The university’s internal audit department has incorporated The Institute of Internal Auditors “Code of Ethics” into its operating principals. The code includes principles and rules of conduct. An internal auditor will abide by these principles and rules. Suspected variance from these principles or rules of conduct may be reported to the Director of Internal Audit or the Vice President of Finance.
Principles
Internal auditors are expected to apply and uphold the following principles:Integrity: The integrity of internal auditors establishes trust and thus provides the basis for reliance on their judgment.Objectivity: Internal auditors exhibit the highest level of professional objectivity in gathering, evaluating, and communicating information about the activity or process being examined. Internal auditors make a balanced assessment of all the relevant circumstances and are not unduly influenced by their own interests or by others in forming judgmentsConfidentiality: Internal auditors respect the value and ownership of information they receive and do not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so.Competency: Internal auditors apply the knowledge, skills, and experience needed in the performance of internal auditing services.
Rules of Conduct
Integrity
Internal auditors: 1.1 Shall perform their work with honesty, diligence, and responsibility. 1.2 Shall observe the law and make disclosures expected by the law and the profession. 1.3 Shall not knowingly be a party to any illegal activity, or engage in acts that are discreditable to the profession of internal auditing or to the organization. 1.4 Shall respect and contribute to the legitimate and ethical objectives of the organization.Objectivity.
Internal auditors: 2.1 Shall not participate in any activity or relationship that may impair or be presumed to impair their unbiased assessment. This participation includes those activities or relationships that may be in conflict with the interests of the organization. 2.2 Shall not accept anything that may impair or be presumed to impair their professional judgment. 2.3 Shall disclose all material facts known to them that, if not disclosed, may distort the reporting of activities under review.
Confidentiality
Internal auditors: 3.1 Shall be prudent in the use and protection of information acquired in the course of their duties. 3.2 Shall not use information for any personal gain or in any manner that would be contrary to the law or detrimental to the legitimate and ethical objectives of the organization.
Competency
Internal auditors: 4.1 Shall engage only in those services for which they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience. 4.2 Shall perform internal auditing services in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. 4.3 Shall continually improve their proficiency and the effectiveness and quality of their services.
Adopted by The IIA Board of Directors, June 17, 2000 Copyright © 2000 by The Institute of Internal Auditors, 247 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701-4201. Permission is hereby given to duplicate and translate this Code provided no substantive changes are made.