Internal audit performance results, 2018-2019

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has an independent and objective assurance and consulting internal audit function designed to add value and improve the Department's operations. It supports AAFC in accomplishing the departmental objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to assess and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.

As prescribed by the Office of the Comptroller General of Canada, the following key compliance attributes demonstrate that the fundamental elements necessary for oversight are in place, and that the internal audit function is operating as intended.

Internal auditors are trained to effectively perform the work

• 73% of staff involved in the conduct of internal audits hold an internal audit or accounting designation - Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
• 36% of staff involved in the conduct of internal audits are in the process^{Footnote 1} of obtaining their internal audit or accounting designation (CIA or CPA)
• 18% of staff involved in the conduct of internal audits hold another designation, Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)

Notes

Staff included: 11 Indeterminate employees involved in the internal audit function from the Internal Audit Division and the Practice Management Unit. Some employees may hold more than one designation.

Internal audit work is performed in conformance with the international standards for the profession of internal audit as required by the Treasury Board Policy on Internal Audit

• The 2015 external assessment concluded that internal audit work was performed in conformance with the international standards for the profession of internal audit. The next external assessment is planned for 2019-2020.
• In Q4 of 2018-2019, in preparation for the external assessment, AAFC initiated a self-assessment of its internal audit function to assess conformance with the Institute of Internal Auditors Code of Ethics and International Professional Practices Framework Standards. The self-assessment concluded that Internal Audit continued to conform with international and Treasury Board standards. Results of the self-assessment were presented to the Departmental Audit Committee on June 27, 2019.

Internal audit work is perceived by stakeholders as adding value

• Average overall rating of usefulness of areas audited as indicated in post-engagement satisfaction surveys: Good.

Internal audit work is performed according to the approved risk-based audit plan and management is implementing management action plans approved to address audit recommendations

2019-2020 Internal Audit Engagements

2018-2019 Internal Audit Engagements