Baker Tilly performs extensive array of internal audit functions at research institution, and serves in the role of interim CAE during transition period

Our client’s need

A research institution needed help to perform internal audit services, including building an internal audit function and to build a greater internal knowledge base.

Baker Tilly solution

Baker Tilly has provided internal audit services for the university for the past 10 years via a model that has evolved as the internal audit function. Serving in this role, we have worked with university personnel to create, plan and execute yearly internal audit plans, which include approximately 10 projects annually. Our projects span across a variety of focus areas including:

• Cybersecurity and information technology (IT)
• Enterprise risk management (ERM)
• Sponsored research
• Business process/operations
• Consulting/strategic advisory
• Continuous monitoring

In addition to completing the yearly planned audits, Baker Tilly conducts investigations and addresses information requests, as needed.

Results achieved

Baker Tilly served as a strategic advisor to the university over the years including, during a period of transition in internal audit leadership at the university. Over the past year, one of our professionals with over a decade of experience leading high performing internal audit functions in higher education served in the role of interim chief audit executive (CAE) while the university was going through the process of recruiting and hiring a new full time position. During this time, we collaborated with senior leadership and internal audit stakeholders to identify strategic priorities for the future internal audit function at the university and help transition the function to new leadership.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly specialists can help, contact our team.