1 EXHIBIT 13(a)viii MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING The management of CLARCOR is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of the Company's financial statements and the other financial information in this report. The financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and reflect, in all material respects, the results of operations and the Company's financial position for the periods shown. The financial statements are presented on the accrual basis of accounting and, where appropriate, reflect estimates based upon judgments of management. In addition, management maintains a system of internal controls designed to assure that Company assets are safeguarded from loss or unauthorized use or disposition. Also, the controls system provides assurance that transactions are authorized according to the intent of management and are accurately recorded to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. For the periods covered by the financial statements in this report, management believes this system of internal controls was effective concerning all material matters. The effectiveness of the controls system is supported by the selection and training of qualified personnel, an organizational structure that provides an appropriate division of responsibility, a strong budgetary system of control and a comprehensive internal audit program. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed of three outside directors, serves in an oversight role to assure the integrity and objectivity of the Company's financial reporting process. The Committee meets periodically with representatives of management and the independent and internal auditors to review matters of a material nature related to financial reporting and the planning, results and recommendations of audits. The independent and internal auditors have free access to the Audit Committee. The Committee is also responsible for making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the selection of the independent auditors. /s/ LAWRENCE E. GLOYD /s/ BRUCE A. KLEIN /s/ MARCIA S. BLAYLOCK - ------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------------- Lawrence E. Gloyd Bruce A. Klein Marcia S. Blaylock Chairman of the Board & Vice President-Finance & Vice President, Controller & Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Corporate Secretary January 7, 2000 29