The Office of Internal Audit provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services to the School Board and PWCS leadership to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls across the division.
The Office of Internal Audit maintains the fraud, waste, and abuse hotline for use by employees and others to report allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse. Learn how you can report fraud.
The Office of Internal Audit (OIA) provides independent and objective assurance and advisory services to the School Board, the Superintendent, and senior leadership to help strengthen operations, safeguard resources, and promote accountability across Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS).
Our work supports PWCS’ commitment to providing safe, effective, and equitable learning environments by evaluating how well risks are identified and managed, controls are designed and operating, and key processes support the division’s mission and strategic goals.
Internal Audit helps PWCS improve performance and protect public trust by providing:
We work collaboratively with leadership and staff to strengthen processes, promote accountability, and support continuous improvement.
To assist the School Board and PWCS leadership in the effective discharge of their responsibilities by providing independent, objective assurance and insight that strengthens operations, protects resources, and supports student success.
To be a trusted strategic partner recognized for:
The Office of Internal Audit is responsible for evaluating and providing recommendations related to:
Internal Audit applies a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating risk and control environments, consistent with professional standards. Our work is guided by:
The Office of Internal Audit conducts its work in conformance with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Global Internal Audit Standards, which emphasize independence, objectivity, competence, and quality.
In accordance with PWCS Policy 190, “Office of Internal Audit,” the School Board established the Office of Internal Audit to ensure organizational independence.
This reporting structure preserves the independence of the Office of Internal Audit from day-to-day management operations while promoting transparency, accountability, and effective communication with School Board leadership.
The Office of Internal Audit plays a critical role in supporting the PWCS Elevate 2030 Strategic Plan by providing independent assurance and insight that help ensure strategic initiatives are implemented effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with division priorities.
Through our audit and advisory work, we help PWCS:
Internal Audit’s work is closely aligned with Elevate 2030’s commitments to Learning and Achievement for All, Positive Climate and Culture, Family and Community Engagement, and Organizational Coherence. By identifying opportunities to strengthen controls, reduce inefficiencies, and mitigate risk, Internal Audit helps create the conditions necessary for PWCS to deliver safe, equitable, and high-quality educational experiences for every student.
In accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditors' "International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing," the Annual Internal Audit plan is a risk-based plan that includes input from the Internal Audit Committee, the Superintendent, and senior management. The plan addresses high risk areas, critical issues, and programs that are of interest to the School Board and management.