Role
AMAS serves as an independent and objective internal resource to examine and evaluate the University’s activities as an assurance service to the Board of Trustees and senior management.
Independence
To maintain independence and objectivity, AMAS has no direct operating responsibility for or authority over management processes, activities or operations that are reviewed.
Reporting Relationship and Authority
AMAS reports to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and to the Executive Vice President. AMAS is authorized by the Board of Trustees and senior management to conduct audits in accordance with the Annual Audit Plan approved by the Trustee Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and to engage in other independent reviews and consulting activities.
AMAS has full and unrestricted access to all University activities, documents, records, systems, facilities and personnel as necessary to fulfill its objectives. Information obtained will be maintained with appropriate confidentiality.
Professional Standards and Ethics
AMAS is guided by The Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and related practice advisories as set forth by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA), the Information Security Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
Members of AMAS are expected to maintain high standards of conduct, independence, confidentiality and objectivity in performing their duties.
Scope of Services
AMAS conducts internal audits and consulting engagements with the objective of encouraging Tufts management to anticipate and manage business risks, comply with external regulations and University policies and procedures, protect assets and develop strong internal controls and administrative procedures that will help ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operations and the reliability of financial information. AMAS also provides other services related to fraud investigations and management consulting requests.
AMAS personnel conduct financial, compliance, operational and information technology audits. While it is appropriate to consider our reviews in accordance with these categories, we often combine elements of each in order to reflect a particular organization’s goals, objectives and activities. While most of our work is based on an annual risk-based audit plan as informed by the University Risk Register and Heat Map, AMAS is available as an in-house consultant on internal control matters and to provide guidance on control aspects of new systems and procedures.
Coordination of Services with Tufts’ External Audit Firm
AMAS and Tufts’ external audit firm provide complementary services to the institution. Coordination of activities ensures comprehensive coverage of the University’s audit universe. The Director of AMAS and the external audit firm work together to assess institutional risks and coordinate audit activities.