GAO “Green Book” – Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government
Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity’s mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity’s mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary.
Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government. Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (known as the Green Book), provide the overall framework for establishing and maintaining an effective internal control system.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-123 provides specific requirements for assessing and reporting on controls in the
federal government. The term internal control in this document covers all aspects of an entity’s objectives (operations, reporting, and compliance).
The Green Book may also be adopted by state, local, and quasigovernmental entities, as well as not-for-profit organizations, as a framework for an internal control system. Management of an entity
determines, based on applicable laws and regulations, how to appropriately adapt the standards presented in the Green Book as aframework for the entity.
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) updated its internal control guidance in 2013 with the issuance of a revised Internal Control - Integrated Framework.
COSO introduced the concept of principles related to the five components of internal control. The Green Book adapts these principles for a government environment.
Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity’s mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity’s mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary.
Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government. Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (known as the Green Book), provide the overall framework for establishing and maintaining an effective internal control system.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-123 provides specific requirements for assessing and reporting on controls in the
federal government. The term internal control in this document covers all aspects of an entity’s objectives (operations, reporting, and compliance).
The Green Book may also be adopted by state, local, and quasigovernmental entities, as well as not-for-profit organizations, as a framework for an internal control system. Management of an entity
determines, based on applicable laws and regulations, how to appropriately adapt the standards presented in the Green Book as aframework for the entity.
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) updated its internal control guidance in 2013 with the issuance of a revised Internal Control - Integrated Framework.
COSO introduced the concept of principles related to the five components of internal control. The Green Book adapts these principles for a government environment.
