CLARKSVILLE, TN – The City of Clarksville’s Internal Audit Department was recognized for excellence in a recent peer review.

The Association of Local Government Auditors concluded in its peer review that, the City of Clarksville’s Internal Audit Department quality control system is suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of conformance with auditing standards. The review covered the period from Oct. 1, 2018 – June 30, 2023.

“We are very proud to have received a peer review opinion with the highest possible rating, which supports our conformance with auditing standards,” said Stephanie Fox, the City’s Director of Internal Audit.

“Internal Audit is dedicated to a high level of quality and continuous improvement for the City, as well as in our own work. The peer review results demonstrate our efforts and success in this endeavor,” Fox said.

The Internal Audit Department is an independent appraisal function established within the City of Clarksville to examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of the City’s activities. The department promotes transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout City government.

“An important part of any level of government is the adherence to strict standards of accountability and compliance in collecting, investing and deploying taxpayer dollars,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.

“Our Internal Audit Department is head and shoulders above their peers and sets a high standard of excellence. I have found their audits and other services to be value-added in helping us improve our processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness,” Mayor Pitts said.

“Stephanie Fox, Director of the department, leads a professional and proficient staff with distinction, and the results of this peer review process proves their importance in our City government,” he said.

The peer review process is the answer to  a question many constituents may ask:

“Who audits the auditors?”

Through this review, an independent team of assessors from outside entities evaluates the City’s Internal Audit Department’s processes and audit work.

This type of review is required by the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, to be performed every five years, and is an essential component to ensure that the City’s Internal Audit Department is conducting its work objectively, and in accordance with auditing standards.

Fox added that, it also helps to ensure that the department is adding value to the City and improving City operations through its work.