Global How can pharmaceutical and life

Pharmaceuticals
and Life Sciences
sciences companies optimise the
Industry Group internal audit function in a rapidly
changing risk environment?

Internal Audit Services To succeed in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving environment, pharmaceutical
and healthcare products companies must find ways to enhance shareholder value,
increase efficiency, contain costs and manage risk. The fast-paced changes within the
industry call for a unique approach to risk management to successfully achieve
corporate objectives.
Internal audit (IA) often plays a key role in the risk-management process. However,
many IA organisations find it difficult to stay relevant in a constantly changing risk
environment. PwC has worked with many companies in the industry to provide some or
all of their IA functions and help improve their existing capabilities. Utilising PwC’s IA
Drawing on industry- services enables your organisation to focus on its core activities by providing you with
experienced professionals and access to a range of skills that a complex, global business demands but which few
an industry-tailored risk can maintain.
assessment, we can help your
company address risk and Hub and spoke operating model
control issues across the Maximum value is achieved from the IA function when there is an understanding of not
corporate value chain. PwC only the organisation, but also of its unique industry challenges, risk-management
applies a structured priorities, regulatory environment and the diverse needs of key stakeholders. We will
methodology known as ORCA build a successful framework for your internal audit function by understanding these
(objectives, risks, controls, elements and their impact on your business.
alignment) to assist internal
audit organisations with an PwC has developed a unique ‘hub and spoke’ operating model to support IA. The ‘hub’
industry-specific risk consists of a core team of industry-experienced partners, managers and staff who focus
assessment and engagement on traditional IA activities
planning process. We apply within financial and operational
this knowledge to outline the areas. These professionals can
risks that could impact the work independently or be
achievement of business integrated to ‘co-source’ E-Business
Strategic Risks
objectives and to develop projects alongside Alliances
Intellectual
Asset
more effective control a company’s Management
Ethics &
structures. IA group. The Business
‘spokes’ are Conduct
experienced Managed Care
Reimbursement
professionals Samples
with deep Management
industry Internal Systems Security
knowledge Audit and Control
who Pricing
Strategy and
compliance
provide global Activities
support. This Clinical
Outsourcing
model is
Privacy & Data
flexible, scalable protection
and enables Treasury
Management
your IA group Research Risk
and
to direct its efforts Development Field Sales FDA
toward high-risk Grants Regulatory
Operations Compliance
areas.
PwC Advisory Our team of professionals offers significant experience and deep industry knowledge in
Pharmaceuticals areas such as:
and Life Sciences Project risk
Industry Group Continuity planning and resilience

ERP systems risk management

E-Business process and controls

Technology security
Internal Audit Services Business process improvement

Outsourcing

Treasury/finance risk management

Regulatory compliance

Transaction-related risk management

We focus on the following areas specific to the pharmaceutical industry (i.e., the
‘spokes’):

Internal audit function

• Effectiveness reviews • Training

Managed care
• PBM reviews • Chargebacks
• Rebates • Government pricing

Supply chain
• Vendor spend analysis • Supply chain security assessments
• Procurement review • Wholesaler audits and compliance

Finance reporting and accounting

• Actuarial • Revenue recognition
• Claims • Consolidation and month-end
close process
• Risk management
• Forecasting and budgeting
Contacts Compliance
Karen Young • Compliance programme assessments • Outsourcing
Partner
karen.c.young@us.pwc.com • FCPA • Field sales force
+1 973 236 5648 • Privacy
• Samples management
• Validation • SoX controls reviews
• Risk culture assessment

IT
• Security • Training
• Governance • Continuity
• Data quality • ERP controls
• Programme management • Project risk reviews

In addition, we can conduct HR effectiveness reviews, M&A strategy and process

reviews, and R&D operational planning assessments. The inclusion of these areas adds to
the comprehensive nature of our approach and emphasises the scalability of the
operating model.

www.pwc.com/pharma
This publication has been prepared for
general guidance on matters of interest
only, and does not constitute
professional advice. You should not act
upon the information contained in this
publication without obtaining specific
professional advice. No representation
or warranty (express or implied) is given
as to the accuracy or completeness of
the information contained in this
publication, and, to the extent permitted Global Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Industry Group
by law, PwC does not accept or assume
any liability, responsibility or duty of care
The Global Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Industry Group at PwC is dedicated to
for any consequences of you or anyone delivering effective solutions to the complex business challenges facing pharmaceutical
else acting, or refraining to act, in and life sciences companies. A global leader in serving the pharmaceutical and life
reliance on the information contained in
this publication or for any decision based
sciences industry PwC has extensive experience working with companies on industry-
on it. specific strategic, operational, and financial issues. Our expertise includes assurance, tax
© 2015 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC and advisory services, as well as specialised capabilities in regulatory compliance, risk
refers to the PwC network and/or one or management, performance improvement and transaction support. In helping our clients,
more of its member firms, each of which is
a separate legal entity. Please see we draw on the full knowledge and skills of PwC’s professionals. More than 195,000
www.pwc.com/structure for further details. people in 157 countries connect their thinking, experience and solutions to build public
150213-145024-SS-OS trust and enhance value for clients and their stakeholders.