Forsyths - Accounting | Financial Services | Audit - Public Sector Internal Audits

Forsyths


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Public Sector. Ethical-efficient-transparent

Providing independent assurance so you can achieve your objectives

Government agencies operate in an environment of increasing scrutiny, evolving risks and growing expectations from Boards, Audit and Risk Committees, regulators, funding bodies, communities and taxpayers. Public sector organisations are accountable not only for achieving their objectives, but also for demonstrating that public resources are managed ethically, efficiently and transparently. Against this backdrop, internal audit plays a critical role in providing independent assurance, strengthening governance and helping organisations achieve their objectives.

Forsyths brings together the capability of a specialist internal audit provider with the accessibility and responsiveness of a regional firm. We live and work in the communities we serve, providing practical advice that reflects operational realities rather than generic recommendations.

Our Internal Audit Manager, Martin Thrift, spent nearly nine years working as an in-house Chief Audit Executive within the public health sector. Having led the internal audit function from within an organisation, he understands the practical challenges of balancing assurance requirements, stakeholder expectations and limited resources while delivering meaningful outcomes. This experience enables Forsyths to provide practical, proportionate assurance that reflects the realities faced by public sector organisations.


Understanding Government expectations

We understand that public sector internal audit is about more than completing audit engagements. It requires a program of assurance that aligns with organisational objectives, supports effective governance and satisfies mandatory policy requirements.

Our approach is informed by:

  • NSW Treasury Policy and Guidelines TPP20-08 Internal Audit and Risk Management Policy for the NSW Public Sector
  • The Global Internal Audit Standards
  • Contemporary risk management, governance and assurance practices
  • Audit and Risk Committee expectations and reporting requirements
  • The practical realities of operating within resource and budget constraints

Whether supporting an established internal audit function or providing a fully outsourced service, we focus on delivering assurance that is relevant, proportionate and valuable.


How we can help

Internal Audit

Risk-based internal audits providing independent assurance across governance, compliance, operational and financial activities.


Governance Reviews

Reviews of governance arrangements, policies, delegations, committee structures and accountability frameworks.


Strategic and Annual Audit Planning

Development of risk-based strategic and annual internal audit plans aligned to organisational objectives, strategic priorities and risk profiles.

Fraud and Integrity Reviews

Assessment of fraud and corruption control arrangements, fraud awareness, reporting mechanisms and organisational integrity frameworks.

Audit and Risk Committee Support

Support with meeting planning, reporting, governance activities and annual committee work programs.

Fraud and Integrity Reviews

Assessment of fraud and corruption control arrangements, fraud awareness, reporting mechanisms and organisational integrity frameworks.

Risk Management

Facilitated risk identification workshops, risk register development, framework reviews and practical support to strengthen enterprise risk management.



WNSW PHN has had a positive experience working with Forsyths. Their team has demonstrated a high level of professionalism, flexibility and responsiveness, making the remote audit process efficient and seamless. Forsyths delivers audits and reporting within agreed timeframes, while providing practical, user-friendly recommendations that support continuous improvement and add genuine value to our organisation.

Nicole Maher Manager Governance and Company Secretary Western NSW Primary Health Network

What if you already have an Internal Audit team?

We don't need to replace it. Through flexible co-sourcing arrangements, we can provide additional capacity, specialist expertise or independent assurance to help your team deliver more. Whether assisting with your annual audit plan, undertaking specialist reviews or supporting peak workloads, we work as an extension of your existing function.

We've sat on your side of the table. That experience helps us deliver assurance that is practical, proportionate and designed to work in the real world.


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