Enhances reliability of financial reports and audit readiness

Control Testing Efficiency

Optimizes internal efforts with automated control evaluation

Stakeholder Confidence

Demonstrates transparent governance to regulators, investors, and boards

Legal & Regulatory Landscape

Key Regulations & Frameworks – Reference Applications

Regulation / Framework Application / Purpose

UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL)

Requires sound internal control mechanisms in financial reporting for all entities

SOX Act (for MNC subsidiaries)

Mandates ICFR design, documentation, and testing for consolidated reporting

IFRS Compliance & Audit Frameworks

Aligns financial controls with accounting principles, disclosures, and audit standards

COSO Internal Control Framework

Provides structure for risk assessment, control activities, and reporting reliability

Free Zone Authority Guidelines

Imposes internal control reviews as part of financial disclosures and audit compliance

Regulatory Penalties – Non-Compliance Impact & Rationale

Regulation / Authority

UAE CCL / MOE

SOX Act (via US Parent Entity)

FTA (Tax & VAT Controls)

Free Zones / Regulatory Authorities

Penalty Provision

Fines up to AED 500,000 for inaccurate financial records or misleading disclosures

SEC enforcement action, delisting risks, personal liability for CEOs/CFOs

AED 10,000–50,000 per violation for erroneous entries or undeclared adjustments

Non-renewal of licenses or audits flagged as unsatisfactory

Why It Matters

Poor internal control environments increase the risk of financial restatements

ICFR failure in subsidiaries affects consolidated financial statements

Weak reconciliation controls and improper accounting lead to non-compliance

Control breakdowns may trigger external audit remarks and legal implications

Our Comprehensive Service Solutions

Our ICFR/ICoFR Services Suite in UAE

Develop control matrices, risk registers, and policy documentation aligned to COSO/SOX

Identify financial reporting risks, material accounts, and key transaction flows

Test control design and operational effectiveness with walkthroughs and sample testing

Recommend corrective measures for failed or deficient controls

Quarterly or annual reviews to validate controls and maintain compliance

PROCESS & TIMELINE

Our ICFR/ICoFR Execution Model

Phase 1

Risk Identification & Scoping

Define scope of ICFR controls and map to reporting processes

Tentative Duration: 1-2 Weeks

Phase 2

Control Design & Documentation

Document risks, controls, and walkthroughs

Tentative Duration: Weeks 3–5

Phase 3

Control Testing & Remediation

Test operational effectiveness and advise on gaps

Tentative Duration: Weeks 4-6

Phase 4

Reporting & Follow-Up

Final report submission, audit prep, and management briefing

Optional - Ongoing Monitoring: Quarterly

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Why Choose us

Your Trusted Partner in UAE

Local understanding of UAE regulatory standards combined with global best practices

Proven support for listed companies, multinationals, and regulated entities

Strong command over COSO, SOX, IFRS, and audit-linked control environments

Integrated risk advisory approach with operational and compliance alignment

Our Commitment: We believe ICFR isn’t just about compliance — it’s about cultivating transparency, building investor trust, and improving internal maturity for long-term success.

Strengthen Your Financial Integrity with ASC Group’s ICFR Services in UAE: Risk-Mapped. Regulator-Aligned. Future-Ready Internal Controls

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Frequently Asked Questions

ICFR/ICoFR refers to internal controls over financial reporting. It helps ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with local and international accounting standards.

No. In the UAE, ICFR is relevant for any business seeking sound financial governance and audit preparedness — including family businesses and free zone entities.

Yes. We offer end-to-end ICFR solutions — from framework design to quarterly testing and audit support.

We follow COSO, IFRS, and SOX-aligned frameworks depending on business needs and regulatory exposure.

Absolutely. Our team offers practical remediation strategies and documentation updates to close deficiencies.

Yes. We provide sample-based control testing, exception analysis, and reporting aligned with auditor expectations.

While not universally mandated, ICFR is expected by auditors, regulators, and investors — particularly for listed, regulated, and large entities.

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Canada

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E.U.

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