About Internal Audit

VISION

Our vision is to be a valued partner with MSU management by providing assurance and consulting services that help the University meet goals through building trust, partnerships, and employing highly skilled auditors that understand the business we support.

MISSION

The mission of the Office of Internal Audit is to provide independent, objective assurance, and consulting services designed to add value and improve the University's operations. The Office of Internal Audit helps the University accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluation and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

CORE VALUES

To accomplish our mission, the Office of Internal Audit has established the following core values:

  • People - Hire and continuously train the best people.
  • Integrity - Perform work honestly, diligently, and ethically to establish trust and a basis for reliance on our assessments.
  • Objectivity - Perform duties with an unbiased mental attitude to ensure assessments are not unduly influenced by our own interest or judgments.
  • Confidentiality - Respect and safeguard the privacy of persons and confidential information and do not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so.
  • Communication -  Communicate with coworkers and clients in a constructive and positive manner. Reports will be accurate, timely, and contain relevant recommendations. 

STANDARDS

Our engagements are conducted in accordance with The Institute for Internal Auditors’ (IIA) International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF), Mandatory Guidance including:

  • Global Internal Audit StandardsTM (Standards)
  • Topical Requirements
  • Global Guidance

CONTROL FRAMEWORKS

Our engagements are guided by control frameworks including:

  • Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)
  • National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT)

INTERNAL AUDIT CHARTER

Our engagements are guided by a charter which establishes our purpose, authority, and responsibilities. The charter is approved by the Mississippi  Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board of Trustees.

IHL_AuditCharter.pdf

HISTORY OF INTERNAL AUDIT

The exact date Mississippi State University’s Office of Internal Audit was established is unknown; however, University records indicate that Percy J. Baker became MSU’s first Internal Auditor in February 1978. Mr. Baker served in the position until July 1980.

Ray Gafford served as Internal Auditor from August 1982 through October 1984. Ken Stewart, who had served as a graduate assistant under Mr. Gafford, then served as Internal Auditor until his graduation in May 1985.

Leah Norman was hired as Internal Auditor in October 1985. In 1988, the position title was changed from Internal Auditor to Director of Internal Audit. In September 1993, Ms. Norman was appointed Director of the Office of Budget, Planning, and Audit. She served in that role until becoming Acting Vice President for Business Affairs in October 1994 and Vice President for Business Affairs in July 1995.

Donna Mallery served as Director of Internal Audit from November 1994 through November 1996. Doreen Morgan and Richard Swann subsequently served as Interim Directors from October 1996 through September 1997.

Don Zant was hired as Director of Internal Audit in September 1997 and served until his promotion to Chief Financial Officer in September 2010.

Lesia Ervin was appointed Interim Director in September 2010 and Director of Internal Audit in May 2011.

Reporting Structure

Internal Audit originally reported to the Vice President for Business Affairs. In 1985, the office began reporting directly to the President of Mississippi State University.

In June 2010, Internal Audit began reporting functionally to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees Budget, Finance and Audit Committee through the IHL Chief Audit Executive and administratively to the President of Mississippi State University.

Over the years, the Office of Internal Audit has grown to support the evolving needs of the University.