About

Sculpture of Dr. Thomas Starzel sitting on a bench by the Cathedral of Learning

Mission

  • Provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the University’s operations.
  • Help the University to accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal control and governance processes.
  • Assist University Management and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees in identifying, avoiding, and mitigating risks.
Woman wearing a T-shirt with the words, learn, share, transform on the back

Vision

To accomplish its threefold mission of teaching, research and public service, the University must maintain the confidence of its Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, the public, elected officials and various other constituencies. Confidence in the institution is paramount if the University is going to achieve its stated objectives. The Internal Audit Department provides valuable support in maintaining the public’s confidence by performing independent and objective reviews, and reporting to the Audit Committee and responsible administrative and academic officers on their findings so that corrective actions or enhancements can be initiated.

Sculpture of the Pitt panther in falling snow near the William Pitt Union

Value

  • Independence: Internal Audit reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and has no direct operational responsibility or authority over any of the activities audited.
  • Integrity: Internal Audit will exhibit the highest level of professional objectivity in gathering, evaluating, and communicating information about the activity or process being examined. Internal Audit will make a balanced assessment of all the relevant circumstances and not be unduly influenced by its own interests or by others in forming judgments.
  • Respect: Our relationships with the university community and with each other are characterized by respect.  We appreciate individual differences and experiences.  We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, included, and valued.
Cathedral of Learning on a cloudy day in the Spring time

Responsibility

The Internal Audit Department encompasses, but is not limited to, the examination and evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the University’s risk management, internal control and governance processes as well as the quality of performance in carrying out assigned responsibilities to achieve the organization’s stated goals and objectives. This includes:

  • Evaluating risk exposure relating to achievement of the University’s strategic goals.
  • Evaluating the reliability and integrity of information and the means used to identify, measure, classify, and report such information.
  • Evaluating the systems established to ensure compliance with those policies, plans, procedures, laws, and regulations which could have a significant impact on the University.
  • Evaluating operations or programs to ascertain whether results are consistent with established objective.

 

Cathedral of Learning from a distance a dusk under a dark blue sky

Internal Audit Department Charter

The Internal Audit Department Charter establishes the role, responsibilities, and authority of the Internal Audit Department.  Find the Internal Audit Charter here.

Heinz Chapel reflected in the glass of Bellefield Tower

Internal Audit Organization Chart

The Internal Audit Department reports to the Chancellor and the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees. See the Organization Chart for the Internal Audit Department here.  

The Cathedral of Learning from a distance on a cloudy day

Internal Audit Code of Ethics

Members of the Internal Audit Department follow the Institute of Internal Auditors' Code of Ethics which promotes an ethical culture in the profession of internal auditing.  Find out more about the Code of Ethics here.  

A man and a woman conversing while seated at a circular table in an office

Internal Audit Professional Standards

The International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing provide a framework for performing and promoting internal auditing.  Learn more about these Standards here