{"id":2,"date":"2017-09-01T18:50:16","date_gmt":"2017-09-01T18:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nau.edu\/internal-audit\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-06-09T20:14:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T20:14:10","slug":"internal-audit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/","title":{"rendered":"Internal Audit"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Internal audit<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Helping NAU accomplish its mission, vision and strategic objectives<\/h2>\n<div class='shortcode-column-container'><!-- shortcode-column -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-column shortcode-column--count-2\">\n    <\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\">About us<\/h3>\n<p>The purpose of Northern Arizona University Internal Audit is to strengthen NAU\u2019s ability to create, protect, and sustain value by providing the Arizona Board of Regents (board) and NAU management with independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight. Internal Audit\u2019s work helps NAU accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of business, risk management, control, and governance processes.<\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Internal audit charter_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-1-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-1-panel\">\n            Internal audit charter\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-1-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-1-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/internal-audit-charter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">internal audit charter<\/a>, which is approved by the NAU Internal Audit Review Board and the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Arizona Board of Regents, outlines Internal Audit\u2019s purpose, authority, and responsibilities, consistent with the mission of Internal Audit and the mandatory guidance established by the Institute of Internal Auditors.\nInternal audit plan<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Internal audit plan_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-2-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-2-panel\">\n            Internal audit plan\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-2-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-2-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Internal Audit planning includes both a strategic plan focused on Internal Audit vision, mission, values, objectives and metrics, and a periodic audit plan focused on the specific audit projects to be completed for each planned period, currently aligned to the NAU fiscal year.<\/p>\n<p>Internal Audit\u2019s strategic plan sets forth the Internal Audit vision of being a solutions-driven, resource-smart partner supporting the optimization of governance, risk, and control processes as key components of NAU\u2019s success. It also formalizes NAU\u2019s motto: \u201cWe\u2019re Just Trying to Make Things Better!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The internal audit periodic plan outlines the audits to be performed each fiscal year and is approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Arizona Board of Regents. The plan is aligned to NAU\u2019s Enterprise Risk Management program and includes input from ABOR and NAU management. See the current\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/182\/FY22-Audit-Plan-ABOR-Approved.pdf\">audit plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Resources_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-3-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-3-panel\">\n            Resources\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-3-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-3-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nau0.sharepoint.com\/sites\/IA-Hub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Internal Audit SharePoint (CAS log-in required)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.acua.org\/ACUA\/College_University_Auditors.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Association of College and University Auditors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/na.theiia.org\/Pages\/IIAHome.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Institute for Internal Auditors (IIA)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/na.theiia.org\/standards-guidance\/Pages\/Standards-and-Guidance-IPPF.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IIA Standards<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cfo.asu.edu\/university-audit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ASU University Audit and Advisory Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/audit.arizona.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">University of Arizona Internal Audit Department<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- shortcode-column -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-column shortcode-column--count-2\">\n    <\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\">Audit process<\/h3>\n<p>The audit process involves the client from start to finish, to ensure communication and transparency as the audit evolves. \u00a0Each step of the audit process is important to validating the propriety of existing process and relate process controls as well as identifying enhancements or improvements where applicable. Learn more about the audit process, including what you can expect, why you are being audited, and what type of audits our office performs below.<\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"What to expect_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-4-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-4-panel\">\n            What to expect\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-4-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-4-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>While the objectives of each audit will vary, Internal Audit follow a consistent audit approach designed to establish a well-defined project scope that is understood and supported by the client in order to promote communication, maintain independence and objectivity, and avoid confusion. Most audits follow <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/what-to-expect-if-audited\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these steps<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Why are we being audited?_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-5-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-5-panel\">\n            Why are we being audited?\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-5-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-5-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>As part of developing the annual audit plan, potential audits are identified as a result of board policy, requests for audit work, requirements of the University, a defined audit universe, and the results of NAU\u2019s Enterprise Risk Management assessments. Internal Audit identifies potential audits based on this information and works with the NAU Internal Audit Review Board to determine audits and other projects to be included in each audit plan.\u00a0 See how <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/how-audits-are-decided-upon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">risk is assessed<\/a> at NAU.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Types of audits_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-6-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-6-panel\">\n            Types of audits\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-6-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-6-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Internal Audit work generally fits into seven categories which focus on the nature of related risk and controls, identified or alleged improprieties, follow-up on improvement opportunities identified in formal audits, and other work. Learn about the various <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/types-of-audits-and-projects-that-are-performed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">types of audits or projects<\/a> Internal Audit completes.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"NAU\u2019s Internal Audit Review Board (IARB)_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-7-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-7-panel\">\n            NAU\u2019s Internal Audit Review Board (IARB)\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-7-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-7-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/naus-internal-audit-review-board-iarb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IARB<\/a> is charged with reviewing, tracking, and responding to audits, and assisting the Board of Regents and its Audit and Risk Management Committee in fulfilling its oversight of the university\u2019s financial reporting, internal controls and compliance, risk assessments, and internal and external audits as set forth in a formal charter approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee (ARM) May 29, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-right-column -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-right-column\" >\n    <div class=\"shortcode-right-column__container\"><\/p>\n<p><!-- shortcode-button -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-button shortcode-button--center\">\n      <a class=\"main-button\" href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/nau-anonymous-report-option-links\/\">Other NAU Anonymous Reporting Links<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Internal audit &nbsp; Helping NAU accomplish its mission, vision and strategic objectives<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":377,"featured_media":21,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"my-templates\/home-page.php","meta":{"ring_central_script_selection":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/377"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":507,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions\/507"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/internal-audit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}