Preparing for an Audit
Internal Audit Process at Weber State
Audit Schedule: At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Internal Audit Department prepares an Annual Audit Schedule. The schedule is developed by evaluating:
- Risk to the university.
- Previous audit coverage.
- Present circumstances.
- Audits mandated by policy.
Opening Conference: An opening conference is held to discuss the nature of the audit, present the audit objectives, identify the areas to be tested, and determine if the auditee has any concerns.
Planning an Audit: Internal audit coordinates with audit area management in the planning of the audit so that areas of special concern may be incorporated into the scope of the audit.
Test Work: Most of the auditing test work takes place in the audit office; therefore, contact with the internal auditor may be minimal. An audit generally includes evaluations of internal controls, inquiries and tests to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, and analysis to determine if operational efficiency can be improved.
Draft Report: The draft report will address issues identified during test work, and supply recommendations in response to the issues.
Closing Conference: A closing conference is held to review the draft report. Any needed clarification of facts and/or wording will be given in this meeting. The department is asked to prepare responses to the audit findings.
Departmental Responses: Once departmental responses have been submitted, they are forwarded to the Vice President for approval and then incorporated verbatim into the text of the audit report.
Audit Report: After appropriate discussion with the responsible vice-president and the President, the report is issued and distributed to the auditee, the executive management of the University, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and members of the Board of Trustees Audit Subcommittee.
Follow Up Audit: A follow-up review will be conducted to ensure issues identified in the audit report have been resolved.