Phone: (412)624-4246, Fax: (412)624-1817
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Phone: (412)624-4246, Fax: (412)624-1817 |
| Mission Statement of the Internal Audit Department |
The Internal Audit Department was established for the purpose of providing
management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees with reasonable
assurance that the management control systems throughout the University
are adequate and operating effectively. Internal Audit provides an independent
and objective appraisal of activity for management and furnishes them with
analyses, recommendations, counsel, and information concerning the activities
reviewed. This includes promoting effective controls at reasonable cost.
To accomplish its threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service, the University must maintain the confidence of its faculty, staff, students, alumni, the public, and elected officials, and various other constituencies. Confidence in the institution is paramount if the University is going to achieve its stated objectives. The Internal Audit Department provides valuable support in maintaining the public's confidence by performing independent and objective reviews and reporting to the Audit Committee and responsible administrative and academic officers on their findings so that corrective actions or enhancements can be initiated. The Internal Audit Department assists operating management in achieving University financial and operating goals by evaluating controls to ensure systems function adequately, by identifying weaknesses, and by providing recommendations. Through complete and unrestricted access to records, property, and personnel, Internal Audit provides the University with an additional resource in meeting these goals. With the support of University management and the Audit Committee, the Internal Audit Department provides the highest quality of auditing services, thus enhancing fiscal control at the University.
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| Reporting Structure of the Internal Audit Department |
The Internal Audit Department reports to the Office of the Chancellor and
the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees. This reporting structure allows
the Internal Audit Department to remain independent and report all items
of significance to the Chancellor and the Audit Committee. The Director
of Internal Audit attends all Audit Committee meetings and brings appropriate
matters to the Committee's attention.
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| What are Internal Controls and Who is Responsible for Them? |
Internal Controls can be categorized as either accounting controls or administrative
controls. Accounting controls are designed to safeguard University assets
and ensure the accuracy of financial records. Administrative controls are
designed to promote operational efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence
to University policies and procedures. University management is responsible
for designing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control. Internal
Audit independently reviews and evaluates the adequacy of the system of
internal controls and makes recommendations to management to improve these
controls based on system testing and control analysis.
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| Types of Audits Performed |
The Internal Audit Department performs a wide range of audit services
including financial audits, compliance audits, operational audits, information
technology audits, and consulting services.
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| The Internal Audit Process |
When an audit is scheduled, an announcement letter is sent to the responsible
parties. An entrance meeting is scheduled to discuss the objectives and
scope of the audit. At the entrance meeting, any concerns or questions about
the audit process are discussed.
A typical audit is comprised of five stages: planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up. The audit team will collect data and document the procedures, controls and/or activities being reviewed. Based on our risk assessment, the audit team will perform various types of tests and conclude on the adequacy of the control system. During the audit and at the conclusion of the fieldwork, the audit team
will discuss with the appropriate staff of an area being audited any findings
and recommendations noted during the audit process. A formal exit conference
is held to discuss the audit findings and recommendations with the
Dean, Director, Supervisor etc. of the area being audited. Next the audit
team will issue
a draft report summarizing the findings and recommendations. The draft report
has limited distribution, and the management of the audited department are
provided approximately two weeks to draft written management responses as
to how they plan to address the recommendations. The management responses
are incorporated into the draft report along with any agreed upon changes,
thus becoming a final report. The final report is distributed to the appropriate
University management. All audit information is treated as confidential
and is reported only to those within the University who need to know.
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| Office Profile |
The University's Internal Audit staff currently includes a Director, an Assistant
Director, an Audit Manager, and six Senior Auditors.
All auditors employed by
the University hold bachelor's
degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, or other related disciplines.
In addition, the majority of the staff have advanced degrees or professional
certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud
Examiner (CFE), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
The Internal Audit Department subscribes to the professional conduct standards of the Institute of Internal Auditors. The Department also participates in the following professional organizations:
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| Meet the Internal Audit Staff |
The Internal Audit Department regularly participates in professional development
programs to maintain and enhance their professional skills. All members
of the staff complete the required continuing professional education each
year to maintain their professional licenses.
To send an e-mail message directly to any individual, click on the e-mail address. To find out more information about each auditor, click on their name. All other mail should be sent to the Director of Internal Audit, John Elliott. |
| Name | Title | Telephone | E-mail Address | John P. Elliott | Director | (412) 624-6127 | jelliott@bc.pitt.edu |
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| Jayne L. McGoey | Assistant Director | (412) 624-5745 | jmcgoey@bc.pitt.edu | |
| Richard Korey | Audit Manager | (412) 624-1694 | rkorey@bc.pitt.edu | |
| Raymond A. Abati | Senior Auditor | (412) 624-4889 | ||
| Felicia M. Pasquerilla | Senior Auditor | (412) 624-6535 | fpasquerilla@bc.pitt.edu | |
| Gwen E. Pielin | Senior Auditor | (412) 624-4235 | gpielin@bc.pitt.edu | |
| Maria L. Diril | Senior Auditor | (412) 624-6579 | mdiril@bc.pitt.edu | |
| John F. Novicki | Senior Auditor | (412) 624-5182 | jnovicki@bc.pitt.edu | |
| Jaye S. Greenfield | Senior Auditor | (412) 624-2776 | jgreenfield@bc.pitt.edu | |
| Brian M. Zalar | Staff Auditor | (412) 624-6566 | bzalar@bc.pitt.edu | |
| Doreen M. Culley | Admin. Assistant | (412) 624-4246 | dculley@bc.pitt.edu |
