Office of Internal Auditing

Mission

The Office of Internal Auditing’s mission is to support University management and the Board of Trustees in the effective discharge of their duties and responsibilities, and to attain the University's goals and objectives. 

Internal Auditing Charter

Introduction

Internal Auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and to improve the University’s operations. It helps the University accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. 

Reporting Relationships

The Executive and Audit Committee was formed to assist the Board of Trustees in its oversight function. The Director of Internal Auditing reports functionally to the Executive and Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and administratively to the Chief Financial Officer. This reporting relationship allows the Director to provide directly to the Executive and Audit Committee information regarding the strengths and risks of University processes and controls. 

Professional Standards

The Internal Auditing staff members have a responsibility to those they serve and should refrain from entering into any activity that may create a conflict of interest. They have an obligation of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of the laws and regulations. They should uphold and demonstrate qualities of integrity, honesty, loyalty, morality, dignity and confidentiality consistent with the Institute of Internal Auditors Code of Ethics. The Office of Internal Auditing will operate within the Institute’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.

Authority and Responsibility

The Director of Internal Auditing is authorized to direct a broad, comprehensive program of internal auditing that provides assurance and consulting services for Clemson University and its related organizations. Authorization is granted for full and complete access to any records, either manual or electronic, physical properties and personnel relevant to the assurance or consulting engagement. Internal Auditing shall have the authority to review and appraise policies, plans, procedures and records. Documents and information given to internal auditors during an engagement will be handled in the same prudent manner as by those employees normally accountable for such information. The Office of Internal Auditing has no direct responsibility or authority over any of the activities or operations for which it performs services. Internal Auditing’s services do not relieve University administration of their assigned responsibilities.

Goals and Objectives

To accomplish its mission, the Office of Internal Auditing strives to:

• Identify the significant risks to the University’s operations and information and help ensure policies and controls are in place to minimize these risks.
• Develop and implement audit plans and programs that respond to risk and cost-effective criteria.
• Review and evaluate policies and internal controls.
• Review the reliability, integrity and availability of data.
• Help ensure compliance with applicable policies, laws and regulations.
• Identify inefficient and ineffective operations and provide practical and effective recommendations for improvement.
• Review the means of safeguarding assets and, as appropriate, verify the existence of such assets.
• Review and appraise the economy and efficiency with which resources are employed.
• Investigate substantive allegations of fraud, waste and abuse of University assets in a legal and objective manner to identify responsible parties and quantify losses.
• Maintain a staff of qualified professional employees who are knowledgeable of the University’s policies, procedures and operations.
• Maintain operating standards consistent with those established by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
• Communicate recommendations to University management and other interested parties by producing clear, effective and timely reports.

Charter approved October 17, 2008