Internal Audit Charter

Charter

The State Colleges and Universities System supports a system-wide, independent appraisal function to examine and evaluate the business and administrative activities of the System’s Community and Technical Colleges. The coordination of the System’s internal auditing function is the responsibility of the System Director of Internal Audit. However, the Internal Auditing function of Bossier Parish Community College reports directly to its Chancellor. The Compliance Officer will prepare a proposed audit plan, which will include input from the Chancellor for areas of audit concern and areas subject to increased risk. The plan will identify the audits to be conducted at Bossier Parish Community College during the fiscal year. The Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Supervisors maintains oversight of the System-wide auditing function.

General Objectives of Audits and Reviews

  1. Determine that the college’s overall system of internal control and administrative control and the controls in each department unit or activity under audit are adequate, effective, efficient, and functioning. Audits will be conducted on a periodic basis.
  2. Determine the reliability and adequacy of the accounting, financial and reporting systems and procedures.
  3. Determine, on a test basis, that college activity, including the administration of grants and contracts received or made, are in conformance with College policies and procedures, State and Federal laws and regulations, contractual obligations, Board Rules, and good business practices.
  4. Determine the extent to which College assets are accounted for and safeguarded from losses of all kinds, and as appropriate, verifying, on a test basis, the existence of such assets.

General Scope of Audit Coverage

The general scope of audit coverage is college-wide and no function, activity, or unit of the college is exempt from audit and review. Nor may any officer, administrator, or staff member prohibit the compliance officer from examining any college record, or interviewing any faculty/staff member or student which the auditor deems to be pertinent to the audit and review.

Auditing Procedure

The Compliance Officer will conduct audits and reviews according to generally accepted auditing standards using such audit programs, techniques, and procedures as are considered necessary under the circumstances. The operation of the internal audit function will be carried out consistent with The Statement of Responsibilities and Code of Ethics defined by the Association of College and University Auditors.

Standards for the performance of the audit function are developed from the following:

The Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Institute of Internal Auditors).

Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1 (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)

Limitation of Authority and Responsibility

The Compliance Officer reports direct to the Chancellor. In performing the audit, the Compliance Officer will have neither direct authority over nor responsibility for, any of the activities reviewed. The Compliance Officer will not develop and install procedures, prepare records, make management decisions, or engage in any other activity, which could be construed to compromise independence. Therefore, internal audit reviews and appraisals do not in any way substitute for nor relieve other persons in the college of the responsibilities assigned to them.

APPROVED: ____________________ DATE: _______________
  Mr. Jim Henderson    
  Chancellor