Internal control and risk management

The objective of this research is to identify and analyze the perception of a group of financial managers from private higher education institutions regarding the existence and applicability of internal control practices and risk management, and their effects on the financial area, in light of the COSO ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) model. This is a descriptive study, and the questionnaire, answered by 39 financial managers, consists of two parts: the first part identified the respondents' profiles, and the second is based on the COSO ERM model, featuring Likert-scale questions related to the eight components of COSO ERM's second dimension. The data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics and the Chi-Square Test. The research revealed the respondents' perception of the level of alignment with the COSO ERM recommendations, which was influenced by years of experience, tenure in higher education institutions, and internal auditing practices. It was found that while internal controls and risk management practices are present in these institutions, there is a need for improvements in the current practices. This study contributes to practical application, academic research, and suggests future directions for further investigation into internal control practices and risk management in private higher education institutions.