The University at Buffalo is entrusted with significant resources. Senior administration and business staff throughout the organization play a key role in assuring that high standards of business and ethical practices permeate the activities surrounding the custody and use of these resources. All University at Buffalo employees are responsible for safeguarding these resources, complying with laws and regulations, and meeting goals and objectives. A good internal control program can assist employees in carrying out these responsibilities.

New York State has been a leader in recognizing the importance of internal control. In 1987, the Legislature enacted the New York State Governmental Accountability, Audit and Internal Control Act to promote and strengthen internal controls and accountability in all State agencies including SUNY. In 1999, the Act was updated and made permanent. The updated law refined the concepts in the 1987 law to assure that the Act’s provisions are consistent with current professional internal control standards and the practices of private and public organizations.

In recent years, internal control has taken on a new and expanded meaning. Traditionally, internal control applied only to accounting activities. Today, internal control is a dynamic concept that affects virtually every aspect of an organization’s operation. The University at Buffalo takes a serious approach toward its stewardship responsibilities and the obligations to its stakeholders. The Internal Control Program represents the university’s commitment to efficient and effective business practices, quality services, and ethics in its operations.