85.11 - External Audit Review
Owner:
- Position: Vice President Finance and Administration
- Email: vpfinance@uidaho.edu
Last updated: February 1, 2019
A. General. The University of Idaho cooperates with and assists external auditors whose responsibilities involve review and confirmation of university transactions. An external auditor is defined as any non-university auditor, e.g., state, federal, and/or private firm. [ed. 3-13, rev. 2-19]
B. Process. University Liaison. As part of the coordination process, UI Internal Auditing Services may serve as a liaison between central administrative offices, university departments, and the external auditors. [rev. 2-19]
B-1. Initial Contact. The first contact with UI is generally a written notice from the auditing agency. The letter should contain the following information:
- Description of the scope and purpose of the audit
- The date(s) the auditor will be on campus
- The department or unit which is the primary contact
B-2. Notify Auditing Services. When a university department is contacted, the department administrator is to notify UI Internal Auditing Services and inform the director of the impending audit. [ed. 2-19]
B-3. Entrance Conference. A representative of UI Internal Auditing Services may attend the entrance conference with the external auditors. The entrance conference identifies the purpose, scope, and timing of the audit; the information required by the auditors; the personnel who need to interact with the auditors; and the physical facilities needed to accommodate the audit. [Note: Administrators are to assure external auditors full cooperation in all requests for information related to the scope of the audit.] [ed. 2-19]
B-4. Interviews. If requested by the external auditors, the administrator of the audited department arranges interviews with appropriate employees. Scheduled interviews and arrangements insure the following:
- Proper employees are available to assist the auditors
- Relevant records are assembled and available
- The interview is scheduled around departmental activities
B-5. Record Access. University records are public documents and are available for audit purposes subject to the normal privacy safeguards and availability. The university Records Retention program allows destruction of records within prescribed time limits [See APM 65.02].
B-6. Exit Conferences. In most cases, the external auditor will hold an exit conference at the conclusion of the audit. The exit conference informs university representatives of the audit issues, clarifies possible ambiguities, and seeks agreement upon the facts at issue. The external auditor and the departmental administrator arrange the exit conference. Depending upon the scope of the audit, a representative of UI Internal Auditing Services may attend the exit conference. [ed. 2-19]
B-7. Audit Report Responses. The audited departments are usually provided an opportunity to respond to the audit report findings. These responses should be reviewed by the department director and/or dean prior to issuing back to the audit agency. Copies of the responses should also be distributed to UI Internal Auditing Services for reference filing.
C. Information. Questions concerning interaction with external auditors should be directed to UI Internal Auditing Services. [ed. 3-13, 2-19]