The result was the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 which protects the interests of investors and employees by making corporate disclosures more accurate and reliable. This book provides a basic understanding of this monumental legislation, its impact on public companies, and how these businesses can comply. Table of Contents Part 1: Sarbanes-Oxley Overview Introduction Origin of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act What Is Covered by Sarbanes-Oxley? What Employees Need to Know Summary Part 2: Director Independence Introduction Strengthening Federal and State Laws and Stock Exchange Rules Rules for Independent Directors Committees of Independent Directors Summary Part 3: Key Committees Introduction Audit Committees Nominating Committees Compensation Committees Summary Part 4: Reforms in Compensation and Stock Trading Introduction New Regulations Summary Part 5: Increased Criminal and Civil Liability Introduction New Crimes Increased Civil Liability Whistleblower Protection Summary Part 6: Enhanced Public Disclosure Introduction Taking Responsibility Periodic Reports Established Disclosure Controls and Procedures Reporting of Internal Control over Financial Reporting Adherence to Accelerated Disclosure Deadlines Proper Dissemination of Information Implementation of a Code of Ethics Summary Appendix Appendix to Part 1 Appendix to Part 2 Appendix to Part 3 Appendix to Part 4 Appendix to Part 5 Appendix to Part 6 Objectives Identify important areas covered by Sarbanes-Oxley Understand director independence requirements Become familiar with the responsibilities of audit, nominating, and compensation committees Identify reforms for compensation and stock trading Understand the provisions for increased criminal and civil liability Know the new public disclosure requirements
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