Navigating SOX compliance in a dynamic business environment 

Our client, a renowned publishing education and research company with a rich legacy of over 200 years, faced the challenge of maintaining a robust SOX compliance program amid rapid growth and frequent acquisitions. With over $2 billion in revenues, the company needed a fresh perspective to ensure their compliance efforts kept pace with their evolving business landscape 

Transforming compliance for agility and efficiency 

The client previously relied on a Big 4 firm to manage their SOX program but found traditional approaches lacking in agility and cost-effectiveness. Bough was engaged to take over the SOX program, bringing in fresh perspectives, tailored strategies, and efficient solutions to align with the client’s rapidly changing operational needs. 

Revitalizing the SOX program with an adaptive approach 

Bough deployed an agile and cost-effective SOX solution designed to cater to the client's dynamic business needs and objectives. 

• Agile SOX delivery: Developed a flexible SOX compliance program to adapt quickly to operational changes 

• Control framework analysis: Conducted a thorough review and update of process documentation, including process flows and narratives 

• Risk identification: Identified inherent and residual risks, ensuring accurate risk and control assignment 

• Diagnostic assessment: Performed an in-depth diagnostic assessment of the existing control framework, addressing gaps and areas of concern 

• Dynamic program design: Designed a streamlined SOX program strategy to enhance compliance efforts and reduce costs 

• Effective implementation: Seamlessly integrated new controls, updated processes, and aligned SOX compliance with the evolving operational landscape 

Precision-driven SOX compliance solutions 

In addition to managing the SOX program and ensuring compliance, Bough implemented targeted solutions to enhance the client’s SOX program, focusing on process optimization, risk management, and technological advancement. Our strategic approach ensured that the compliance framework was streamlined, efficient, and adaptable to future changes 

• Solid baselining of process documentation: Updated process flows and narratives and ; cleansed the Risk and Control Matrix (RACM) to ensure current and accurate risk and control assignments 

• Enhanced reliance by external auditors: Designed comprehensive testing templates to facilitate smoother compliance evaluations and increase auditor reliance 

• Streamlined compliance and resource allocation: Reduced compliance burden and optimized resource allocation through an agile approach 

• Cost-effective service delivery: Utilized off-shore capabilities to maintain high-quality service at reduced costs 

• Control rationalization for operational efficiency: Eliminated redundant or duplicate controls to gain efficiencies 

• Adaptive control environment: Implemented a continuous improvement mechanism for proactive risk identification and mitigation 

Results - Quantifiable impact and lasting benefits 

Bough’s innovative strategies led to significant improvements in the client’s SOX compliance program. Our approach enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and ensured a streamlined, reliable compliance process. 

• Operational efficiency: Agile SOX delivery and control rationalization led to increased productivity and reduced compliance burden 

• Audit readiness: Enhanced documentation and testing templates facilitated smoother audit processes and increased auditor reliance 

• Cost reduction: Achieved 57% reduction in annual compliance costs by rationalizing controls, increasing auditor reliance, freeing up client internal audit teams’ involvement and leveraging offshore capabilities for optimal resource allocation 

• Adaptive compliance: Continuous improvement mechanisms allowed swift responses to operational changes and proactive risk management. 

Bough's tailored solutions not only stabilized the client's SOX compliance program but also positioned them for agile and cost-efficient operations moving forward.