CHARTER
of the Internal Audit Services Branch

Meaning and Purpose of Internal Audit

Internal audit is an independent appraisal activity established within the Government of Nunavut as a service to the organization. The purpose of the Internal Audit Services Branch is to conduct internal audit activities, in order to assist members of our organization in the effective discharge of their responsibilities. To this end, the Audit Branch furnishes them with analyses, appraisals, recommendations, counsel, and information concerning the activities reviewed.

Objective and Scope

The objective and scope of the Audit Branch encompass an examination of the effectiveness of the GN’s accounting and internal control systems and the quality of performance in carrying out assigned responsibilities. The internal audit activities include a review of:

• the reliability and integrity of information;
• compliance with policies, plans, procedures, laws and regulations;
• safeguarding of assets; economical and efficient use of resources; and
• evaluating the accomplishment of established objectives and goals.
• In addition, Internal Audit is responsible for conducting special investigations into specific areas, such as suspected internal fraud.

The Audit Branch operates under policies established by the Financial Management Board. The Director of Internal Audit reports administratively and functionally to the Comptroller General, and functionally to the Deputy Ministers’ Committee through its Internal Audit Committee. The Internal Audit staff has full access to all Government of Nunavut functions, records, property, and personnel in order to fulfill its mandate. Internal auditors maintain independence by having no operational authority or responsibility for the activities they audit.

Responsibilities

The Audit Branch may review any area of the GN consistent with its audit scope statement, and must report the results of the audit work to senior management. The auditors must conduct follow-up audits to ensure that appropriate corrective action has been implemented by the operational managers.

Professional Conduct in Performing Internal Audits

The Audit staff in performing their audit work, will comply with the professional standards of the internal audit discipline as enunciated in the Institute of Internal Auditors’ “Code of Ethics” and “Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing”. In addition, the GN’s internal audit staff is accountable for the duties and responsibilities specified in the Audit Branch’s “Mission, Vision, and Values”, the Financial Administration Manual Directive Number 603 entitled “Internal Audit”, and the auditors’ “Work Description” documents.