AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS IN A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY (A CASE STUDY OF MARLUM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY UYO)

ABSTRACTS
Auditing has been regarded as the activity carried on by the auditor when he verifies accounting data, determines the accuracy and reliability of accounting statement and reports, and then report upon his efforts. It is essentially an activity carried on by an independent person with the aim of reporting on the truth and fairness of financial statements (Millichamp, 2002). Dandago (2002) suggest an audit as an independent examination of, and the expression of an opinion on the financial statements of an enterprise by an appointed auditor, in accordance with his terms of engagement and the observance of statutory regulations and professional requirements. This definition clearly states that there must be someone (auditor) responsible for expressing an opinion on the entire financial statements of an organization. An auditor here means an individual or a firm carrying out the audit of an enterprise.
THE CONCEPT OF INTERNAL AUDIT
The importance of internal audit has correspondingly increased as it is today a major factor in establishing the quality of organizations internal control, and its development has made a considerable contribution to a big company. According to Wolf (1997), the Institute of Internal Auditors as an Independent Professional body established in other part of the world, U.S.A to be specific, and the importance of the role which its member play within its large companies has gained wide recognition. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) official terminology define internal audit as an independent appraisal activity established within an organization as a serve to it. Ogbannah (1999) opine that an internal audit as an independent appraisal function established by the management of an organization for the review of internal control system as a service to the organization. Atwood and Stein as cited by Olorede (2004) defines internal audit as an independent appraisal functions established by the management of an organization for the review of the internal control system as a service to the management.