What is the role of Internal Audit?
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) defines Internal Auditing as:
“An independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. The internal audit activity 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.”
Consistent with SONs Vision,mission and core values, the Internal Audit Department provides management with information, appraisals, recommendations, and counsel regarding the activities examined and other significant issues.
The department executes an approved audit plan and performs the following tasks in accordance with its overall strategy:
- Verify the existence of assets and recommend proper safeguards for their protection;
- Evaluate the adequacy of the system of internal controls;
- Recommend improvements in controls;
- Assess compliance with policies and procedures and sound business practices;
- Assess compliance with state and federal laws and contractual obligations.
- Review operations/programs to ascertain whether results are consistent with established objectives and whether the operations/programs are being carried out as planned;
- Investigate reported occurrences of fraud, embezzlement, theft, waste, etc.
Independence is essential to the effectiveness of the internal audit function. In carrying out the duties and responsibilities, the Director of Internal Audit will issue reports to the Director-General/Chief executive. The Director of Internal Audit meets with the Finance and Audit Committee periodically to report the plans for audit activity, the results of audit activity, and to provide any other information required. The Director of Internal Audit has direct access to the Director –General /Chief executive should matters of immediate significance arise which demand such attention
