Welcome to the Audit and Assurance Office

    The Audit and Assurance Office (AAO) is the established internal audit function at JCU under the JCU Audit and Assurance Charter, which is approved by the University Council. The Charter outlines AAO’s purpose, authority, independence, organisational relationships, professional standards, scope and responsibilities.

    AAO adds value to the University’s governance, control and risk management frameworks by providing independent, objective assurance and consulting services.

    By adopting a risk based auditing methodology and complying with professional auditing standards that are promulgated by professional bodies such as the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) etc, our professionally qualified team provide independent and objective professional opinion and consulting service to assist the Audit and Compliance Committee of the University Council (ACC) and senior management to effectively discharge their accountability and obligations, andhelp the University accomplish its strategic intent and operational objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

    A common misconception is that financial systems and operations are the only areas reviewed by AAO. In fact, all of the University's organisational and functional Offices and their activities, excluding other entities which are controlled by the University, fall within the AAO’s scope of activity.

    At the request of management, AAO may perform consulting services to the extent auditing independence is not impaired. At the request of the University Council, AAO may also conduct special reviews and investigations as appropriate.

    All Audit and Assurance Office staff report directly to the Director, Audit and Assurance. The Director, Audit and Assurance reports administratively to the Executive Director, Finance and Resource Planning and functionally to the Vice-Chancellor and the Audit and Compliance Committee. The Division of Finance and Resource Planning provides invaluable administrative support to our professional team members.

    AAO operates in accordance with an Annual Work Plan ending 31 December in line with the University financial reporting year. The AAO Annual Work Plan is compiled using a formal consultative, risk-based approach. The Annual Work Plan operationalises AAO’s Triennium Plan for the current audit year. Both of these plans are reviewed annually in consultation with management and the Queensland Audit Office, and are formally approved by the ACC.

    For detailed information on what and how services provided by AAO, please refer to the

    “Frequently Asked Questions about Internal Audit at JCU”

    Audit and Assurance Office staff is as follows:

    Director

    Greg Cawood

    Email: greg.cawood@jcu.edu.au

    Ph: +61 7 4781 6098

    Internal Audit Manager

    Maria Mu

    Email: maria.mu@jcu.edu.au

    Phone: +61 7 4781 5182

    Internal Auditor

    Sio Naidoo

    Email: sio.naidoo@jcu.edu.au

    Phone: +61 7 4781 5344