Internal Control Systems

Discover How Our Internal Control Systems Can Free You to Work ON Your Business… Not IN Your Business.

We can help you help your business by providing an objective review of your internal control systems and determine the efficiency and effectiveness of your operating procedures.

Among the corrections we might help you make with your internal control systems are…

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Segregate duties in order to reduce risk of error or inappropriate action. This involves making sure that no one person has control over all aspects of any single financial transaction.

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Ensuring that all transactions are handled by a delegate with approved authority to handle such transactions.

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Put systems into place which create a process where all transactions are reviewed and reconciled by someone other than the transactor.

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Assure physical safety of all equipment and introduce periodic counts to compare equipment, inventory, cash and other property are consistent with that on record.

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Implement job training for all employees and make sure that employees have the knowledge and resources to carry out their job duties, are provided with an appropriate amount of supervision, and are aware of the channels for reporting potential problems.

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Documentation of all policies and procedures that are accessible to your employees and the procedures for continued guidance and training regarding these procedures to address employee turnover or prolonged employee absence.

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A consistent review of operations to determine that results are consistent with objectives and goals.

Let Us Help:

How Many KPIs Should You Have For Your Cleveland Business?

Key TakeawaysYou only need 5–9 true KPIs for effective 2026 planning. KPIs should connect directly to a specific financial or strategic goal. Too many KPIs dilute focus and slow decision-making. The right KPIs help you act earlier, not just analyze...

Season’s Greetings From Inner Circle Advisors

Merry Christmas (we believe in the 12 Days of Christmas!) and Happy New Year from the Inner Circle Advisors team!  We wish you peace and prosperity in 2026.For you and me both, this week can feel like a blur – trying to finish out last-minute year-end tax moves...

What Are The Year-End Tax Moves to Make Now For Cleveland Business Owners?

 Key TakeawaysIt is not too late to create meaningful tax savings before December 31, but the remaining moves are very timing-sensitive. Low-cost, in-stock equipment and supplies are the most realistic last-minute purchases that can still be deducted this...

Big Beautiful Bill Details Cleveland Business Owners Might Have Missed

Key Takeaways The more favorable EBITDA-based business interest deduction limit is back for your 2025 tax year. (New restrictions are coming in 2026.) New R&E rules aren’t automatic. Retroactive benefits for 2022–2024 require elections, deadlines, and...

What Payroll Checklist Steps Do Cleveland Business Owners Need to Complete Before December 31?

Key TakeawaysVerify all business and employee information early. Even small errors in EINs, addresses, or Social Security numbers can create big filing issues. Review 2026 compensation rules now. State and local minimum wage increases and the Social Security wage...

Cleveland Small Business Holiday Expenses: What Can I Deduct On Taxes?

Key TakeawaysCompany-wide holiday parties for employees are generally 100% deductible, as long as they’re not exclusive to owners or managers. Meals with clients are typically only 50% deductible, and entertainment remains 0% deductible. Employee gifts can...

Greg Hostelley’s Perspective: What Are The Most Important Cybersecurity Measures for Small Businesses?

Key Takeaways Create a written data protection policy. Every employee should know the rules for handling sensitive data. Back up data regularly with secure cloud services or encrypted physical backups. Encrypt everything so stolen data is useless to...

Can Cleveland Investors Use Losses To Lower Capital Gains Federal Tax?

 Key TakeawaysYou can sell losing investments to realize a capital loss that offsets taxable gains. If your losses exceed gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 against ordinary income ($1,500 if married filing separately). Unused losses carry forward...

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Year-End Hiring Benefit for Cleveland Businesses

Key TakeawaysYes, the WOTC applies if you hire someone before December 31, 2025.  You must submit IRS Form 8850 to your State Workforce Agency (SWA) within 28 days of the new employee’s start date. The credit can be worth up to $2,400 per eligible...

Why Cash Flow Management Is Important At Year-End in Your Cleveland Business

Key Takeaways Profit doesn’t equal liquidity: You can look great on paper (i.e., profitable) and still run out of cash. Year-end cash flow management is about accelerating what comes in and strategically optimizing (delaying) what goes out (legally, of...

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Click here to schedule a time to meet with us. We will NOT make dealing with a tax professional as painful as it’s been in the past!