Services

Internal Audit's primary activity in fulfilling its mission is the conduct of a program of regular audits of the University's business operations. However, as the Internal Audit Program has evolved and restructured in recent years, it has expanded to include additional activities in order to enhance the value of services to its customers. The Annual Audit Plan outlines Internal Audit services under three types of activities as follows:

Audits

These services include the planned and supplemental program of regular audits of business units (including academic departments) and business processes that cut across all organizational units (e.g., purchasing, travel, etc.).

Investigations

Pursuant to University policy, Internal Audit conducts investigations into suspected financial irregularities whether reported by whistleblowers, uncovered in the course of regular audits, or based upon concerns conveyed by management.

Advisory Services

Advisory Services encompasses a broad array of activities beyond regular audits. These additional activities are proactive or preventive in nature and are focused in the following areas:

Special Projects and Consultations

Promote effective and efficient operations through special management studies, advisory participation on business process and systems reengineering teams and consultation on business issues (e.g., regulatory compliance matters) and assist department and program managers in dealing with issues before they become audit or investigation problems.

Systems Development and Reengineering

Involves participation with teams and committees to assist in the continued efforts of campuses and laboratories to develop and implement new systems, redesign their business processes to be more effective and efficient and deal with other campus or lab business issues. Involvement of auditors in a consultative manner during the design and development phase helps to ensure that sound business practices, including effective internal controls, are built into the systems and processes.

Other

Internal Audit may serve in additional capacities such as External Audit Coordinator (acting as liaison for campus visits by regulators and investigators), Information Practices Act Coordinator or Conflict of Interest Coordinator.

Customers

In the broadest sense, the beneficiaries of the services of IAS include the taxpayers of the state of California, donors, federal, state and private research sponsors, and the faculty, students, patients and staff of the University. However, customers are those we serve more directly and who are the recipients of our services, or reports on services provided. The customers of IAS include those parties with oversight, management and operating responsibilities for the University such as:

The Board of Regents
The Regents' Committee on Audit
Senior Management
Local Audit Committees
Operating Management