Assessing internal control effectiveness in selected organizations in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Abstract

The present research centered on an exhaustive evaluation of internal controls within specific entities affiliated with the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The primary objective was to pinpoint areas needing improvement, thereby ensuring alignment with the foundational mission and objectives of the affiliated institutions. Grounded in the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework, this study covered the key domains of Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, Monitoring Activities, and the integral aspect of Frequency of Control. The methodology employed was quantitative, relying on an adapted questionnaire for data collection. This instrument was informed by the COSO (2013) framework and was adapted from the "ICE Control Environment Questionnaire". Data were collected from fifteen selected entities, namely the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, the SIDMEDIA institution, twelve unions, and one attached field. A diverse group of 136 participants, spanning roles from officers to finance secretaries, provided valuable insights. While 'Table 20' offers a range of actionable strategies, the study emphasizes the recommended measures to enhance the efficiency of internal controls. Key recommendations include the establishment of robust reporting systems, the creation of specialized training modules, and a revisiting and potential revamping of prevailing policies. This research underscores the paramount importance of robust internal controls, highlighting their role in bolstering transparency, fostering accountability, and elevating overall organizational efficiency within religious institutions.