D.3 Chief Audit Executive Responsibilities

  1. The Chief Audit Executive (CAE) is responsible for the effective management of the Practice Review and Internal Audit (PRIA) activity. The CAE is responsible for ensuring that:

    1. PRIA’s work is aligned with the Office of the Auditor General’s (Office) vision, mission, values and strategy and supports the Office’s strategic objectives,

    2. PRIA fully satisfies its mandate as expressed in the internal audit charter and the expectations of the Audit Committee and senior executives,

    3. PRIA resources are efficiently and effectively employed.

    4. Practice reviews conform to the Chartered Professional Accountants’ standards, and to Office procedures.

    5. Internal audits conforms to Treasury Board internal audit policies and directives, the IIA’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.

    6. Disclosing to the Audit Committee details of any impairment to independence and objectivity, whether in fact or appearance, in the conduct of CAE related responsibilities and, if applicable, in the conduct of other responsibilities normally performed by management and/or fall outside of internal auditing.

  2. The CAE establishes plans to carry out the responsibilities of PRIA. The work includes directing a comprehensive audit program and practice review engagements that provide assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the Office of the Auditor General of Canada’s integrated risk management, control, and governance processes.

  3. The CAE has the following responsibilities:

  1. Planning

    • Direct the identification and evaluation of the overall audit universe based on the Office’s risk management exercise, and oversee the development of the annual risk-based multi-year PRIA plan.

    • Ensuring adequate coverage of strategic, IT, fraud, and emerging risks in audit planning.

    • Assess the adequacy of staff resources and expertise in relation to the annual PRIA plan and recommend additional resources where necessary.

    • Oversee the coordination of internal audit activities with those of other auditing, assurance, and consulting functions, both internal and external.

  2. Human resources management

    • Direct PRIA staff in planning, organizing, directing, and monitoring PRIA operations, including assisting in hiring, training, and professional development, evaluating staff, and taking corrective actions to address performance problems.

    • Develop and maintain productive team-oriented relationships through individual contacts and group meetings.

    • Promoting professional development opportunities based on the needs of the internal audit plan, including internal and external training and professional association involvements, and sharing of information gained among co-workers.

  3. Operations

    • Direct the overall performance of review and audit procedures, including identifying and defining issues, developing criteria, reviewing and analyzing evidence, and documenting management processes and procedures.

    • Direct PRIA staff in conducting interviews, reviewing documents, developing and administering surveys, composing summary memos, and preparing working papers.

    • Direct PRIA staff in the identification, development, and documentation of PRIA issues and recommendations.

    • Ensure the timely completion of internal audit and practice review engagements.

    • Ensure that PRIA engagement reports are provided to the Audit Committee in a timely manner.

  4. Communication

    • Report quarterly to the Auditor General and the Audit Committee.

    • Communicate the results of practice review, internal audit and consulting projects, and status of management’s action plans via written reports and oral presentations to management, the Audit Committee, and the Auditor General.

    • Inform the Audit Committee of work products that do not result in a report to the committee and all matters of significance arising from such work.

  5. Continuous improvement

    • Oversee PRIA’s Quality Assurance and Improvement Program and resulting improvements, and reporting thereon to the Audit Committee.

    • In consultation with the Auditor General and the Audit Committee, ensure that a practice inspection of the internal audit function is conducted at least every five years, by a qualified independent reviewer competent in the professional practice of internal auditing and the external assessment process.

    • Benchmark audit work processes and promote continuous process improvement.

  6. Other value added activities

    • Promote a strong ethical culture and promoting strategic and risk-based thinking throughout the organization.

    • Be an advocate of effective governance, risk management, and control.

    • Contribute to the identification of risks throughout the organization.

    • Develop and maintain productive client, staff, management, and board relationships through effective communication, including individual contacts and group meetings.

    • Represent PRIA at management and Audit Committee meetings and with external organizations.

    • Performing related work as assigned by the Audit Committee, including the preparation of work plans for the Audit Committee.

    • Coordinate internal auditing activities and plans with other assurance providers to minimize duplication of effort and demands on Office management.

Last modified:
2018-03-01