Provide a summary of the work performed and services offered in your area.

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity aimed at adding value and improving an organization’s operations. The purpose of the Internal Audit function at Ball State University (University) is to strengthen the University’s ability to create, protect, and sustain value. We do this by providing the Board of Trustees (Board) and Management with independent, risk-based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight through a collaborative approach that develops and maintains strong relationships.

Tell us more about your team resources.

Internally, we are a team of five with a combined total of over 65 years of audit experience. We also co-source and outsource some of our work to Baker Tilly, a globally recognized audit and advisory services firm.

What is the purpose of the work performed in your area and how does it tie into the larger work of the University?

The unit’s overall goal is to help the University accomplish its objectives and improve operations. We help the University accomplish objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, controls, and governance processes.

The scope of our work extends beyond what many think of as “typical” audits. While many associate auditors with external financial oversight focused on financial statement fairness and integrity or compliance with laws and regulations, our role encompasses these things in addition to a broader range of activities across the entire University. We conduct operational, integrated, information systems, security, and environmental audits with a goal to enhance and improve practices. Additionally, we offer advisory services tailored to client needs, focusing on adding value and strengthening the University’s operations, governance, risk management, and control processes.

What are some key initiatives for your area?

Strategically, the Internal Audit function has been optimizing its services to align with the Global Internal Audit Standards and Mandate. Key initiatives that we identified include:

  1. Deploying risk-based auditing as opposed to compliance auditing, and documenting and deploying internal audit methodology.
  2. Deploying technology-based audit management system.
  3. Establishing audit data analytics program.
  4. Developing and nurturing internal audit talent.
  5. Enhancing campus community’s understanding of risk-based auditing and advisory services.
  6. Make internal audit process transparent and collaborative.

Are there any common misunderstandings about the work performed in your area?

Many stakeholders believe auditors should only engage after a project is complete, but we advocate for an integrated approach. Quality should be embedded in daily activities rather than audited in post-completion. Internal Audit Standards permit us to collaborate with you from the sketching and ideation phases and during implementations. This enables us to offer timely, actionable advice throughout the process. Our training and professional expertise, combined with strong trust relationships and a nuanced understanding of the University’s culture and strategic objectives, enhance our ability to deliver objective and proactive advisory services. You can trust that our advisory work remains confidential between Internal Audit and your department; it is not shared with the Board.

What can we expect from area in the coming months?

  1. We will continue to:
  • Execute the Board-approved audit plan.
  • Make the internal audit process transparent, collaborative and empathetic while maintaining our objectivity and independence.
  • Cultivate and increase team engagement in our function.
  • Reach out to your departments/areas to learn about your activities and share the philosophy of risk-based auditing.

2. We will also be reaching out for your input on areas you think we should focus on for audits and advisory projects in FY 2026.

Share any additional information that you feel is important to communicate.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you to enhance Ball State’s operations and governance. Feel free to reach out to Chifundo Biliwita, Director of Internal Audit and Advisory Services, at chifundo.biliwita@bsu.edu with any questions or stop by our office in the Administration Building, Room 209.