October 2004

Thursday, October 7, 2004
CityPlace Conference Center

Meeting 12:00pm - 1:20pm
Registration begins at 11:30pm

When Bad News Happens to Good Companies

Jeff Crilley

Jeff will provide guidance on dealing with negative publicity related to our companies. Some points he will cover include:

- How to combat negative news
- What to say during an interview
- How to keep a bad story from killing your company
- Why "no comment" isn't an answer
- Lessons learned from Martha Stewart, Dan Rather and Bill Clinton
- How to get free POSITIVE publicity

Also, he will share points from his book on “Free Publicity.”

Jeff Crilley is an Emmy Award winning TV reporter in Dallas. During his 20 years in television news he has made hundreds of national news appearances including CNN, CNN Headline News, FOX News, The Discovery Channel, Good Morning America and The CBS Early Show.

He has been recognized by his peers with dozens of national and regional awards including the Emmy, the National Headliners Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award, the Thurgood Marshall Award and has just been named by the Texas Associated Press, "The Best TV Reporter in the state."

As a general assignment reporter he covers a wide range of topics from presidential elections to Spam cooking contests at the State Fair. His day-to-day news gathering experience has given him special insight into what the news covers and why.

When he is not covering the news as a reporter and anchor, he’s teaching people how to get covered on the news.

Pre-Meeting 10:30am - 11:30am

Back to Basics

Helen Dickey, JeffersonWells

The roles of internal audit in the new world of SOX and consulting are expanding.  How does this affect the concept of independence? 

Post-Meeting 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Key Controls: The Next Sarbanes-Oxley Challenge

James Brady “Brad” Vorhies, Author

Due to time and cost constraints, changing rules and the penalty for failure, most companies are building Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance processes based on traditional external audit methods. The next challenge for companies is to transform this compliance process into an imbedded, ongoing, quality control process that is owned, understood and supported

by the responsible organizations. Don't miss our speaker's presentation as he explains how to meet this challenge by developing a process that is focused on operational effectiveness, and maximizing the company's return on its existing investment.

James Brady Vorhies, CIA, CISA, CPA, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Texas. He also has an MBA in finance and a Master of Science degree in accounting from The University of North Texas. He has extensive internal audit experience for several firms and is a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified Public Accountant. In his risk monitoring role, James reports directly to the corporate controller of a Fortune 500 firm while also working extensively with the firm’s chief audit executive. Over two years ago, James designed and implemented a key controls process for the firm’s accounting functions. In addition to the ongoing key controls processes, James manages the quarterly review of his firm’s disclosure controls and procedures and the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Sections 302 and 906 certification supporting processes. James is also responsible for several key roles in developing his firm’s Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 process among which are designing and implementing the overall business process and supporting automated and manual systems

This meeting is being held at CityPlace Conference Center, 2711 North Haskell Street, Dallas, Texas 75204

The DART light rail station at CityPlace serves both the RED and BLUE lines. Check for schedules, routes and fare information at  http://www.dart.org/default.asp

Preferred Method:

The best method to place and confirm your reservation is via the web site at http://www.dallasiia.org/Reserve.htm.

Secondary Method:

An optional method is to use the telephone, fax, or e-mail. However, a $2 phone/fax/e-mail fee will be assessed to each reservation.

Reservations must be received by noon on Friday, October 1, 2004 or a $5 late fee will be charged.

Those who register by the deadline and attend the Pre-Meeting will be able to "pre" check-in for the luncheon from 9:25am until 10:10 am.

We reserve the right to bill for "no-shows."

We Now Accept Credit Cards - Online Only

The IIA Dallas Chapter, in conjunction with PayPal, will now accept payment online for the monthly luncheons. There is no change in the cost to you for the lunch. We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or eCheck. Note that some corporate-issued cards are not accepted by PayPal. This service is only available online at the time the reservation is made. This can be used to pay for individual or group reservations. Follow the instructions on our website. If you properly cancel a reservation before the meeting, the Chapter will either return the funds to you or reserve you for the next meeting. Any questions, contact Melinda Lokey at 214-473-3823 or melinda.lokey@triadhospitals.com.

After you place your reservation online, you will see the link to pay via PayPal if desired.

Chapter News

It doesn’t get any better than this ...

For a very limited time, The Institute of Internal Auditors is offering non-members the opportunity to join for only US$85 and no application fee, a savings of $55. You will receive all the benefits and services of The IIA and opportunities for local chapter participation. This is a one-time offer being extended to you through the Dallas Chapter and must be acted on by October 31, 2004. To take advantage of this opportunity, simply complete the special application. Feel free to pass this message on to your colleagues.

