PURPOSE
Internal Audit is an independent appraisal activity established to conduct reviews of operations and procedures and to report findings and recommendations to the County Manager, the Audit Committee and the agency reviewed. All Internal Auditing endeavors are to be conducted in compliance with County objectives and policies as well as the government auditing standards applicable to financial, attestation, and performance audits as well as requirements related to nonaudit services.
AUTHORITY
Internal Auditing reports to the County Manager but has unrestricted access to the County’s Audit Committee. These reporting relationships ensure Office independence, promote comprehensive audit coverage and assure adequate consideration of audit recommendations.
Internal Audit personnel, in the performance of audits and with stringent accountabilities of safekeeping and confidentiality, will be granted unlimited accessibility to all County activities, records, property, and employees, except that Official Personnel Files will be obtained through the County Manager.
Internal Auditing is a staff function that has no direct authority over activities which its personnel review. The performance of these reviews does not relieve management of any assigned responsibilities.
Objectivity is essential to the audit staff in the proper fulfillment of its duties. Performance of line responsibilities by internal auditors may compromise their objectivity. This practice will be limited and considered in personnel selection for audit assignments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Internal Auditing is responsible for assessing the various functions and control systems in the County. The objective of Internal Auditing is to assist members of the organization in the effective discharge of their responsibilities. To this end, Internal Auditing furnishes them with analysis, appraisals, recommendations, counsel, and information concerning the activities reviewed.
The fulfillment of this accountability is not confined to but includes:
- Appraising the effectiveness and application of administrative and financial controls and reliability of data that is developed within the County.
- Evaluating sufficiency of an adherence to plans, policies, and procedures and compliance with governmental laws and regulations.
- Ascertaining the adequacy of controls for safeguarding County assets and, when appropriate, verifying the existence of assets.
- Performing special reviews, requested by the County Manager or the Audit Committee.
- Conducting appraisals of effective and efficient use of County resources and making appropriate recommendations to the County Manager, Audit Committee, and the agency reviewed.
- Coordinating audit planning and scheduling activities with the Audit Committee.
As a nonaudit service per government auditing standards, Internal Audit is also responsible for maintaining and promoting the County’s fraud, waste, and abuse reporting mechanisms as prescribed by the Code of Virginia. Internal Audit follows up on all reports received, coordinating with other agencies including law enforcement as necessary. To the extent allowed by law, Internal Audit reviews relevant information related to alleged activities and reports on results in a confidential manner.
RE-APPROVED: May 14, 2024 by the Audit Committee Members—