Practice Guide: Unique Aspects of Internal Auditing in the Public Sector

Public sector organizations are expected to serve the public good, uphold the principles of ethical governance, and comply with myriad laws and regulations. Yet the nature of politics may put pressure on, or conflict with, ethical governance principles.

The guidance explains how the internal audit activity may be affected by the purpose and governance structures of public sector organizations as well as the legal and regulatory compliance and public scrutiny and accountability to which those organizations are subject.

Topics include:

• Understanding the definition of public sector and the types of public sector organizations.

• Recognizing public sector governance roles and how they may affect internal audit principles such as organizational independence and unrestricted access.

• Incorporating any additional standards specific to the public sector.

• Assessing the organization’s commitment to ethical governance principles.

• Identifying the types of engagements performed in the public sector and how to plan them.

Item Number: 10.1320.dl