Home > Administrative Offices > Offices of Internal Audits >Internal Audit Department >History
History
The Department of Internal Audits at Valdosta State University is a small department with a big mission. Our defined role as an independent, objective assurance and consulting entity that adds value and improves the organization places us at the forefront of supporting the long term goals and strategic plans of VSU. By partnering with University management and administration, we can evaluate the effectiveness of the management systems and controls they have implemented to mitigate risk. Simply put, our approach is to examine areas of high risk and focus on effective, efficient ways to help lessen that risk. (Risk is anything that keeps you from reaching your goals – including, but not limited to, financial, safety, human resources, legal, and public relations risks). Internal Audits works in conjunction with other groups auditing the University. Auditors from the State of Georgia perform an annual financial statement audit. The purpose of their audit is to provide assurance that the Annual Financial Report issued by the University is fairly presented. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia also has a team of auditors which travels to each of the State institutions. Their focus, much like that of the Department of Internal Audits at VSU, is to evaluate key internal controls, assess major financial and operating risks and review operational effectiveness and efficiencies. Our department began operations when Levy Youmans (the Vice Chancellor for Accounting Systems and Procedures) and former VSU President Bailey understood the importance of consistent evaluation of internal control processes, accuracy of management information reporting, compliance with laws, regulations and university policies, the effectiveness and efficiency of management systems for achieving university objectives considering business risks and the reliability and security of information systems and computer operations. In 1991 VSU joined the growing number of state institutions with resident auditors when Mr. William W. Bennett, Jr., was hired as the first Director of Internal Audits. Mr. Bennett held this position until his retirement on May 31, 2005. Jeanne Severns, CPA, who graduated from VSU with undergraduate and graduate degrees, filled the Director’s position as of July 1, 2005. Today, in addition to the Director, the Department employs one full time staff auditor. Beginning with spring semester 2006, our Department partnered with the Langdale College of Business Administration to give senior accounting students the opportunity to serve as interns for the Department of Internal Audits. In addition to receiving course credit, the students gain valuable, hands-on audit experience to help prepare them for their first professional jobs after graduation. The University gains the benefit of audit coverage that would not be possible without the additional assistance from the students. The responsibilities of Internal Audit encompass the entire campus of Valdosta State University. We invite you to take a few minutes to complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire. If we can assist you in the evaluation of the risks faced by your department, please feel free to contact us. Our offices are located in Suite 2040 of the University Center. |