Ubisoft 2009 Annual Report Download - page 178


174
 the controls necessary to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of data routed
via public networks, and in order to protect online systems;
 the availability of online services and systems.
The most important systems are housed in dedicated specialist IT centers that comply with the
security standards and needs of the Group. Security audits have been standardized for the vast
majority of IT projects in order to significantly improve the security of applications. The IT Department
has also worked towards distributing roles and responsibilities across the various security departments
in order to clarify mandates, scope and ownership.
The IT teams are also focusing much of their efforts on documentation and training in order to
guarantee the security, reliability, availability and relevance of accounting and financial information.
The Company has acquired a modeling tool with the specific objective of mapping the existing
information system in accordance with a methodology set as standard for all users of the tool in order
to allow for improved management of documentation and training.
3.1.3.3.3 Accounting and financial information validation procedures
Ubisoft’s accounting and financial information is produced by the Administration Department, under
the supervision of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, with the Board of Directors responsible
for final approval.
The consolidated financial statements are subject to a limited review as at September 30 and an audit
as at March 31 by the Group’s auditors. The Administration Department works with the statutory
auditors to coordinate the timing and main accounting processes to allow for in the annual year-end
process.
One-off assignments during the financial year such as pre-closing reviews prior to each closing date
make it possible to forecast and examine specific accounting issues in advance. This systematic
review allows for more orderly finalizing of accounts, as well as reducing the time needed to prepare
the consolidated financial statements.
The auditorship for the subsidiaries in France is assigned to one of the co-statutory auditors of the
holding company of the Group. At international level, the audit of the accounts in certain subsidiaries is
carried out by the KPMG network. Their local representative does everything required of him in the
respective country as regards statutory auditors. This organization contributes to the standardization of
accounting processes.
The Group announces its sales on a quarterly basis and its earnings every six months.
The Consolidation Department also collects and verifies the accounting information to be included in
the Group’s financial releases when related to the consolidated financial statements.
3.1.3.3.4 External financial information management process
The Financial Communications Department distributes the financial information required for the
Group’s strategy to be understood to the shareholders, financial analysts and investors.
All financial releases (and press releases) are reviewed and approved by Senior Management.
Financial information is published in strict compliance with market regulations and upholding the
principle of equality of treatment of shareholders.
3.1.3.4 Prospects
The Group intends to continue strengthening its internal control system, by specifically focusing on
increasing awareness among its teams and managers, systematically reviewing risks and developing
effective solutions adapted to the teams’ requirements.
From now on, in the interests of proximity and effectiveness, and in order to strengthen team-working,
the regional managers will be in charge of keeping this internal control process going and improving it
from the next financial year onwards.