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CIMA P3 · Strategic Level

C. Internal controls

This section explores the design, implementation, and evaluation of internal controls within organisations, covering control environments, control activities, internal audit functions, and how controls support organisational objectives while managing risk effectively.

  • 16 lessons
  • 3 modules
  • 2.3h of video
  • ~25% of the exam
Start the first lesson → About the CIMA P3 course

What you'll learn

By the end of C. Internal controls.

  • Explain the purpose and features of internal controls within an organisational context
  • Describe how organisational structure and ethics support the effectiveness of internal controls
  • Identify types of internal control activities and evaluate their limitations in practice
  • Analyse the role of information and data management as forms of organisational control
  • Explain the purpose and scope of internal audit and distinguish between different types of audit
  • Evaluate how internal controls and internal audit functions support the achievement of organisational objectives

The lessons

16 lessons, module by module.

Internal control systems

6 lessons
  1. 1 The purpose and features of internal controls 9m
  2. 2 Supporting internal controls with org. structure and ethics 10m
  3. 3 The responsibility of senior leadership 3m
  4. 4 Performance and appraisal 12m
  5. 5 Non-financial performance measures 12m
  6. 6 Quality and project control 9m

Risk management and internal control

4 lessons
  1. 1 Types of internal control and control activities 6m
  2. 2 Limitations of internal controls and dysfunctional behaviour 10m
  3. 3 Information as a form of control 14m
  4. 4 Data protection and big data 10m

Internal audit

6 lessons
  1. 1 Introduction to internal audit 6m
  2. 2 Types of audit - part 1 9m
  3. 3 Types of audit - part 2 9m
  4. 4 Carrying out internal audit - part 1 7m
  5. 5 Carrying out internal audit - part 2 8m
  6. 6 Auditing in an IT environment and reviewing IA 6m

Questions

About C. Internal controls.

What does the Internal Controls section cover?

This section covers the design, implementation, and evaluation of internal controls within organisations. It addresses control environments, control activities, the role of internal audit, information systems as controls, and how these elements work together to support organisational objectives and manage risk. The section emphasises both the theoretical foundations and practical application of internal controls in real-world business settings.

Is this section important for the P3 exam?

Yes, internal controls are a core component of the P3 syllabus and regularly feature in objective test questions. Understanding control design, types of controls, internal audit functions, and risk management through controls is essential for exam success. Questions often require you to apply control concepts to business scenarios and evaluate control effectiveness.

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