Audit Services

Audits are projects that evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of aspects of Mason’s governance, risk management, control, and compliance processes.

Who performs audits?

University audits are performed by independent and objective audit teams of audit employees and contractors directed by the Office of University Audit. The teams use a standardized audit process for performing their work and use their critical thinking skills, experience, and professional judgement to balance flexibility with consistence in determining their evaluation of the audited area.

What happens during an audit?

University audits are performed by independent and objective audit teams of audit employees and contractors directed by the Office of University Audit.  The teams use a standardized audit process for performing their work and use their critical thinking skills, experience, and professional judgement to balance flexibility with consistence in determining their evaluation of the audited area.

How do we select areas for audit?

University Audit employs a three-phase process (described in the below diagram) to plan and conduct risk-based audit engagements.

How can you seek our advice or request an audit?

If you have a question or want to bounce an idea, just ask! We regularly discuss ideas with many stakeholders and individuals across the university and they appreciate our skills, experience, enterprise-level perspective, and professional judgement. Very few discussions evolve beyond a sharing of ideas and advice to more formal audit projects. Remember, we are here to help you help Mason – contact one of us via the information on the About Us page.

Who audits the auditors? (Quality Assurance)

Auditors are audited too! Professional standards and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Assembly requires regular external quality assessments of University Audit. The most recent assessment (October 4, 2017) concluded:

“The Office of University Audit generally conforms to the Institute of Internal Auditors Code of Ethics and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. A ‘generally conforms’ rating is the highest possible rating and reflects that the Office of University Audit has a charter, policies, and processes that are judged to be in accordance with the Code of Ethics and the Standards.”