CMS News & Events

News: CMS Report to Enable Efficient Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
(June 25, 2004)
SAS-70 Type II Report Documents and Validates Controls

CMS, the leader in innovative promotional management services, announced today completion of a SAS-70 Type II report. This report enables CMS clients to comply more efficiently with Sarbanes-Oxley reporting guidelines by eliminating the expense of a customized audit.

Ernst & Young, LLP's report indicates CMS' description of controls has been placed in operation and tested for operating effectiveness, resulting in a Statement of Auditing Standards Number 70 (SAS-70) Type II report. As opposed to the Type I report that simply documents controls, the more vigorous Type II tests and validates the effectiveness of those controls in the production environment. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation requires public companies to document and verify controls – both those that are internal and those of its outside agents such as CMS.

"We process billions of dollars worth of coupon settlement transactions every year for over 625 manufacturer clients, so we have a tremendous responsibility to them and to their shareholders," said Bob Carter, president of CMS and himself a CPA. "They expect complete, accurate and reliable controls from us. This report verifies that our controls are well designed and work effectively."

According to Carter, this report further demonstrates the company's history of focus on quality financial controls. "Our clients can rest assured that the SAS-70 report provides independent verification of what numerous client audits have previously confirmed," said Carter. "We've successfully completed rigorous testing by audit teams from multiple clients over twenty years. Because integrity and security are so important to our clients, we put as much energy into making sure our financial controls function properly as we do in delivering innovative products and services."

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CMS, Inc. provides innovative promotional management solutions designed to deliver the maximum impact from every promotional dollar. We fulfill this promise by combining promotional expertise with the strategic use of technology and superior client service. Our clients benefit from efficient, proactive information management, processing and settlement solutions. CMS is an affiliate of Inmar, Inc. the nation's largest and most comprehensive provider of promotional settlement and information management services. Founded in 1980, Inmar serves over 625 packaged goods manufacturers and 375 retailers, processing more than 3.3 billion transactions annually. For more information, visit www.cms.inmar.com.

CMS is also proud to sponsor www.CouponInfoNow.com, the industry source for comprehensive information on planning and executing successful coupon promotions.