The Role of the Internal Audit Department
Definition of Internal Auditing “Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. ” The Institute of Internal Auditors
We’re Here to Help! Identify Risks Find Better Ways and Best Practices Partner With You to Find Solutions Prevent Problems
We Report to the Board of Regents Audit Committee - Ensures independence Elevate issues to a level where they can be corrected Keeps Regents informed Meets quarterly
What is Risk Based Auditing? Focus on risk of occurrences that could prevent the University from achieving its goals There are many types of risk – fraud, improper reporting, ineffective or inefficient use of resources, credibility loss, etc. Focus on areas with high risk and high probability that controls are not in place or are weak
We have a plan! Risk based audit plan developed with input from across the University Risk factors: Impact Probability Controls
What Is the Plan? List of audits for fiscal year Based on risk assessment and available man hours Includes estimated budget hours and completion date Approved by Audit Committee
Auditable Entities WE DO AUDIT Operations and compliance Departments Colleges or Schools Programs, Grants, Contracts Information Technology Systems University-wide Processes
Internal Audit is Intake Point for Whistleblowers University policy requires Internal Audit to receive reports of Misconduct Fraud Several ways to report Hotline E-mail Phone Walk in
Investigations of Fraud and Employee Misconduct Whenever possible we will refer to the appropriate Dean, University Police, OEO or Human Resources for investigation University policy requires Internal Audit to investigate if financial or operational Internal Audit coordinates and reports to the State Auditor
Who Are We? We are University employees We are certified public accountants, internal auditors, fraud examiners and information system auditors We are a staff of 7 auditors
It’s the “little” things that get you! Misreporting hours. Forgetting to obtain prior approval when needed. Using estimates that are not supported. Any violation of University policy.
Preventive Measures Make sure your controls are working Review and reconcile Check the work of your subordinates Don’t give in to the temptation to skip controls because you are busy!
What is included in the audit report? What was found Why it happened What is required What effect it has Recommendation for improvement Response – who, when and how
What happens after the audit? Follow-up Review corrective action Report to Audit Committee
Who Audits the Auditors? We must have a peer review at least once every five years Our Standards are set by the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
We Want to Know How We Are Doing At the completion of each audit we will send an after-audit-survey We want you to rate our performance Were we professional, helpful, timely and did we add value? Please take the time to give us your feedback.
We are here to help We provide training Respond to policy and technical accounting questions Offer suggestions for improvement Advisory role
Christine Chavez Director of Internal Audit 277-5016 1801 Roma NE