Internal Audit's Mission and Charter
The mission of the Internal Auditing Services Department is to assist members of management at the California State University, Long Beach, and its auxiliaries in the effective discharge of their responsibilities to establish an appropriate control environment and to make decisions concerning University resources, both financial and non-financial. By performing audits in accordance with internal auditing professional standards, the Internal Auditing Services Department provides management with objective and independent information about University activities, effectiveness of procedures and the adequacy of internal controls. The Internal Auditing Services Department also acts as a consultant when new systems or procedures are introduced to ensure appropriate controls are incorporated.
Charter
The Internal Auditing Services Department is a function separate and distinct from that of the external auditors. The Internal Auditing Services Department is authorized by the senior management of the University to perform audits and to engage in other independent reviews and activities as required in support of its mission. Authorization is granted for full and complete access to any of CSULB's or its auxiliaries' records, either manual or electronic, physical properties, and personnel relevant to a review. Documents and information given to the internal auditor will be handled in the same prudent manner as by those employees normally accountable for them.
The ethical responsibilities of the Internal Auditing Services Department include:
- Ensuring objectivity and independence; remaining free of conflict of interest, in both fact and appearance.
- Discharging of professional responsibilities with due care, competence and diligence in accordance with the standards established for the profession.
- Striving to improve proficiency and quality of service through education and experience.
- Undertaking only those responsibilities commensurate with abilities and consistent with a professional role.
The professional responsibilities of the Internal Auditing Services Department include conducting a continuing comprehensive program of review activity for significant University operations to:
- Appraise the adequacy of existing internal control systems and assist in the review of new control systems prior to their implementation.
- Evaluate the reliability and integrity of accounts, financial records and related statements and reports.
- Appraise compliance with established University policies and procedures and with applicable laws and regulations of outside regulatory agencies.
- Examine and assess the procedures for controlling and safeguarding University assets against loss through inefficiency, waste, negligence or fraud.
- Investigate suspected improper activities at the University.
- Coordinate external audit work by the trustees' auditors and other external auditors as appropriate.
- Follow up on audit issues previously identified to ensure that appropriate corrective action has been taken.
- Report to executive management on the results of audits and reviews.