The Audit Process

Step 1: Planning

We begin each audit with a planning phase which does not usually require department involvement. The auditor will review any past audit work, look over any available information on the department, and make a preliminary review of department income and expenses. During this time Internal Audit will tentatively formulate scope and audit plan, on which Internal Audit will base the fieldwork.

Step 2: Entrance Meeting

Your department will be notified normally via email or phone call. Sometimes an entrance meeting will be scheduled with your department to discuss the purpose, scope of the audit, and the expected start and completion date. You should take the opportunity at this time to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about the audit and to determine how you can facilitate the review process.

Step 3: Fieldwork

In this step, the actual work of the audit is performed. The auditor begins the fieldwork by gathering information about the auditee's operations, gaining an understanding of departmental functions, and identifying areas of weakness and concern. as well as strength. The auditors will conduct interviews with key personnel, observe departmental procedures, and periodically review the audit progress with the department heads and personnel. You may contact us at any time throughout the audit with your questions or concerns regarding the audit process or audit findings.

Step 4: Reporting

After the fieldwork is completed and our findings and concerns have been reviewed with you, the audit staff will prepare a draft report. The draft report is transmitted to you for your review and in order for you to prepare your response. Responses typically include corrective action plans, the parties responsible for the action, and the timeline to complete the process. Once your response is received and we agree on the report text, the report is ready to be finalized. Your response is either incorporated or attached and the Final Report is delivered to you and the appropriate parties in University management.

Step 5: Follow-Up

Depending on the nature of the audit or the audit findings, the follow-up procedures may be formal or informal. In either case, after a reasonable period of time, the auditee will be contacted regarding the departmental progress with the corrective action identified in the audit. If you have any questions or new concerns in the follow-up period, we welcome you to share them at this time, so that we may determine if further audit work is necessary.