Southern Ute Indian Tribe

“The Internal Audit Department and the tasks they are required to perform are vital to the checks and balances system which aims to create transparency and efficiency for the tribal membership and the organization as a whole.”
– Chairman Melvin J. Baker

Mission

Our mission is to build trust, promote accountability, and partner for improvement.  We strive to be a valuable resource for the leadership of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, in support of good government and good business for the tribal membership by performing the following:

• Provide recommendations on areas where the Tribe can improve, including its governance, operations, internal controls, and service delivery to the tribal membership.
• Provide assurance as it relates to operations, functions, or other activities.
• Support the organization’s identification, evaluation, and appropriate response to risks.
• Encourage the adoption of appropriate internal controls.

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Overview

Our team performs audit, assurance, advisory, and non-audit services for the entire organization, which includes the Growth Fund, Sky Ute Casino Resort, Southern Ute Shared Services, Permanent Fund, and the various committees, commissions, and boards.  Internal Audit helps promote accountability in government and business operations.  We review and assess records, operations, and compliance with tribal policies and codes.  A key focus is the identification and assessment of significant risks that could impact the achievement of tribal priorities and goals.  For each internal audit engagement, internal auditors are expected to adhere to a stringent code of ethics by incorporating and demonstrating objectivity, integrity, and confidentiality.  Internal Audit maintains confidentiality requirements for report issuance and distribution.

Common Areas of Assessment

Governance Structures

Operations

Risk & Controls

Policies, Processes, & Procedures

Types of Engagements

Audit & Assurance.  Audit and assurance activities generally include the examination of records and other evidence for the purpose of providing an assessment of a program’s adherence to operating policies, best practices, or other criteria.  Auditors also review management and control processes to ensure appropriate design and operation.

Advisory & Non-Audit Services.  Advisory and non-audit services include activities such as assisting, facilitating, or performing agreed-upon activities with process owners in order to assist with the achievement of organizational objectives, or to improve an organization’s governance, risk management, and control processes without the internal auditor assuming management responsibility.

Risk Assessments.  Risk assessments are also performed to assist in the selection of future internal audit activities.  Risk Assessments are also performed to identify or evaluate potential risks that could prevent the achievement of goals and objectives as identified in business plans, operational plans, or other strategic planning documentation.

Follow-up.  Follow-up reviews ensure that management has addressed findings and/or recommendations from a prior engagement.

How are Engagements Selected?

Internal Audit Department selects engagements based on risk assessments, which typically involve review of organizational or functional objectives and interviews with key employees, managers, directors, and tribal leadership.  Once projects are identified, the Director of Internal Audit is required to submit the audit plan to the Tribal Council for review and approval.  All audit plans are provided to the Tribal Council for approval.  The plan may be adjusted, as necessary, in response to risk.