Audit Services

Our audit services include process audits and site visits. We look at academic, research, and administrative processes to evaluate if they’re working effectively to control risk.

Process audits

Process audits provide management with an assessment of how their processes are functioning — and whether or not the processes are helping your unit achieve objectives and manage risk. 

What happens?

During a process audit we:

  • Collaborate with you to understand your high-level objectives
  • Evaluate the risks — safety, operational, behavior, financial, and compliance — that you face as you work toward achieving these objectives
  • Test the adequacy and effectiveness of the controls and processes you have in place to control those risks

Learn more about what to expect  

Who participates?

Members of our audit team collaborate with your team's process owners. 
Learn more about our team

What’s the outcome?

At the end of each process audit, we publish an audit report. It includes any audit findings, an overall audit rating, a list of any recommended improvements, and a management action plan.
Learn more about audit ratings

Site visits

Site visits are designed for campus units with significant research volume. They provide management with an assessment of how their processes are achieving objectives associated with sponsored activities and gift expenditures. 

What happens?

During a site visit we:

  • Collaborate with you to understand your high-level objectives.
  • Evaluate the risks — safety, operational, behavioral, financial, and compliance — that you face related to research administration.
  • Test the adequacy and effectiveness of the processes you have in place for procurement, salary distribution, forecasting, and gift stewardship.

Learn more about what to expect

Who participates?

Members of our audit team collaborate with your team's process owners.
Learn more about our team

What’s the outcome?

At the end of each site visit, we publish an audit report. It includes any audit findings, an overall audit rating, a list of any recommended improvements, and a management action plan.
Learn more about audit ratings

Questions about audit services?

 

 

MIT icon

Michelle Jackson, Audit Services Manager Compliance & Operations
mcjack@mit.edu
617.253.9793

 

 

Lincoln Laboratory icon

Martha Jane Gagnon, Senior Associate Director
mjk@mit.edu
617.253.9720