Mission and Charter

The mission of Internal Audit Services is to assist the Regents and University management in the discharge of their oversight, management, and operating responsibilities through independent audits, consultations, advisory services, and investigations designed to evaluate and enhance the system of internal controls, including effective and efficient operations.

I. Authority

Internal Audit Services functions under the policies established by The Regents of the University of California in the University Internal Audit Mission and Charter that was approved in March 1995, the revised Audit Management Plan approved in September 1995, and by University management under delegated authority.

II. Independence

Independence is essential to the effectiveness of the UC Davis Internal Audit Services office. This independence is based primarily upon organizational status and objectivity. To permit the rendering of impartial and unbiased judgment essential to the proper conduct of audit services, internal auditors will be independent of the activities they audit. In performing the audit function, Internal Audit Services has neither direct responsibility for, nor authority over, any of the activities reviewed.

To further ensure independence of the audit function, Internal Audit Services has direct access to the Chancellor (or designee) and dual reporting to both campus management and the Office of the President. Internal Audit Services reports administratively directly to the Vice Chancellor - Resource Management and Planning and functionally to the Board of Regents through the University Auditor. In addition, Internal Audit Services meets at least quarterly with the Internal Audit Services Work Group. Internal Audit Services management and staff may take matters they believe to be of significant magnitude and importance directly to the Chancellor, the University Auditor, the President, or The Regents.

III. Scope

Internal Audit Services is authorized to have full, free, and unrestricted access to information including University records, computer files, property, and personnel. This authority was granted by The Regents in approving the University of California Internal Audit except where limited by law, the work of Internal Audit Services is unrestricted. Internal Audit Services is free to review and evaluate all policies, procedures, and practices of any University activity, program, or function.

IV. Standards

The responsibility of Internal Audit Services is to serve the University in a manner that is consistent with the standards established by the University of California Internal Audit community. At a minimum it shall comply with the relevant professional standards, such as the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and with the professional standards of conduct such as the Code of Ethics of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Inc.

Larry Vanderhoef
Chancellor