Search
 

SOX Costs Drop. Overall Audit Costs Rise

Sarbanes-Oxley costs dropped a whopping 41% with outside audit spending related to 404 compliance down 5.4%. But a spike in external audit fees resulted in an overall increase in all accounting costs for the year

By Staff Writer | Updated on May 06, 2008

The costs of complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) dropped a dramatic 41% in 2007 from the previous year as confidence in the accuracy and reliability of financial reports grew, according to a Financial Executives International (FEI) survey. Part of that drop was attributed to a 5.4% decline in spending for 404 attestation by outside auditors, FEI said, citing responses from 185 companies, most of which have market caps over $75 million. “As companies continue to find efficiencies in complying with Section 404 and make compliance part of a routine practice, we have seen a continued decline in costs,” says Michael Cangemi, FEI president and CEO.

That’s not so surprising. What is surprising, however, is that the drop in 404 auditor costs was more than offset by a 5% increase in the average hourly rate (about $210) charged by outside auditors for all audit jobs in 2007, not just SOX-related charges. As a result, overall spending for integrated financial reporting and controls climbed 1.8% to an average $3.6 million for larger companies, FEI said.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to Treasury & Risk, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited Treasury & Risk content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical Treasury & Risk information including in-depth analysis of treasury and finance best practices, case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts and videos, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

Treasury & Risk

Join Treasury & Risk

Don’t miss crucial treasury and finance news along with in-depth analysis and insights you need to make informed treasury decisions. Join Treasury & Risk now!

  • Free unlimited access to Treasury & Risk including case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM publications including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Treasury & Risk

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.