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Reviews
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What
are reviews? |
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What
happens during a review? |
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Planning
Phase |
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Assessment
Phase |
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Reporting
of Results |
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Post
Project Follow-Up |
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Are
reviews classified as public information? |
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When
are reviews more appropriate than consulting, audits,
or investigations? |
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How do I request a review? |
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What are reviews? |
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Reviews
are usually less rigorous and intensive than audits
and are intended to assist management by identifying
ways to more effectively manage risk and improve operations.
These projects do not result in an overall official
opinion, as defined by internal auditing standards,
but do allow UAC to assess the reasonableness of operations,
financial information, or compliance.
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What happens during a review? |
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Generally,
reviews include the following steps:
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Planning
Phase |
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The
planning phase of a review project and an audit
engagement is very similar. A review begins with
a planning meeting or entrance conference between
UAC staff and the client to discuss project scope
and objectives, arrange a mutually convenient
project time table, and discuss any specific areas
of concern. Reviews typically require one to four
months to complete.
As
part of the planning phase, UAC staff familiarize
themselves with the program, function, or unit
by collecting information through interviews of
key personnel and review of policies, procedures
and relevant reports. This knowledge is used to
prepare an assessment of risk and risk management
strategies.
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Assessment
Phase |
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Using
the results of the risk assessment, a project plan
is developed based on the defined project scope.
Reviews typically include detailed testing, but
is more limited than testing done as part of an
audit. Unlike audits, reviews rely heavily on management
representations and analytical procedures. While
selected documents may be examined, this is less
extensive for a review than an audit.
Throughout
the project, regular briefings are provided to
the client on the results of the risk assessment,
material issues, and overall project status.
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Reporting
of Results |
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While
the format of our reports may vary, all review
reports should be concise, balanced in presentation
of strengths and weaknesses, and positive in tone.
Review
reports are presented in draft form to the client
prior to completing the project. While draft reports
may only be issued to clients, UAC may also issue
draft reports to others within the University
as directed by the responsible Vice President/Provost.
An exit conference or project close-out meeting
will normally be held to review the draft report
and discuss planned client actions.
Based
on the results of this meeting, a final report
is then issued to the client, designated Dean
or Director, responsible Vice President/Provost,
Executive Vice President, Media Relations, and
the Office of General Counsel. Other University
offices and units may receive summary information
or copies of final reports based on the nature
of their responsibilities.
In
some cases, regulations or governance standards
may require distribution of results to research
sponsors or selected State of Florida or Federal
agencies. When optional, the responsible Vice
President/Provost will share results with these
external entities, as appropriate. Depending on
the nature of the review, however, UAC may be
required to distribute results to selected State
or Federal agencies.
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Post
Project Follow-Up |
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After
a review has been completed, UAC will schedule a
follow-up with the client to determine if planned
corrective action has been taken, if recommendations
have been implemented, respond to any questions,
and assist with implementation strategies. Follow-up
typically occurs every six months until open items
are closed. These results are reported to the USF
Finance Council, a committee of internal University
business and financial officers, and to each Vice
President/Provost. |
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Are
reviews classified as public information? |
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Based
on a review of Florida law and guidance from the USF Office
of the General Counsel, on-going reviews are not considered
public. As these engagements are completed, both the reports
and workpapers for University activities, functions, and
programs are considered public records. Reports and workpapers
relating to Direct Support Organizations and entities
under the control and direction of the University are
always exempt under Florida Statutes Section 1001.28.
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When
are reviews more appropriate than consulting, audits,
or investigations? |
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Reviews
are most appropriate when you seek an objective and independent
evaluation of whether an operation, financial information,
or compliance function are reasonable in meeting desired
objectives, performance or laws, rules, regulations or
policies that apply. Reviews would not be appropriate
when you are seeking help with new processes (see Consulting),
need a formal opinion (see Audits),
or believe misconduct is involved (see Investigations).
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How
do I request a review? |
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You
may contact the Director of UAC, Debra
Gula, to request services. While we have limited resources,
we will endeavor to assist you whenever possible. |
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