Potential Benefits of an Audit

The Internal Audit Office’s mission is to strengthen accountability, improve efficiency and protect public resources. By conducting work in accordance with the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS/Yellow Book), we ensure that all audits are performed independently, objectively and with the highest level of professional integrity.

Strategic Focus

The Internal Audit Office is strategically focused on delivering value by:

• Providing independent and objective analyses of financial, operational, information systems and program areas.
• Serving as a resource for training in risk management, internal controls, fraud detection and financial reviews.
• Offering management advisory services that help departments improve processes, strengthen compliance and achieve their objectives.

Core Benefits of Audit Services

Internal audits and management advisory projects provide:

• Independent and objective assessments of risks, controls and compliance with laws, regulations and policies.
• Transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer resources, strengthening public trust in government operations.
• Deterrence of fraud, waste and abuse by identifying vulnerabilities and recommending preventative measures.
• Verification of compliance with contracts, grant requirements and internal policies.

Audit Recommendations Lead To

• Enhanced controls over processes, programs and functions to reduce errors and risks.
• Greater efficiency and effectiveness in city operations by identifying duplication, bottlenecks or ineffective practices.
• Cost savings and revenue enhancement opportunities through better resource allocation and oversight.
• More effective management decision-making by providing leaders with timely, accurate and reliable information.
• Strengthened governance by aligning city practices with recognized standards and best practices.

Special Audit Activities

In addition to planned audits under the Annual Audit Plan, the Internal Audit Office performs:

• Surprise cash count audits to ensure proper safeguarding and handling of city funds.
• Fraud, waste, and abuse investigations, when warranted, to protect taxpayer dollars and maintain integrity in city operations.
• Follow-up reviews to verify that corrective actions have been implemented and are achieving desired outcomes.

Training and Capacity Building

• Workshops and guidance for management and staff on risk assessment, fraud awareness and internal control design.
• Awareness programs help employees recognize red flags for fraud or abuse and understand how to report concerns confidentially.
• Ongoing advisory support for departments to strengthen their own internal monitoring and accountability practices.

Financial Review Benefits

Financial reviews conducted by the Internal Audit Office provide:

• Cost savings by identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenditures.
• Revenue assurance by confirming billing, collections and reporting processes are complete and accurate.
• Independent assessments of financial stability, ensuring that city resources are used effectively and sustainably.