1 The Auditor’s Perspective Division of Sponsored Research Research Administration Training Series Presented by: Joe Cannella Audit Manager, Office of Audit Compliance & Review June 19, 2007

2 AGENDA Session Objectives Research Environment at the University of Florida Auditors and the Office of Audit & Compliance Review (OACR) Research Risks (Operational, Compliance, Financial) Auditor’s Perspective Questions?

3 Session Objectives Auditor: a friend or a foe? Find out what your university auditors consider to be high-risk issues in sponsored research administration and accounting. There will be a discussion of audits performed, summary of common issues and findings and proactive best practices in higher education. Auditor’s role and how you can be prepared? Joining forces for educational, and compliance oversight activities involving research administration?

4 University of Florida The Environment An AAU public university with thousands of research faculty research awards over $500 million University’s Strategic Goal is to be a “Top 10 Research University”

5 University of Florida The Environment NIH is the largest source of external research funding Royalty and licensing income generated from intellectual property continually support the University Federal Awards by Agency Fiscal Year Ended NIH $ 69.7 $ 93.5 $ $ $ $ $ NSF USDA DOD HHS Other Total $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 324.4

6 University of Florida The Environment Decentralized organizational structure Three centralized offices overseeing some aspects of research administration Office of Audit & Compliance Review performs risk analysis-research administration subjects may be categorized as high compliance risk areas

7 Who are the Auditors Office of Audit & Compliance Review (OACR) –Large audit universe with the associated risk impacting the scope and emphasis of engagements. Audits and reviews may be related to financial, operational, or compliance objectives. –Emphasis on assisting management with improving internal controls and mitigating risk. OACR is not the owner or manager of the controls. –Assist with spread of information and communication across the University –Reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees State of Florida Auditor General –Annual Audit of Compliance and Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting and Federal Awards (A-133) –Other Audits Other Offices for Federal Cognizant Agencies –Audits may be subcontracted to external parties –Scope can vary greatly

8 Research Risks Various types of risk (Financial, Operational, or Compliance) –Research administration risks generally involve a heavy compliance element External audit findings or lack of institutional controls can impact public perception and/or future funding How to manage or mitigate risks (Control, Avoid) –Operating controls, monitoring controls, oversight, and auditing –Controls can be preventative (most effective) or detective –Controls at institutional and unit levels are expected by Sponsors –If controls are working they should identify issues –Danger is not taking action when you notice a problem

9 Audit and Risk Areas Involving Sponsored Research Administrative and Clerical Salaries * Animal Care and Resources Billing Biosafety and controlled substances (accounting and security) * Clinical Trials Compensation and kickbacks Conflict of Interest (financial or technical) * Contract and Grant Accounting (properly allocating charges) Costs and Budget Transfers * Cost Sharing, Indirect cost accounting Effort Reporting, Level of Commitment * Foreign / Export Controls Funding and various sources of financial support

10 Audit and Risk Areas Involving Sponsored Research Graduate student compensation * HIPAA / Privacy of Information Human Subject Research Intellectual Property Institutional Review Boards Reporting Research Centers Research Integrity Research Laboratories Royalty Revenues and Technology Licensing Subcontract Monitoring * Identified in recent DHHS OIG 2007 Work Plan

11 Current OACR Audit Focus and Issues Contracts and Grant Accounting -Implementation of PeopleSoft -The new environment Time and Effort Reporting -Purpose of effort reporting -Changes and best practices Subcontract Monitoring Indirect Costs Research Compliance Committee University-wide system audits Control Self Assessment

12 Control Self Assessment Results

13 Other Factors Impacting Risks at our Institution Institutional Culture Organizational Structure Policies and Procedures Information Support Systems Resources Committed Educational Activities

14 Auditor’s Perspective Auditor’s perspective should be one of “fact finding” Should be independent and objective An auditor is not a “compliance officer” or business management Scope and objectives are important (investigation – audit – review) Documentation is key – especially for “red flag areas” or unusual transactions Audit reports and communication

15 Internal Audit’s role in coordinating Federal or State Agency audits What is expected from you as a research administrator Assistance with information transmittal Assurance for timely and complete responses Knowledge of Institution and its practices Follow-up after audit is completed

16 What if you are audited? Do it right the first time, rather than trying to make corrections later. Make sure proper people are involved Confirm auditor/investigator’s authority Maintain proper conduct. Make sure staff are informed and professional Don’t leave the investigator unattended, and make records of what has been examined and copied Don’t expand the scope Follow-up after audit is completed

17 Questions? Contact Information: –Joe Cannella, Audit Manager –(352) University of Florida OACR web site: –