Audit committee adopts new global internal audit standards, auditors to update charter and strategy

Tulare County’s Audit Committee unanimously adopted updated global internal audit standards on April 9 after a presentation and gap analysis by the county’s chief of financial reporting and audit.

Katie K. Meyer, who identified herself as chief of financial reporting and audit, outlined the new framework effective Jan. 9, 2025: five domains, 15 principles and 52 standards. Meyer said the division’s gap analysis found one standard not met — documenting a long‑term audit strategy — and 20 standards partially met. She recommended creating an updated audit charter, an internal audit manual, and a documented long‑term strategy, and said the division will enhance reporting and collaboration with departments.

Committee members asked about implementation resources and governance constraints. One committee member asked whether the Brown Act and the committee’s composition limit the ability to hold frank audit discussions and requested that auditors research how other counties structure audit committees. Another member asked whether the new topical requirements (for example, cybersecurity) would add staff hours to individual audits; Meyer said there will be some initial added work for planning and evaluation but that improved audit quality and new audit software should streamline ongoing work. Meyer also said ethics training and documentation will be incorporated into the new audit manual.

A motion to adopt the new global internal audit standards was made, seconded and passed unanimously. The division will return to the committee with an updated audit charter, audit manual and a documented long‑term strategy.