Role of Audit

On this page

• About Us
• Mission
• Values and Operating Principles

About Us

• The Office of the Chief Audit Executive (OCAE) provides the Department with independent and objective Internal Audit, Recipient Audit, and Special Examination services. All audit work is performed in accordance with Treasury Board policies and applicable professional standards.
• Internal Audit provides assurance and advice to the deputy ministers and departmental senior management in order to improve and add value to effective and efficient risk management, control, and governance processes. Engagements may include audits, micro-audits, reviews, systems under development audits and advice, risk assessments, control assessments, and other types of targeted advice and support.
• Recipient Audit provides independent assessments to programs to ensure that the funds received by grant and contribution recipients have been used according to the terms and conditions of funding agreements, that the expenses declared are eligible, supported by appropriate justifying documentation, and that the expenses incurred and paid are for goods and services received.
• The Special Examination function for grants and contributions provides support to programs through fraud prevention and detection guidance and training to officers, and to strengthen the ability of the Department to conduct data analysis and preliminary assessments of suspected financial mismanagement or fraud.
• The OCAE provides External Audit Liaison services and is the point of contact for Central Agencies and the Offices of Agents of Parliament on issues related to audit policies and activities.
• The OCAE provides secretariat support to the Departmental Audit Committee (DAC).
• The Chief Audit Executive, Bimal Sandhu, reports directly to the Deputy Minister.

Mission

OCAE’s mission is to help PCH to achieve its objectives by applying a systematic and methodological approach that directly and proactively contribute to the improvement of governance, risk management and control processes.

The internal audit function provides evidence-based assurance and advice on the extent to which the internal control system adequately and effectively supports:

• the achievement of operational objectives;
• the protection of assets;
• the economy and efficiency of operations;
• the reliability and integrity of operational and financial information; and
• compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Opportunities for improving risk management, control, and governance processes identified by Internal Audit assurance engagements are communicated to the Deputy Minister and DAC in keeping with the requirements of the Treasury Board Policy on Internal Audit.

Recipient audit and special examination reports including opportunities for improvement of financial controls and financial reporting to PCH are communicated to the recipients and the programs.

Values and Operating Principles

• The OCAE adheres to the Public Service Values and Ethics Code which outlines the values and expected behaviours that guide PCH employees in all activities related to their professional duties. The OCAE key words are: communication, integrity, professionalism, respect, teamwork and trust.
• As well, the work of auditors is guided by core values, principles, and standards established by professional associations such as the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Chartered Professional Accountants and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
• The OCAE fosters a work environment where employees can apply these values and behaviours in their work and communications every day.