Team spotlight: University Audit and Advisory

May marks a significant period in the audit calendar as we celebrate Internal Audit Awareness Month, an initiative led by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) to emphasize the critical role of internal auditors. To mark the occasion, we will share insights into the internal audit profession and our University Audit and Advisory (UAA) team.

Here’s what we’d like you to know:

1. UAA provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services, investigates potential fraud and abuse, evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control, governance and business processes, and coordinates with external auditors. 
2. We’re not just number crunchers. The UAA team includes specialists with diverse backgrounds in operational, financial, and IT auditing, consulting, and project management. We evaluate operational risks, compliance with regulations, cybersecurity controls, and much more. Our work touches every aspect of the institution. 
3. We are excited to work with you! Historically, auditing has sometimes been perceived as an isolated endeavor, but we are breaking down those barriers. We are fostering stronger partnerships across departments, working together to identify and address risks proactively.
4. UAA possesses a unique vantage point within the university, one that allows us not only to evaluate risks but also to connect dots across departments and functions that might not typically interact. Our work ensures that knowledge is shared, and best practices are spread across the organization, enhancing efficiency, and contributing to the realization of the OneFinance North Star concept of “standardize and simplify.” By promoting collaboration and alignment with this overarching vision, we help strengthen the culture of financial integrity and stewardship across Yale. 
5. We’re not just here to check boxes; we’re here to help and add value. This includes conducting risk assessments, benchmarking, data analysis, creating process flows, and other services aimed at promoting operational efficiency and fostering continuous improvement. Departments are encouraged to use UAA as a strategic consulting resource beyond standard audits. We offer expertise to support initiatives that enhance processes, whether they are established or in need of development. 
6. Committed to lifelong learning, we continuously update our knowledge through professional education and certifications. We actively engage with our higher education peers in forums to tackle shared challenges and exchange best practices. This year, Yale will proudly host the annual Ivy Plus internal audit direct reports conference, demonstrating our dedication to excellence and promoting valuable networking within our community.
7. We have a sense of humor and can often be found laughing at our own jokes. We’re human too – we are all on this journey together!  

Pictured above, seated from left to right, and standing from right to left: Shaily Gambardella, Cynthia Lopez, Elizabeth Bello, Robyn Nizzardo, Julie FitzGerald, Melissa Tebo, Ruth Philo, Jean Chang, Melissa May, Santa Claus (guest), Jennifer Wilson, Scott Ngo, and Tammy Raccio. Annette Gutierrez not pictured.