AUDIT DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION:

Internal audit is an independent management function that involves a continuous and critical appraisal of the functioning of an entity to suggest improvements thereto, add value to; and strengthen the overall governance mechanism of the entity, including the entity’s strategic risk management and internal control system.

An internal audit is a managerial control which by function is to measuring and evaluate the effectiveness of the internal control system in an organization.

The accounting officer of a ministry or extra ministerial office and other arms of government shall ensure that an internal audit unit is established to provide a complete and continuous audit of the accounts and records of revenue and expenditure, assets allocated and un-allocated stores where applicable.

PREAMBLE:

The formal instrument for the establishment of internal audit in Ministries and extra ministerial department is the financial regulation. An internal audit is established to provide a complete and continuous audit of the accounts and records of revenue and expenditures, assets, allocated and un- allocated stores where applicable. Therefore, all activities of the unit are strictly guided by the provision of the financial regulation and extant treasury and establishment circulars and other duties assigned by the management.STAFF STRENTH:

The staff strength in the department of internal audit is three (3) including the Head of the department.

FUNCTIONS:

The functions of Internal Audit are summarised as follows;

1. Checking of revenue that accrues to the organization and reporting same to the Accounting officer.
2. Checking of expenditure on both Capital and Overhead allocated to the organization.
3. Checking of stores allocated and un-allocated store items
4. Assets verification
5. Writing and submission of reports to the Accounting Officer in a monthly, quarterly, half yearly and yearly basis.
6. Safeguarding the organization assets.
7. Internal control system and proffer solutions to any internal issues that arise.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Internal Audit Department in Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria has tremendously achieved.  Thus, the management gave maximum support without hindrances from any department of the organization. The Accounting Officer was also transparent and gives us maximum cooperation and peaceful atmosphere in carrying out our duty effectively and reporting on monthly basis as enshrined by financial regulation.

The staffs of the department were being promoted accordingly and also nominated for various training and workshops within and outside the work station.

Promotion

1. Two staff of the department participated in the promotion examination held in February, 2023 and both of them passed the promotion exam.

TRAINING:

1. The head of Internal Audit was nominated to participate in a training/workshop jointly organized by the FIRS in Kano State.

CHALLENGES:

This is the era of globalisation where all work is being processed and done electronically. The main challenge that we are facing is lack of functional computers that will enable us carry out our duty effectively.

INTERNAL AUDIT GOALS:

Goals of internal audit are to facilitate reduction of statutory audit observations by;

1. Identifying system weakness and bottlenecks in implementation of the plans.
2. Recommending suggestions to improve the system and;
3. Monitoring the compliance on recommendations.

OBJECTIVES OF INTERNAL AUDIT:

The internal audit would be conducted with the objectives to assess whether;

1. Planning and budgetary mechanism is in place, adequate and effective.
2. To ensure that funds were utilized in an economic, efficient and effective manner for the intended purpose.
3. To ensure that procurement process was made in a transparent, fair manner and was effectively utilized.
4. To ensure system of internal control exists and is working effectively.