For additional information on IIA membership, please go to www.theiia.org or contact Jo-El LaBorde, AVP, Membership Development, at 407-937-1306 or jlaborde@theiia.org. For additional information on the Dallas Chapter, contact Carla Cashio at 817-590-1117.

P.S. This offer is available to persons who have not held an IIA membership in the past 12 months. The IIA will not reimburse for dues paid prior to September 1, 2004.

For all the benefits of IIA membership, please visit http://www.theiia.org/iia/index.cfm?doc_id=441

Certified Internal Auditor Exam – And New Test Location!

The Certified Internal Auditor exam is scheduled for November 17-18, 2004, at The University of Texas at Dallas School of Management Building, Rooms 1.502 and 1.517. See http://www.utdallas.edu/campusmap.html for a map. The deadline to register for the exam is September 30, 2004. For more information, refer to The IIA’s Web site at http://www.theiia.org/iia/index.cfm?doc_id=3.

A CIA review course for the Chapter was held at the Southwest Regional Conference on September 12-15, 2004. No other courses will be offered by the Chapter for the November exam. A review course for the May 2005 exam will be held in the spring. Watch the newsletter for more information about the review course.

Congratulations To Our New Certified Internal Auditors!

New CIAs that passed the May 2004 exam will be honored at the October 7 luncheon, and their certificates will be awarded. If you are a new CIA and are unable to attend the luncheon, please contact Toni Messer, at tmesser@utdallas.edu or 972-883-2693, to make arrangements to obtain your certificate.

IIA Research Foundation

The IIA Research Foundation has recently published a report entitled: Auditor Role in Government Performance Measurement: A Guide to Exemplary Practices at the Local, State, and Provincial Levels.

In the report you will learn how to improve the measurement, management, and accountability of your entity. This research report includes:

• An experience-derived framework of roles and practices you can implement to add value to the performance measurement and management of your organization.
• The principles, criteria, and audit steps you should follow in these practices.
• Details on major audit products, including citizen surveys and public performance reports.
• Four case studies providing professional insight in the evolution of these practices and the profession.

It is in paperback form and totals 179 pages. You can order it online at – www.theiia.org/iia/index.cfm?act=form.bookstore , or by calling toll free 1-877-867-4957. (Publication order # 500; IIA member price – $90; nonmember price - $100).

University of Texas at Dallas Endorsed Internal Audit Program
Google says we are “Number One!”

After only one year the Internal Audit Program at UT Dallas has reached “number one” status with Google. Enter “Endorsed Internal Audit Program” into Google’s search engine, and see what hit is first. Our goal for the Program was to make this one of the top internal audit programs after one year and at least Google says we are! The reason I bring this up is that I feel we need to market the Internal Audit field as a viable career option. Even though I spend a lot of my time explaining to students what internal audit is, I still find a large percentage of accounting and systems students have no idea of what internal auditors do.

That’s why in this next year we are emphasizing the need for marketing internal audit programs. I’ve dedicated a teaching assistant to design a comprehensive marketing plan for the Program. Who best to do that than a graduate student in marketing who has no background in Internal Audit? He has already made significant recommendations on improving communication to students on career options.

As many of you know, the UTD Program was established to meet the needs of students who are just starting careers in Internal Audit and practitioners who are looking to update their skills. The Program requires 12 credits of internal audit-related courses at the graduate level and meets the needs of both groups.

We already have a number of guest speakers with the expansion of the course offerings into the Forensic Accounting area. Guest speakers included an Assistant District Attorney and our active Chapter volunteers, Toni Messer and David Price. Upcoming events this month include mock interviews, an MBA career fair and finalization of the Internal Audit resume book. Coming later in the fall is a golf outing, happy hour and internal audit site visits. Also, the Program will complete the year by hosting the final Dallas Chapter meeting at UTD.

If you would like to participate in the Program in any way or sponsor an event, please contact Mark Salamasick at 972-883-4729 or mark.salamasick@utdallas.edu.

New Members

The Dallas IIA added new members in the months of X! As the Chapter grows, so do the opportunities for networking and the sharing of knowledge. Please welcome the following new Chapter members:
 

Report Your Speaking and Writing

It's time again for the survey to determine which IIA Dallas Chapter members have submitted articles or spoken in September, or earlier if not reported. Each speaking engagement on internal auditing that a Dallas Chapter member completes will earn the Chapter 1 credit per CPD hour. Each full article, Roundtable article, Fraud Finding, etc. submitted that meets basic editorial guidelines will earn 5 credits. For each full article published 20 credits are earned. Each internal audit related article published in any other trade or professional journal that is authored by a chapter member is 5 credits.

