Internal Controls in a Shared Service Environment

September 15, 2015

D. Michael LinderDeputy Assistant CommissionerBureau of the Fiscal ServiceDepartment of the Treasury

ARC Background / Experience Began providing administrative shared services (including financial

management services) to other Federal agencies in 1997

Undergone annual service organization control reviews (SAS70/SSAE16) since 2002 – initially focused on financial management controls

Over time have expanded scope of control review to other services that impact financial reporting

Our SSAE16 report helps support 25 customer agency financial statement audits

Report published on ARC website at: https://arc.publicdebt.treas.gov/files/pdf/OIG15044.pdf

Benefits to Provider Organization Facilitates audit efficiency

Facilitates audit effectiveness

Provides management ‘peace of mind’

Provides useful training material for employees

Provides useful communication tool with customer agencies

Benefits to User Organization Facilitates audit efficiency

Facilitates audit effectiveness

Provides understanding of Provider control environment

Helps identify complementary controls needed at customer agency

Helps fulfill management’s A-123 responsibilities

Mike Linder, Deputy Assistant CommissionerFiscal Accounting304-480-5125mike.linder@fiscal.treasury.gov