Parish Audits

Internal Audits Introduction

The Office of Finance has established the internal audit program to assist parishes and parish schools with the safeguarding of parish assets. There is a three-fold purpose for an audit: 1) to assist the parish with accounting related issues, 2) to identify areas that need improved internal controls, and 3) to hold the parish accountable to Diocesan policies.

A parish will automatically be subjected to an audit with a change in priest. In addition, all parishes will be audited on a rotating basis over a five-year period. Audit costs are split 50/50 by the parish and the Diocese.

The Process

The Parish will receive a letter from the Director of Finance indicating an audit will be initiated.  Within a few days, the Internal Auditor will send a preliminary packet with various questionnaires and forms to be completed and returned to the auditor.  At that point, the Internal Auditor will contact the Parish to set a date for the audit fieldwork, in which the auditor will be onsite at the Parish. 

The auditor will be onsite from two to five days depending on the size and complexity of the parish.  If information is still needed at that point, a return visit may be scheduled.  Otherwise, the remaining audit work will be completed offsite.  Once all audit issues are resolved, a draft of the audit report, management letter and audited financial statements are sent to the parish for review.  At that time, any discrepancies or misunderstandings will be addressed. 

Once completed, a final draft of the audit report, management letter and audited financial statements are released.

Questions / Contact

Questions may be directed to Larry Dose at the Diocese of Winona Pastoral Center at (507) 454-4643.