To report your writing and speaking go to http://dallasiia.org/Speaking.htm and complete the provided form by October 15, 2004. Contact Magdalena Kovats (214-777-0581 or magdalena.kovats@resources-us.com) if you have any questions.

Career Opportunities

Are you currently in the job market either voluntarily or involuntarily? Let the Employment Committee help you. Send us your resume and we will include you in our resume database. We receive calls from recruiters and hiring managers for open positions and will forward your resume if there is a match. We get calls for staff to director levels, IT to finance, local to out of town. All inquiries will be handled confidentially. If you have any questions, give us a call or e-mail us. We look forward to helping you.

Fred Herman, Employment Committee Chairman, 972-801-1208, fsjnherman@aol.com.

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

SENIOR INTERNAL AUDITOR – Internal Audit- (Salary commensurate with experience and no travel is required) - This position will report to the Director of Internal Audit and is responsible for performing comprehensive analysis of financial and operational activities/functions. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: assisting in the development of audit plans, evaluate the overall system of control for the university, test compliance with policies/regulations and their related effectiveness; conduct special project reviews or investigations when required. A Bachelors degree in accounting or related field (e.g. Business, Finance) with a minimum of five years internal audit experience and at least one professional certification (e.g. CPA, CIA or CISA) is required. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. Must also have the ability to analyze details and concisely summarize results. The successful candidate will possess experience or familiarity with using audit software or report writers to perform audits and must be comfortable making presentations. Knowledge in Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel) is highly desirable. Familiarity with PeopleSoft or have a basic understanding of automated systems is strongly preferred. DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 14, 2004. Please visit our website www.smu.edu/employment to apply or submit resume and cover letter to: Search Committee - 051656, PO Box 750232, Dallas, TX, 75275-0232.

SMU offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plan with immediate vesting and tuition benefits for employees and their families.

SMU is an AA/EOE/Title IX Employer.

The Office of Internal Audits at The University of Texas at Dallas is currently seeking applicants for a full-time Audit Manager. No travel is required, except to occasional training conferences and seminars.

Job Description: The Audit Manger will provide advanced auditing skills and manage audit teams for the purpose of evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of the University’s systems of internal control.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director in planning, coordinating, and managing the department.
• Conduct interviews with University personnel to use as evidence for audit work.
• Conduct tests to determine compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Analyze results of audit work.
• Prepare working papers to support conclusions, in accordance with Audit Standards.
• Communicate results verbally and in writing to client and management.
• Research audit issues.
• Assist in training and consulting with faculty and staff on internal controls and other issues.
• Conduct audit work using word processing, spreadsheet, and other software.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other business—related field.
• Six years auditing or accounting experience, with at least three years experience in auditing and in a supervisory capacity.
• CPA, CIA, CISA, or other relevant certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• University or government experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of work processing, spreadsheet software, excellent understanding of computers and terminology.
• Professional presence and attitude.
• Good professional judgment and an analytical mind.
• Work independently with minimum supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Interested applicants must apply on-line, with a resume and cover letter attached, at www.utdallasjobs.com. UTD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Audit Supervisor

Our growing internal audit group needs an experienced internal audit professional.

The Audit Supervisor is responsible for independently assisting audit management in performing and supervising financial, operational and IT audits. Exercises working supervision over assigned audit project including, planning, fieldwork and reporting.

Job Description:

•  Prepare audit programs and procedures for conducting assigned audits with minimal guidance and direction from audit management
• Obtain and analyze data to provide an objective, informed opinion on the accuracy and reasonableness of audited areas.
• Supervises, guides, trains, assists and reviews the work of audit team members within specific area.
• Communicate audit results and prepare formal written audit reports in accordance with department guidelines and discuss findings with affected management. Participate in and/or lead exit conferences.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Accounting or equivalent.
• A minimum of three to five years’ audit experience.
• Proficient with Word and Excel. ACL, Access, Audit Leverage skills desired.
• Professional Certification: CIA, CISA, CPA
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel 50% (domestic and international).

Dallas based ACS has over $4 billion in revenue and is the leading provider of fully diversified, end-to-end business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) solutions to commercial and government clients worldwide. With service delivery and global operations reaching nearly 100 countries, more than 40,000 employees, and a blue-chip client list, ACS delivers comprehensive solutions for all segments of BPO and IT services.

 For immediate consideration for this opportunity email or fax resume to http://acsg.recruitmax.com/candidate/jobopps.cfm?szTemplate=3&szOrderID=26636&szCandidateID=0