About
Synergy has been providing internal audit and risk management services to a number of the Commonwealth's cultural institutions since 2011, including: National Museum of Australia; National Film and Sound Archive; National Library of Australia; and National Portrait Gallery of Australia. Our experience with the cultural sector has provided us with an in-depth understanding of the challenges they face. With the annual efficiency dividends tight in an already budget constrained industry, these institutions have had to be more creative and efficient to deliver its mandate with reduced resources. With increased creativity comes increased risk. We have worked collaboratively with the institutions to identify improvement opportunities which enable them to do 'more with less'. Our work has been instrumental in driving organisational changes and improved collaborations between various business units. This was underpinned by targeted internal audit programs that focus on the key risks of these institutions and not just generic risks found in most internal audit programs. Our engagement with the various Audit Committees has been specifically referenced as a key point of difference from previous suppliers. Our Audit Committee reporting, which includes presenting emerging issues and risks relevant to the respective clients, has also been specifically referenced. Synergy's approach to building a team to deliver internal audit services centres on providing a dedicated senior resourced cultural sector team. To demonstrate our commitment to the delivery of high quality and value added services to the cultural sector, we created a cultural sector centre of excellence. As a result we have been able to build a body of knowledge which enables us to tailor our service delivery approach and develop targeted internal audit programs that are fit for purpose.