16.4.7 Quality Assurance/External Assessments

(Last Modified on January 30, 2024)

A quality assurance and improvement program is critical to maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of an internal audit operation. All USG internal audit departments must develop a quality assurance and improvement program. Assessments are required to be updated periodically with results reported to appropriate leadership and the CAO.

Also, professional standards require that external assessments must be conducted at least once every five (5) years by a qualified, independent assessor or assessment team from an outside organization. The CAO is required to have discussions with the Board to determine:
* The form and frequency of the external assessment;
* The qualifications of independency of the external assessor or assessment team, including any potential conflicts of interest.

Additional information on quality assurance requirements and external assessment may be found in Section 1300 of the USG’s System-Wide Audit Manual.