Internal Controls

Internal Controls Services (ICS) unit provides audit, investigation and advisory services to departments and functions across Dartmouth College. Audit activities will be determined by annual risk assessments and directives from Senior Management and the Audit Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees. Advisory services will include assisting departments in risk assessment projects, providing trainings on risks, internal controls and fraud and conducting business process improvement reviews. Internal Controls Services will also collaborate with departments to recommend operational standards and best practices that will support the achievement of Dartmouth College's mission and strategic objectives.

What are Internal Controls?

Internal controls are processes within the College designed to provide reasonable assurance that certain things happen the way we want them to:

• Reliability and integrity of information
• Compliance with policies, plans, procedures, laws, regulations and contracts
• Safeguarding of assets
• Effectiveness and efficiency of operations

Internal Control consists of five interrelated components as follows:

• Control Environment: Sets the foundation upon which all other components of internal control are based, and sets the tone for an educational institution. Factors include sound integrity and ethical values which are part of the College's standard of conduct
• Risk Assessment: Involves identification and analysis of risks.
• Control Activities: Control policies and procedures which help ensure achievement of the College's mission and strategic objectives.
• Information and communication: Systems that identify, capture, process and distribute information.
• Monitoring: Internal controls need to be monitored to assess the quality of performance.