Support your tribe’s programs, policies, and procedures with internal audits

Federally funded tribal programs fulfill critical needs for the communities they serve, protecting tribal resources and providing important services. Some of these programs include:

• Housing and community development
• Social services
• Education
• Preservation
• Land management
• Food and nutrition

However, these programs often don’t receive the support they merit. To strengthen tribal programs and prove their value to funding agencies and stakeholders, tribes can implement an internal audit function.

Internal audit benefits

An internal audit function works on behalf of governance and tribal leadership, providing a holistic and proactive approach to risk management. It analyzes key programs and controls, often resulting in continued or increased federal program funding, while helping tribes achieve the following:

• Identify and manage program risks
• Determine if program personnel responsibilities are defined and properly documented
• Identify gaps or weaknesses in controls and program compliance
• Evaluate and improve program effectiveness and efficiency

Put more simply, an internal audit can help tribes safeguard key resources and give community members and tribal employees peace of mind. Here’s a look at why an internal audit is important and some key outcomes your tribe may achieve through implementing or expanding an internal audit program.

Internal audit approach

An internal audit function can support and improve tribal programs through the following steps:

• Risk assessments
• Performance audits
• Internal control analysis project
• Policies and procedures enhancement