Audit Bureau

The Audit Bureau is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value to and improve the GNWT’s operations. The audit function helps the GNWT accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.

The Audit Bureau’s mandate comes from the Financial Administration Manual (FAM), Directive 1105 (old 603). The Audit Bureau provides comprehensive internal audit services to all Departments. As a service function, the most important clients of the Audit Bureau are the Departments’ management. Audit reports are typically addressed to the Deputy Minister of the audited program for action. Under FAM 1105 (old 603), the Audit Bureau is responsible for:

• Operational audits that encompass value-for-money audits, to assess the economy, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of Government activities.
• Compliance audits, to assess compliance with legislation, regulations and other statutory requirements, as well as adherence to sound management practices.
• Information technology audits, to assess the risks and controls of information systems and the integrity of the data produced.
• Special investigations, to assess the validity of allegations of fraud, negligence, or impropriety and to propose responsive action as appropriate.
• Examination of internal controls and safeguarding against fraud, negligence, impropriety, mismanagement, and loss of assets.
• Examination of the adequacy and reliability of reported information.
• Examinations of reliability and comprehensiveness of performance measurements and disclosure.

With the concurrence of the governing Department, the Audit Bureau also conducts internal audits for Boards/Agencies (Authorities). Although the NWT Power Corporation, Workers Compensation Board, and the NWT Housing Corporation have their own internal audit function, the responsible Minister can direct the Audit Bureau to conduct an audit of these entities.

The Director of the Audit Bureau takes operational direction from the Audit Committee. For administrative purposes, the Director reports to the Secretary of the Financial Management Board/Comptroller General. The Audit Committee’s most recent revision to the Terms of Reference was in February of 2008.

The Audit Bureau follows the standards established by the Institute of Internal Auditors and the pronouncements of CCAF.

You can contact the Audit Bureau by email at Audit@gov.nt.ca or by telephone 867.873.7624.