Publication

Core Control Audit of the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat

October 2011

Office of the Comptroller General Objective and scope

The objective of this audit was to ensure that core controls over financial management[1] within the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS) are effective and result in compliance with corresponding legislation, policies, and directives.

The scope of this audit included an examination of a sample of transactions from each of the policies and directives indicated in Appendix A of this report. The transactions were taken from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

This audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.[2]

Why this is important

Canadians expect the federal government to be well managed and to be accountable for the prudent stewardship of public funds, the safeguarding of public assets, and the effective, efficient and economical use of public resources. They also expect reliable and transparent reporting on how the government spends public funds to achieve results for Canadians.[3]

The Financial Administration Act designates deputy heads as accounting officers for their department or agency. As accounting officers, deputy heads are accountable for ensuring resources are organized to deliver departmental objectives in compliance with government policy and procedures; ensuring that there are effective systems of internal control; signing departmental accounts; and performing other specific duties assigned by law or regulation to the administration of their department or agency.

Audit conclusion

Core controls over financial management within the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat are conducted in a manner compliant with the requirements contained in ten of eleven policies, directives[4] and corresponding legislation tested.

Recommendations

As part of this audit the Agency received detailed recommendations with respect to improvements that should be made. Recommendations were made to ensure that contracting processes are standardized across the organization. Further recommendations were made to ensure that expenses are pre-approved and that account verification, payment and settlement are done on a timely basis.

Management action plans

Management has accepted the audit findings and has developed an action plan to address the detailed recommendations.  The Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat has provided the Office of the Comptroller General with the management action plan to address actions taken towards the findings. The management action plan is available on the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat’s website. 

The results of the audit and the management action plan have been discussed with the Secretary of the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat and the Small Departments and Agencies Audit Committee. The Office of the Comptroller General will follow-up on the management action plan until all findings are resolved.

Appendix A: Policies and Directives Tested