Letter from the Editor
May 18, 2020
Hello ACUA,
Despite the physical distance, I hope you, your loved ones, and your colleagues get the opportunity to become closer during this unnerving time. I wish you all happiness and good health each and every day that passes.
As unexpected as this global pandemic was, College and University Auditor is published two months earlier than usual—surprise! This special edition provides timely and relevant information about COVID-19 to help audit shops continue being trusted advisors to their institutions during this difficult time; therefore, it is apropos that this issue coincides with Internal Audit Awareness Month. Thank you to all the authors, editors, and communications committee members for diving in and helping to get this issue out fast.
There is so much to know about COVID-19, but where does one start? Jean Cineas, Odir Chavez, and John Makropoulos compiled a listing of free resources available that will help internal auditors pivot to meet the emerging needs of their institutions. If you are curious about what some of these needs are, C-Suite individuals across various institutions shared their perspectives with Marion Candrea on how internal audit can assist now and in the future. Raina Rose Tagle and Mumta Taneja from Baker Tilly also provide insight on how internal audit can add value during this time of uncertainty. One area where internal audit can assist include business process reviews. Sarah Palombo and Karen Tobat from Audimation share their knowledge and tips about how to improve business processes using data analytics.
Due to the pandemic, Audit Interactive (which was planned for April) was unfortunately cancelled. However, this past week, ACUA hosted its first virtual conference in its place—The AVE (ACUA’s Virtual Event). The conference held two Chief Audit Executive (CAE) panels related to COVID-19 responses and mitigation. CAEs from small and large audit stops came together to share how their departments are responding to the pandemic, which Julia Hann and LaDonna Flynn summarize for those who were not able to attend these sessions. On Connect ACUA, members shared how their audit plans have changed recently and Jackie Pascoe compiled this issue’s "Connect Further" feature addressing the impact that COVID-19 has had on audit shops. Now more than ever, Connect ACUA has been an invaluable resource to many members and Sonja Erickson emphasizes the importance of the “ACUA is Community” campaign. ACUA strives to strengthen its members’ connections and Tanya Satterfield discusses how the mentorship program provides another avenue for members to learn and grow from each other, especially during these times.
The content shared in College and University Auditor is only possible due to the contributions of knowledgeable professionals, like yourself. Please consider submitting an article in the future! I encourage you to send your questions, suggestions, article submissions and commentary to me at editor@ACUA.org, or contact me by phone at (848) 932-3391.
Enjoy this special edition of College and University Auditor and stay safe. We will get through this together!
Warm regards,
Marilyn
About the Author
Marilyn Carnevale
Marilyn Carnevale is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), and Public School Accountant (PSA). She is the editor of College and University Auditor and works...
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