SOX News

Second Edition of Sarbanes-Oxley For Dummies is out

(March 18, 2008)-- The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), with all of the regulatory details and legal jargon, can be a difficult piece of legislation to grasp. For those looking for a better understanding of its provisions and those companies working to meet the annual compliance requirements, the second edition of "Sarbanes-Oxley For Dummies" (a Wiley imprint; March 2008; $21.99), by attorney and SOX consultant Jill Gilbert Welytok, is a quick and easy reference to the latest legislation. It includes 25% new content, with coverage of compliance strategies for both changed and unchanged guidelines. Readers will find strategies for staying public or going private, SOX forms, privatization guidelines for companies that choose to privatize, and advice for managing financial impacts and benefits in the initial compliance year and beyond.

This clear-cut guide presents a summary of best practices, smart business policies, and important compliance checklists. It explains how to create an efficient audit committee, purchase and use SOX software solutions, and make practical, cost-effective decisions. With "Sarbanes-Oxley For Dummies, 2nd Ed.", readers learn how to:

-Understand why SOX was passed
-Establish SOX standards for IT professionals
-Minimize compliance costs in every area of a company
-Survive a Section 404 audit
-Avoid litigation under SOX
-Anticipate future rules and trends

"Sarbanes-Oxley For Dummies, 2nd Ed.", like all "For Dummies®" books, offers the "Part of Tens," including:

-"Ten Ways to Avoid Getting Sued or Criminally Prosecuted Under SOX," offering tips like maintaining an active and visible audit committee, maintaining proper communication, and keeping bonuses within bounds.
-"Ten Tips for An Effective Audit Committee," such as picking the right number of members, setting up subcommittees, and identifying a financial expert in the group.
-"Ten Smart Management Moves"--from forming a disclosure committee, to setting reporting schedules, to challenging outdated and overly detailed policies.
-"Ten Things You Can't Ask an Auditor to Do after SOX," like keep your books, appraise company property, and act as an actuary.
-"Top Ten Places to Get Smart after SOX," such as the Securities and Exchange Commission web site (www.sec.gov) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board web site (www.pcaobus.org), among others.

A "Cheat Sheet" in the front of the book includes good governance tips like getting good counsel for corporate officers; setting defensive communication standards; and knowing the hidden risks to board members.

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