The Role of the Internal Auditor

21/04/08 — published by Mikki Thomas

The Council employs Connolly Holmes as its Internal Auditor. The term “internal” is misleading because one of the essentials is that the auditor must be independent of the Council. The service received has been excellent and has had a major part to play in ensuring that the Council’s finances have been properly managed, and therefore the annual return approved without question.

The audit arrangements were reviewed in December 2007 to ensure that they remain robust and secure.

However, taking into account the new Audit Commission requirements in respect of audits including more rigorous checking of the security of financial systems, and the impact of this on the work of the Internal Auditor, it is now proposed that audits are conducted quarterly. It is also proposed that the audits are carried out at the Parish Office, with at least one being at short notice, which is in accordance with best practice.