Internal Audit
Internal audit is an independent, objective assurance and advisory activity. Its purpose is to add value and improve operations by assessing risk and recommending effective controls.
The City of Vaughan’s Internal Audit department evaluates the municipality’s programs and services, internal controls, and governance and accounting processes, and then provides recommendations to improve the efficiency of operations and effectiveness of risk management and control activities. Through their work, they help uphold the City’s commitment to accountability.
The department reports directly to the City Manager and submits reports to the Audit Committee.
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The City’s Internal Audit department conducts many forms of audits:
- Performance/Operational Audits (Risk Based) – examine City programs, functions and activities. These audits include measuring and assessing the ongoing performance and operation of a departmental and/or business process, while focusing on key objectives and risks.
- Compliance Audits – review and evaluate whether staff are adhereing to established policies and procedures, as well as any relevant statutory and/or legal requirements.
- In-Year Requests for Audit Services – examine a specific component of an operation or a program. These requests may include forensic or special investigations, and can come from Vaughan Council, the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, employees, vendors or residents.
- Advisory Services – initiated through a specific request from a City department. The nature and scope of the review are determined with the client and are intended to add value by improving governance, risk management and control processes.
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Every year, Internal Audit develops a work plan. The team uses a risk assessment process and gathers information from various sources to identify any emerging risks or areas of potential concern to inform audit plan priorities across the municipality.
While the plan is aligned with the 2022 to 2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, the projects are not fixed. The plan is intended to be dynamic and flexible where new projects can substitute existing projects, should a need arise to address emerging risks or issues throughout the year.
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Integrity. Accountability. Responsibility. These are the principles that guide the City’s Internal Audit department. The team received the highest ranking achievable for every standard audited in its 2021 External Quality Assessment, showcasing its commitment to good governance.
Learn more about this prestigious achievement