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Internal Auditor

Assurance. Prevention. Support.

Logo for the RPS Internal Audit Department with text.


Reporting directly to the RPS School Board and the Audit & Finance Committee, Internal Audit (IA) Services evaluates financial and system controls, organizational risks, compliance requirements, and operational effectiveness and efficiency across the District.

Through the development and execution of an annual risk-based audit plan, findings are addressed and opportunities are identified to strengthen processes, mitigate risks, and safeguard assets, providing independent assurance and transparent reporting to the School Board for informed decision-making. 

Internal Audit Services is responsible for:

  • Developing an annual risk based internal audit plan based on RPS’ audit universe and risk landscape 
  • Conducting financial, operational, compliance, IT, and system audits and advisory engagements 
  • Overseeing the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline in conjunction with the Ombuds Office
  • Presenting audit findings and recommendations to the Audit and Finance Committee and the Board 

Zia Ahmed

Director, Internal Audit Services rpsaudit@rvaschools.net

School Board Audit & Finance Committee Members

Ali Faruk, Committee Chair, District 3
Matthew Percival, District 1
Kathryn Ricard, District 2

Stephanie Rizzi , District 5
Emmett J. Jafari, District 8  

  • Internal Audit Services conducts audits of the District’s financial activities to evaluate controls in functions such as budgeting, accounting, payroll, procurement, grants, and cash management. These audits help ensure financial information is accurate, properly supported, and compliant with applicable requirements.

  • Operational audits assess the efficiency, effectiveness of functions, programs, services, and processes. These engagements focus on how well the operations support the District’s mission and identify opportunities to improve performance, reduce waste, and enhance service delivery.

  • Compliance audits evaluate whether District activities are conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, Board policies, administrative procedures, and grant or contractual requirements. These engagements help ensure adherence to requirements such as education regulations, funding guidelines, and reporting obligations. Compliance audits strengthen accountability, reduce regulatory risk, and help ensure the District maintains eligibility for critical funding and programs.

  • IT and cybersecurity audits assess the control framework, security, reliability, and governance of the District’s technology environment. These engagements evaluate areas such as system access controls, data governance, network security, incident response, vendor risk management, and business continuity.   

  • System/process audits focus on evaluating specific business processes to determine whether they are well-designed, consistently followed, and operating effectively. These reviews often examine end-to-end workflows and identify inefficiencies, control gaps, and duplication of effort.  System Audits also facilitate standardization and improvement across District operations.

  • Advisory engagements are collaborative services designed to provide insight, guidance, and recommendations during a process design, system implementation, or organizational change. Unlike traditional audits, advisory work is forward-looking (i.e., proactive methodology) and focuses on helping the District build strong controls and efficient processes from the outset. These engagements support informed decision-making while maintaining  Internal Audit Services’ independence and objectivity.  Engagements include Real-Time Support / Assessments and Continuous Assessments.