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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09. Adopt new BP 039 - Internal Audit Function Page 1 of 4 Item 9. CENTRAL SAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITION PAPER MEETING DATE: MAY 2, 2019 SUBJECT: ADOPT NEW BOARD POLICY NO. BP 039 - INTERNALAUDIT FUNCTION SUBMITTED BY: INITIATING DEPARTMENT: ERICA BROOKS PETERS, SENIOR INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION-FINANCE AUDITOR REVIEWED BY: PHILIP LEIBER, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Roger S. Bailey General Manager ISSUE Central San's Internal Audit function has developed a proposed Board policy governing the operational, governance and reporting aspects of the Internal Audit function. BACKGROUND As part of Central San's objective to implement an Internal Audit function, the Board policy formally defines the function's purpose, authority, and responsibility. The policy provides clarity for staff, the Board, and the public about Central San's commitment to an Internal Audit function. The policy is brief and covers the essentials, such as the reporting relationship of the Internal Audit function, independence of the internal auditor, and the planning and reporting process. Having an established internal audit policy, or charter, is a recommended practice by the Institute of Internal Auditors, the body overseeing the internal auditing profession. Additional procedures regarding the operation of the Internal Audit function will be developed as an internally maintained administrative procedure. May 2, 2019 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 72 of 194 Page 2 of 4 ALTERNATIVES/CONSIDERATIONS The Board could choose not to establish a policy related to the Internal Audit function. However, good practice and professional bodies governing the I nternal Audit function recommend having a charter for the function that specifies the type of matters as are indicated in this proposed draft policy. FINANCIAL IMPACTS There are no direct financial impacts from adopting the policy. The level of investment in the Internal Audit function will continue to be a Board and management decision, through the adoption of an annual internal audit work plan specifying the extent of internal audit work to be conducted. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION The Administration Committee reviewed this proposed new Board Policy at its meeting on April 16, 2019 and recommended Board approval with several wording changes which have been incorporated in the attached proposed policy. RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION Adopt new Board Policy No. B P 039 - Internal Audit Function. Strategic Plan re-In GOAL TWO: Strive to Meet Regulatory Requirements Strategy 3- Comply with all federal, state, and local regulations related to District administration ATTACHMENTS: 1. Proposed BP 039 - Internal Audit Function May 2, 2019 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 73 of 194 Page 3 of 4 Number: BP 039 Related Admin. Procedure AP 039 Authority: Board of Directors Effective: ---- Revised: Reviewed: CENTRALSAN Initiating Dept./Div.: Administration/Internal Audit BOARD POLICY INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish an Internal Audit function within Central San as part of the framework for monitoring the ongoing effectiveness of internal controls. POLICY The Board of Directors supports establishment and maintenance of an Internal Audit function to assist management in fulfilling its mission. 1. Authority The Internal Audit function shall report administratively to the General Manager and functionally to the Board of Directors. 2. Independence and Objectivity Internal auditors will have no direct operational responsibility or authority over any activities audited, nor engage in activities that may impair their judgement. Any impairment in fact or appearance will be disclosed by Internal Audit to the Board. 3. Responsibility The Internal Audit function shall • Present an annual audit plan to the Board of Directors. • Present each internal audit report to the Board Committee having jurisdiction over the subject matter of the audit, and subsequently to the Board. May 2, 2019 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 74 of 194 Page 4 of 4 Number: BP 039 TITLE Page 2 of 2 4. Review and Approval of the Internal Audit Board Policy This policy will be reviewed at least every two years and revised as needed. [Original retained by the Secretary of the District] May 2, 2019 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 75 of 194