Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. Internal auditors are independent from the area they are reviewing and ensure no conflict of interest exists in an area prior to auditing.

The Office of Internal Audit applies the international standards for the professional practice of internal auditing.

The Institute of Internal Auditors defines assurance as:

“An objective examination of evidence for the purpose of providing an independent assessment on governance, risk management, and control processes for the organization. Examples may include financial, performance, compliance, system security, and due diligence engagements.”

The Institute of Internal Auditors defines consulting services as:

“Advisory and related client service activities, the nature and scope of which are agreed with the client, are intended to add value and improve an organization's governance, risk management, and control processes without the internal auditor assuming management responsibility. Examples include counsel, advice, facilitation, and training.”