Firm Launches New SOX Compliance Service

Atlanta (Aug. 19, 2003) -- Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance is the basis of a new service offered by Hackett Group.

The Hackett Group is a research unit of consulting firm Answerthink Inc., which was formed in 1997 by former KPMG partners.

The new, membership-based service provides guidance from both Hackett analysts and peer companies. It is designed to address the needs of CFOs and, more specifically, to help companies foster collaboration between executives in finance, human resources, information technology, and other areas so they can establish a governance structure in support of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, according to Hackett Group president Bruce Barlag.

“This service can help companies deal with this Sarbanes-Oxley requirement more comprehensively and effectively, and also cut the cost of achieving compliance significantly,” Barlag said. "Our wealth of best practices research provides an exceptional starting point for companies driving towards Sarbanes-Oxley compliance."

The service also includes Webcasts led by Hackett analysts or peer companies plus a regular executive forum conference that will cover corporate governance issues in a manner designed to enable peer executives to network and learn from one another.

An initial Webcast already attracted 40 companies, at a price of $75,000 for two individuals for a two-year membership, according to Hackett.

Participating companies have access to an online library of Sarbanes-Oxley reference materials, including case studies, presentations from Hackett analysts, and content shared by participating companies. Member companies can also play a role in the design and execution of Hackett surveys to capture key Sarbanes-Oxley metrics.

Answerthink clients listed on its Web site include AC Nielsen, Verizon, McGraw-Hill, 3Com, Gap and Unisys.

-- WebCPA staff

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