Mission, Vision, and Purpose
Mission
The Office of Internal Audits upholds the successful achievement of the University’s mission by utilizing a systematic, disciplined, and objective approach of audit and consultative services to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management, control processes, and governance.
Vision
OIA endeavors to be a trusted advisor to the Board, Management, and Departmental Leaders in enhancing oversight, operational efficiency, and effective practices, and by doing so, to support the University’s role as a leading public institution of higher education in the Southeast.
Purpose
The purpose of the Office of Internal Audits is to strengthen the ability of Appalachian State University (University) to create, protect, and sustain value by providing the board and management with independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight.
Scope and Authority
The internal audit activity is established by the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee (ARC Committee). The Office of Internal Audits (OIA) responsibilities are defined by the ARC Committee as part of its oversight role. Final approval of the internal audit activity charter resides with the BOT.
The ARC Committee authorizes OIA to:
- Have full and unrestricted access to all functions, data, records, information, physical property, and personnel pertinent to carrying out internal audit responsibilities. Internal auditors are accountable for confidentiality and safeguarding records and information.
- Allocate resources, set frequencies, select subjects, determine scopes of work, apply techniques, and issue communications to accomplish the OIA’s objectives.
- Obtain assistance from the necessary personnel of the University and other specialized services from within or outside the University to complete internal audit services.
All internal audit activity must be independent and objective; that is, free from undue influence or interference in the selection of activities to be examined, determination of the scope or methodology of work, and in communication of the results.
Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing
The OIA will adhere to the mandatory elements of The Institute of Internal Auditors' International Professional Practices Framework, which are the Global Internal Audit Standards (Standards) and Topical Requirements.
Mandate
The OIA mandate is found in three governing documents:
- North Carolina General Statute (NC GS) Chapter §116-40.7 (which establishes the independent audit function at state universities)
- NC GS Chapter §143 Article 79, “The NC Internal Audit Act,” which requires OIA to comply with professional internal auditing standards issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors
- Audit-related requirements from the University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors, the UNC System Office, and the NC Council of Internal Auditing
The CAO will ensure that the OIA maintains compliance with the mandate.