Fariba Cavegård new Head of Internal Audit

Congratulations on your new role. When was this finalised?

“Thank you very much! It was finalised in spring 2024,” replies Cavegård.

Internal Audit is a small group comprising four people – a total of three auditors and one manager. At the start of the new year, 2025, there will be only three as the current manager is leaving, but a new auditor will be recruited. Cavegård has been working at Internal Audit for three years before now taking over the management role.

How does it feel to become the manager of your colleagues?

“It feels positive, and I am both excited and looking forward to the leadership,” says Cavegård. “We are a small team who work very tightly and it feels good to lead the team. I was open with my colleagues about applying for the position, and have received great support from them. We are a small team and it feels special to be a manager here. I have received good support from my colleagues.”

How have you been preparing?

“One of the ways I have prepared myself is to be more involved in the annual risk analysis work,” replies Cavegård. “This work then leads to Internal Audit’s audit plan.”

Internal Audit is based on the third floor of the Segerstedt Building in Uppsala. Tell us a bit about what you do.

“Internal Audit is a division in its own right and and we receive our assignments directly from the University Board,” explains Cavegård. “The University Board also decides on Internal Audit’s guidelines and annual audit plan. We are currently working on audits as part of the 2024 audit plan.”

There is much internal audit work to be done, and the auditors are often out at the University auditing activities.

But aren’t people scared when you turn up?

“No, I don't get that feeling!” says Cavegård. “We audit processes rather than people, and we have always been welcomed at the University. The activities understand our purpose, so to speak. And we are also audited ourselves, though externally.”

Internal Audit audits not only activities but also the University’s internal governance and control process, then suggests improvements.

“The University must comply with laws and regulations and manage government funding effectively,” notes Cavegård. “But it’s not just about finances – we look at the whole organisation, such as systematic work environment management, secondary employment, purchasing, procurement and more.”

Internal Audit reports directly to the University Board. In parallel with this process, the Vice-Chancellor responds to the audit reports and proposes measures based on Internal Audit’s reviews and recommendations.

“It is then the University Board that decides on measures based on our recommendations and proposals from the Vice-Chancellor,” explains Cavegård.

Is the University faring positively?

“By and large,” replies Cavegård. “Uppsala University has existed since 1477 and is one of the world’s leading universities. However, this does not mean that there are not areas to be improved.”

Ulrika Hurtig