Report Sample Format

 

NOTE: The following illustrates a comprehensive report format. Report format and details may vary by engagement. The month and year of report issuance should be included in the detailed report (i.e., header, 1^st page of the detailed report, etc.).

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS (as necessary)

[Word automatically generates table of contents if you are using built-in headings, see Insert, Index and Tables, Table of Contents. If you are not using built-in headings, select text you want as a table of contents entry, press Alt + Shift + O (the letter). Then, create the table by selecting Insert, Index and Tables, Table of Contents. Be sure to select the Table Field Entry check box.]

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (as necessary)

Restate conclusion(s) for each engagement objective and summarize findings and recommendations.

 

BACKGROUND

Provide background information about the purpose/mission of the area examined. Indicate reason for the performance of the engagement, i.e., change in management, special request, follow-up, etc.

 

ENGAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

List engagement objectives.

 

SCOPE & METHODOLOGY

Identify activities examined, time period examined, and nature and extent of tests performed. Also, include the guidelines following in conducting the engagement, i.e., The Institute of Internal Auditors' International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, generally accepted governmental auditing standards, etc.

 

ENGAGEMENT RESULTS

This section should be restricted to documented factual statements, which can be substantiated. Statements of opinion, assumption and conclusion, such as: "violation of Regents' Rules and Regulations." Phrases like "management is ineffective" and "internal control is poor" should be avoided.

 

Generally, a paragraph regarding significant findings should be included: "According to The University of Texas System, a significant recommendation is one that may be material to operations, financial reporting, or legal compliance. This would include an internal control weakness that does not reduce the risk of irregularities, illegal acts, errors, inefficiencies, waste, ineffectiveness, or conflicts of interest to a reasonably low level. The audit resulted in [insert #] recommendations significant to University operations."

 

Any recommendation made should be preceded with a discussion of the finding and followed by management's response to the recommendation and implementation date. If management's response is too lengthy to include in the body of the report, a summary of the response should be included in the report with the complete response attached to the report (i.e., Appendices).

 

CONCLUSION

The auditor's opinion or conclusion based on the objectives of the engagement should be stated.

 

_______________________                    __________________________

Director of Audits                         Engagement Manager

APPENDICES (if applicable)

Potential appendices could include:

• Details on the nature, timing, and extent tests
  
• Follow-up summary table on prior audit recommendations.