Corporate Governance Flashcards
What is the primary duty of the board of directors?
To monitor management behavior.
What is the responsibility of the Nominating or Corporate Governance Committee of the board of directors?
Oversees the board Responsible for hiring new CEO
What is the responsibility of the audit committee of the board of directors?
The audit committee appoints and oversees the external auditor.
What is the duty of the compensation committee of the board of directors?
The compensation committee handles the CEO’s compensation package.
What does the NYSE and NASDAQ require of the board of directors?
They require the board to be independent.
What is the main goal in an executive compensation package?
The package should ensure that the goals of management should match those of the shareholders.
How can an executive compensation package ensure that goals of management align with those of shareholders?
Executice compensation should create an incentive for management to govern in a shareholder-friendly way that doesn’t sacrifice the long-term success of the enterprise for short-term gain.
Which influences help mold the direction that management takes?
They range from internal (Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Internal Control) to external (Creditors, SEC, IRS) These influences should not be tainted by undue influence from management or have financial ties to management such as compensation-related duties
What is shirking?
When management doesn’t act in the best interest of shareholders. It can be alleviated by tying compensation to stock performance or company profit.
What requirements are imposed on a public company under Sarbanes-Oxley?
Management must submit a report on the effectiveness of Internal Control in the 10K. Management must disclose significant Internal Control deficiences. CEO/CFO must certify that the financial statements comply with securities laws and fairly present the financial condition of the company.
What characteristics are promoted by the COSO framework on internal control?
Reliable financial reporting Effectice and efficient operations Compliance
What are the elements of the control environment?
Integrity & Ethics Competence The Board of Directors & Audit Committee Management’s Operating Style Organizational Structure Authority & Roles of Responsibilities HR Policies
What are control activities?
A component of internal control that includes actions being taken to promote the control environment.
What are the basic elements of internal control?
Control Environment Risk Assessment Control Activities Information and Communication Monitoring
What is the significance of the Information and Communication aspect of internal control?
Management must have access to relevant and timely information to make good decisions.
