Combined Assurance: Enhancing Financial Report Integrity through Integrated Assessment

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37497/jsim.v12.id163.2025

Keywords:

Systematic review, Combined Assurance, Corporate governance, Institutional sustainability

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the concept of Combined Assurance, focusing on its origins, evolution, and the recommended steps for implementing this process within organizations.

Theoretical/Methodological Approach: The research was based on a systematic review of articles indexed in the Capes, Emerald, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The analysis enabled the mapping of the conceptual development of Combined Assurance and the identification of key practices and guidelines for its implementation.

Findings: The results indicate that the concept of Combined Assurance originated in South Africa, specifically in the King II Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa (2002). The study identified the main steps for adopting the model: (i) establish a mature risk management framework; (ii) raise awareness about Combined Assurance; (iii) appoint a program leader; (iv) develop a structured strategy; and (v) map assurance providers and consolidate assurance results.

Contributions: This study offers a systematized theoretical foundation for professionals, researchers, and institutions interested in implementing Combined Assurance, providing a practical roadmap for its application. The research also highlights that the model enhances internal control environments and mitigates risks, including accounting fraud, thus promoting greater institutional integrity and sustainability.

Originality/Relevance: The topic remains underexplored in most Brazilian organizations, making this review a relevant contribution to the advancement of corporate governance and sustainable institutional management practices.

Author Biographies

Rene Guimaraes Andrich, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (Mackenzie), São Paulo

PhD candidate in Accounting and Finance at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, with a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Controllership. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Extensive experience in Internal and External Audit, Internal Controls, Risk Management, Compliance, Governance, and Financial Reporting in large organizations. Served as Chair and Member of Statutory Audit Committees in federal and state-owned enterprises, alternate member of the Fiscal Council in a major financial institution, and Chair of the Board of Directors of a third-sector entity. Former Global Head of Internal Audit at a publicly traded Brazilian multinational and Head of Internal Audit for Latin America at a Swedish multinational. Background includes work as an external auditor at a Big Four firm. Academic experience includes lecturing in graduate programs and training Audit Committee members. Certified by the IIA (CIA, CRMA, CCSA) and IBGC (CCA+, CCF, CCoAud). Contributed to the IBGC Internal Audit Guide (2018) and technical training materials (2019).

Liliane Cristina Segura, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo

Doutorado em Administração na área de Finanças pela Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, Mestrado em Administração na área de estratégia pela FEA-USP. Graduação em Ciências Contábeis pela FEA-USP. Pós-Doutorado em Administração pela Universidade de Salamanca (Espanha), Especialista pela CSU - Fresno em Entrepreneurship Business Plan na California State University, Fresno, Estados Unidos. Certificada pela IACAFM (International Association of Certified Accountants and Financial Managers) em IFRS. É Coordenadora do Curso de Graduação em Ciências Contábeis da Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie. Atua como professora pesquisadora da Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, nos cursos de Graduação, Mestrado e Doutorado (PPG-CFE). Professora de diversos MBAs e cursos in company. Participa ativamente de projetos nacionais e internacionais com financiamento Capes e órgãos de fomento internacionais. Sócia diretora da Open-book Assessoria Contábil e Financeira. Consultora e sócia da empresa L&L Segura na área financeira e contábil. Possui larga experiência em área financeira e contábil de empresas de varejo. Linhas de pesquisa: Governança Corporativa, Responsabilidade Social Corporativa, Finanças Corporativas e Contabilidade Societária.

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Published

2025-05-21

How to Cite

Andrich, R. G., & Segura, L. C. . (2025). Combined Assurance: Enhancing Financial Report Integrity through Integrated Assessment. Journal of Sustainable Institutional Management, 12(JSIM), e0163. https://doi.org/10.37497/jsim.v12.id163.2025