Business compliance is a generic industry term encompassing how well a business follows the policies and regulations governing its commercial activity. No one starts a business blindly to become an employer. But, inevitably, as your business grows over time, you invite more people along the way with you. Whether they are your employees, business partners or vendors, they must be treated in a certain way.
To be compliant means that your business is at least minimally cooperate with applicable laws,
rules and regulations regarding issues that touch directly on your business operations and finances. Any deviation from good standing is potentially unacceptable and will likely result in sanctions and/or investigations. Business compliance as a service management includes the process of establishing a company-wide approach to making businesses more compliant so that violations of applicable laws and regulations do not get ignored and overlooked.
There are several ways to manage business compliance including self regulation; the involvement of management; and the use of third party compliance monitoring and management services. Self-regulation is the most common practice among small business operators. In this case, business owners follow their own internal policies and practices in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
A typical example of self-regulation is the establishment of a limited liability company or LLC (an entity separate from the owner). The existence of a law enables business owners to maintain personal and corporate accountability when it comes to making sure that they are following applicable laws such as the Clean Water Act or the Endangered Species Act in their respective areas of business. A limited liability corporation also allows business owners to control the use of their assets by other entities. Both of these options are important in ensuring business compliance. However, the creation of an LLC simplifies the compliance process by removing the potential for personal and corporate liability.
The use of third-party providers for business compliance requirements
is another common practice among small business operators. The use of these professional companies enables business clients to simplify their processes and eliminate certain complicating factors. The use of a professional service enables business owners to control the listing of their individual names on the LLC’s record and to file paperwork at the appropriate tax offices. The filing of state and local business licenses is also easier.
The use of an external compliance provider may be a convenient way to comply with business compliance requirements. An external compliance service provider can help business owners manage all of the various paperwork associated with filing the appropriate paperwork. In addition, an external compliance service can advise business owners about their specific compliance requirements, as well as the best way to achieve those requirements. This advice can be extremely valuable for many small businesses.
- Businesses can also take measures to ensure compliance with business compliance rules by engaging in a more disciplined approach to business operation.
- Businesses that choose to focus on internal controls can make sure that they have in place safeguards against external threats.
- Internal controls are best used in conjunction with a business compliance service.
A business compliance service can advise business owners about the procedures that should be taken to ensure compliance with small business regulations. These services can also assist with the creation of policies that will promote compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Business compliance issues can bring significant challenges to the business owner. In order to remain compliant, many business owners must engage in time-consuming efforts to conduct research and develop comprehensive business plans. This often puts a business at a disadvantage when it comes to obtaining financing from various financial resources. Laws can make it difficult for some entrepreneurs to obtain the financing they need. If you find yourself in one of these situations, consider the possibility of engaging in a compliance service to help you understand your legal obligations and your options for resolving them.