Audit Mission Statement

The Office of Internal Audits is responsible for providing the President of the University with information about the adequacy and effectiveness of the institution's system of internal administrative and accounting controls and the quality of operating performance when compared with established standards. The Office of Internal Audits conducts independent and objective reviews to examine and evaluate activities as a service to the organization.

The objective of the Office of Internal Audits is to assist the President in the effective discharge of the President’s responsibilities by furnishing objective analyses, appraisals and recommendations, counsel and information concerning the activities reviewed. The Office of Internal Audits can attain this objective of service to the President and management by:

• Evaluating the adequacy of the internal control structure
• Assessing compliance with written policies and procedures
• Evaluating the reliability of financial and operating information and their reporting systems and procedures.
• Verifying the existence of assets and ensure proper safeguards for their protection.
• Reviewing operations or programs to ascertain whether results are consistent with goals and objectives.
• Investigating reported occurrence of fraud, embezzlement, or theft and recommend controls to prevent or detect such occurrences.
• Reviewing general controls and computer security procedures in the Division of Information Technology and user departments with access to the administrative mainframe computer.

In performing these activities, the auditor is authorized to have full, free, and unrestricted access to all property, personnel, and records (including medical) relevant to the subject under review. This authority is granted by the Regents' Rules and Regulations, The University of Texas System Business Procedure Memorandum No 18, and The University of Texas-Pan American Internal Audit Charter.

Audit Goals

GOAL: Optimize institutional effectiveness and efficiency consistent with high quality organizational standards.

Develop an annual audit plan in accordance with the Texas Internal Audit Act and UT System guidelines that evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, operational and governance processes.

• Perform institutional risk assessment to identify high risk areas and include those areas in the annual plan.
• Prepare annual audit plan in accordance with the Act and UT System guidelines and executive management needs.
• Include evaluations of appropriate Presidential initiatives in annual audit plan.

Provide management with independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve University operations.

• Request operating management input to audit planning process.
• Provide recommendations based on audit activity and results
• Provide consulting and advisory services as requested and approved.
• Provide risk assessment training to the university community.
• Provide internal control and control self assessment training as identified or requested by management.

Office operation and audit engagements will be performed in accordance with professional audit standards.

• Conduct quality assurance reviews in accordance with professional auditing standards.
• Monitor office operations and staff engagement for conformance to IIA Standards.
• Audit staff will prepare a plan that includes long/short term professional development and training needs to maintain sufficient knowledge, skills, experience, and professional certifications to meet the requirements of professional audit standards.