Office of the Internal Audit

Internal Audit Helps Protect What Matters 

The Office of Internal Audit reviews how college processes work – and how they can improve. Our goal is to help Ozarks Tech run efficiently, follow the rules, and protect its resources. 

What Internal Audit Reviews 

We look at key areas across the college to support improvement and accountability: 

• Process improvement and best practices 
  We help identify ways to improve daily operations by applying proven practices from both inside and outside the education world. 
• Internal controls and risk management 
  We check whether financial and administrative processes are effective, and we offer advice to help strengthen policies and systems. 
• Data accuracy and asset protection 
  We assess how well the college safeguards data and ensures all assets are tracked properly. 
• Compliance with rules and regulations 
  We make sure departments follow Ozarks Tech policies, along with state and federal laws. 
• Efficiency and cost savings 
  We look for ways to improve how departments use their resources — helping identify cost savings or chances to bring in more revenue. 

Report a Concern – Anonymously If Needed 

If you see something that doesn’t seem right, start by talking to your supervisor or a college official. If you’d rather not speak directly to someone, you can use the anonymous hotline. 

About Internal Audit 

What is Internal Audit 

Internal audit is an independent, objective activity that helps Ozarks Tech work better. It does this by reviewing systems, processes, and risks — then offering recommendations to improve them. 

This function follows a professional standard defined by The Institute of Internal Auditors. Internal audit brings a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving risk management, control, and governance. 

What Does Internal Audit Do? 

Internal audit reviews key areas to support effective operations and accountability. It helps ensure: 

• Laws, regulations, and policies are being followed 
• College operations are working efficiently and effectively 
• Risks are identified and managed appropriately 
• Opportunities to improve are found and shared with college leadership 

Internal Audit also monitors the college’s ethics hotline and reviews each report that comes in. 

What Are Internal Controls? 

Internal controls are processes put in place to help departments meet their goals – while also reducing risk, preventing loss, and ensuring accurate reporting. 

These controls make it more likely that work gets done the right way and according to policy. Internal Audit reviews these systems and provides feedback, but it does not create or manage them. 

Why Do Internal Controls Matter? 

Internal controls give departments confidence that their work is secure, compliant, and aligned with college goals. 

Examples of Internal Controls 

• Separation of duties: Involves more than one person in a financial transaction. This helps ensure all funds are handled correctly. 
• Physical safeguards: Uses locks, keycard access, or security codes to protect physical spaces and data. 
• Required approvals: Requires review and sign-off for transactions over a certain amount. This keeps spending in line with college policies and budget rules.