Audit Process
Step 1: Planning
The auditor will review prior audits in your area and professional literature. The auditor will also research applicable policies and statutes and prepare a basic audit program to follow.
Step 2: Notification
The Office of Internal Audit Services will notify the appropriate department or department personnel regarding the upcoming audit and its purpose, at which time an opening meeting will be scheduled.
Step 3: Opening Meeting
This meeting will include management and any administrative personnel involved in the audit. The audit's purpose and objective will be discussed as well as the audit program. The audit program may be adjusted based on information obtained during this meeting.
Step 4: Fieldwork
This step includes the testing to be performed as well as interviews with appropriate department personnel.
Step 5: Report Drafting
After the fieldwork is completed, a report is drafted. The report includes such areas as the objective and scope of the audit, relevant background, and the findings and recommendations for correction or improvement.
Step 6: Management Response
A draft audit report will be submitted to the management of the audited area for their review and responses to the recommendations. Management responses should include their action plan for correction.
Step 7: Closing Meeting
This meeting is held with department management. The audit report and management responses will be reviewed and discussed. This is the time for questions and clarifications. Results of other audit procedures not discussed in the final report will be communicated at this meeting.
Step 8: Final Audit Report Distribution
After the closing meeting, the final audit report with management responses is distributed to department personnel involved in the audit, the President, Provost, and Chief Financial Officer, and CWRU’s external accounting firm.
Step 9: Follow-up
Approximately six months after the audit report is issued, the Office of Internal Audit Services will perform a follow-up review. The purpose of this review is to conclude whether or not the corrective actions were implemented.