INTERNAL AUDIT CHARTER Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Au diting THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS 247 Maitland Avenue Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701-4201 Copyright © 2001 by The Institute of Internal Auditors, 247 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701-4201. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Under copyright laws and agreements, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise — without prior written permission of the publisher. To obtain permission to translate, adapt, or reproduce any part of this document, contact: Administrator, Practices Center The Institute of Internal Auditors 247 Maitland Avenue Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701-4201 Phone: +1 (407) 830-7600, Ext. 256 Fax: +1 (407) 831-5171 ISBN 0-89413-454-X October 18, 2001 Introdu ction Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. Internal audit activities are performed in diverse legal and cultural environments; within organizations that vary in purpose, size, and structure; and by persons within or outside the organization. These differences may affect the practice of internal auditing in each environment. However, compliance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Au diting (Standards) is essential if the responsibilities of internal auditors are to be m...