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UKIA FY 2021-25 Strategic Plan

Julie Hoover-Ernst Dec 13, 2021

UKIA recently completed its 2021-25 Strategic Plan. A first for UKIA, this plan includes seven initiatives that were identified as priorities by UKIA staff through a multi-step process:

UK Internal Audit Adjusts Focus and Operations in Response to COVID-19

Julie Hoover-Ernst Mar 19, 2020

Like many other departments across the University, the UKIA staff is modifying its operations in response to COVID-19. Effective Wednesday, March 18, UKIA employees began working from their homes. Additionally, UKIA will shift its focus to help the University minimize any emerging risks as we all adapt to this new working environment.

A Look Into the Matrix: How Data Analytics Can Affect You

Alan Wood Jul 15, 2019

What is Data Analytics? Data is all around us. It is in our cars, phones, watches and the computer systems used throughout the University of Kentucky. It enables us to do sophisticated things, such as paying for meals electronically or sending an email. Things that few people could have imagined even 30 years ago.

Mobile Device Security

Alan Wood May 8, 2019

Connected mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, have become a ubiquitous presence in every-day life that offers always-on connectivity, no matter the location. In fact, 95 percent of Americans now own a cell phone of some kind, with 77 percent owning a smartphone – up from 35 percent just eight years ago.[1]

Planes, Trains and Travel Schemes

Alan Wood Apr 25, 2019

The faculty and staff of the University of Kentucky travel throughout the Commonwealth, the United States, and the world while supporting the mission of UK. As more employees travel, the likelihood of improper activity through travel expenditures can increase.

Reconciliation Risks in Higher Education

Alan Wood Apr 18, 2019

With tightened budgets in higher education, decreased funding from the state and increased expectations for state-of-the-art facilities, the University must carefully account for every dollar no matter the source of funding. Reconciliations of University accounts are one of the most effective methods available to meet this need, yet UK Internal Audit (UKIA) has recently noted a number of units that don’t perform this essential process on a regular basis, if at all.

Access Control

Alan Wood Mar 6, 2019

In the mid-1850s, at the Palace of Khorsabad in Iraq, archaeologists found a simple lock and key system which dated back to 4000 B.C.E. The lock used pins of different lengths to secure the door, and the owner would then use a key which pushed the pins of the lock, allowing entry. In this way, you could protect valuables without constant monitoring. From our earliest beginnings, humans have been trying to protect valuables from theft and destruction.

Ancillary Locations Extend UK's Reach - and Responsibilities

Julie Hoover-Ernst Feb 27, 2019

Established in 1865 as a land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky (UK) has always made serving the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky its mission. Today, UK continues to expand its impact on the lives of Kentuckians through its extensive network of clinics, partnerships, and projects that are focused on healthcare, agriculture, education, and research services. In fact, these ancillary facilities bring the University of Kentucky – and its full range of resources – to all 120 Kentucky counties as they work to address issues of importance to all Kentuckians.

Employee Purchasing Fraud

Alan Wood Feb 19, 2019

Employee Purchasing Fraud can happen at any time, in any unit. However, anyone from University administration, to a student employee working part-time can reduce the likelihood of this adverse event. There are five steps employees/units follow when engaging with a vendor, and each step has its corresponding risks and prevention methods. Step 1: During step one, a unit determines a need for a product or service. It is here where a false vendor or need for an item could be created.

In-house Application (Software) – An Internal Audit Perspective

Julie Hoover-Ernst Oct 29, 2018

In-house applications, which are software applications developed by an organization for its own internal use, are becoming more and more prevalent. UKIA’s clients say it is because they “can create it themselves for less” and that “any purchased product will have to be customized and is therefore a waste of time and money.

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