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Mission and Internal Auditing Charter

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. 

Organization Chart for the Office of Internal Auditing, Clemson University, Clemson South Carolina

Internal Auditing Charter

INTRODUCTION

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and 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.  Internal Auditing supports the University’s ClemsonForward initiatives through its mission of institutional support by assisting with accountability, stewardship of resources, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and reporting to the Board of Trustees (Board), University leaders, and the campus community. 

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 Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations.  This reporting relationship allows the Director to provide information directly to the Executive and Audit Committee 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 (Standards).

AUTHORITY

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 management of their assigned responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Office of Internal Auditing has the responsibility to:

  • Develop an audit plan using an appropriate risk-based methodology that includes consideration of the University’s goals and objectives and the concerns of management and the Board. 
  • Perform audits that evaluate policies and internal controls; assess the reliability of data; determine compliance with policies, laws, and regulations; evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of operations; and, examine the means of safeguarding assets. 
  • Follow up on actions taken by management to determine adequacy, effectiveness, and timeliness.
  • Issue periodic reports to management and the Board summarizing results of audit activities.
  • Provide consulting and advisory services to management that add value and improve the University’s governance, risk management, and control processes without Internal Auditing staff assuming management responsibility.
  • Investigate suspected fraudulent activities within the organization and notify management and the Board of the results.
  • Maintain professional internal audit resources with Internal Auditing staff and, where appropriate, other internal or external resources with sufficient knowledge, skills, experience, and professional certifications. 

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Internal Auditing will maintain a quality assurance and improvement program that covers all aspects of the internal audit activity.  The program will include an evaluation of Internal Auditing’s conformance with the Definition of Internal Auditing and the Standards and an evaluation of whether internal auditors apply the Code of Ethics.  The program also assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal audit activity and identifies opportunities for improvement.

The Audit Director will communicate to senior management and the Board on the internal audit activity’s quality assurance and improvement program, including results of ongoing internal assessments and external assessments conducted at least every five years.