Universities: 2016 Audit Snapshot

Tabled: 7 June 2017

Overview

In this report, we outline the results of, and our observations from, the 2016 financial report audits of the eight Victorian universities and their 51 controlled entities. We also assess the sector’s financial performance during 2016, and assess its sustainability as at 31 December 2016.

We make three recommendations directed to the universities.

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Universities: 2016 Audit Snapshot: Message

Ordered to be published

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT PRINTER June 2017

PP No 261, Session 2014-2017
 

The Hon Bruce Atkinson MLC

President

Legislative Council

Parliament House

Melbourne
 
The Hon Colin Brooks MP

Speaker

Legislative Assembly

Parliament House

Melbourne
 

Dear Presiding Officers

Under the provisions of section 16AB of the Audit Act 1994, I transmit my report Universities: 2016 Audit Snapshot.

Yours faithfully

Signature of Andrew Greaves (Auditor-General)

Andrew Greaves

Auditor-General

5 June 2017

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Audit overview

There are eight public universities in Victoria, which control a further 51 entities. We conduct the financial audits of all of these 59 entities. This report outlines the results of, and our observations from, these financial audits for the year ended 31 December 2016. We also discuss the frameworks in place for identifying and managing the risk of fraud, and comment on the financial sustainability of the sector.

Conclusion

Financial sustainability, reporting and internal controls in the university sector are generally sound. There are opportunities to build on what has been achieved and improve further.

Findings

Audit opinions

We issued audit opinions to 55 of the 59 university sector entities on their financial reports for the year ended 31 December 2016. We had yet to complete our audits of the remaining four entities at the date of this report.

All but three of our opinions were clear. We qualified the 2016 financial reports of Deakin University, the University of Melbourne and the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). We also qualified the 2015 ANAM financial report after our report Universities: 2015 Audit Snapshot was tabled in Parliament.

In our opinion, the accounting for grant revenue in these four financial reports does not comply with the requirements of Australian Accounting Standards.

Revenue recognition is a longstanding issue in the university sector. New accounting standards, which adopt a different approach to revenue recognition and measurement, are due to apply in coming financial years. This is an opportune time for the sector to review and realign their revenue accounting policies, as they will need to do a significant amount of work to be able to comply with these new standards.

Internal controls

To the extent we tested them, we assessed the internal financial controls at the universities to be adequate for reliable financial reporting. We raised 47 internal control issues across the eight universities. Most of these issues related to their information technology environments.

Universities are taking corrective action on the issues we report to them, with 80 per cent of issues from prior years resolved in 2016.

This year we conducted a focused review of the fraud control frameworks at universities—an important element of their internal control environment.

The universities take a comprehensive view on what constitutes fraud, consistent with Australian standards. They have up-to-date and sound policies and procedures in place to manage their fraud risks.

Most had in place all of the key elements we would expect to see in an effective fraud control framework, but there were some important components missing:

  • none of the eight universities has a documented fraud control plan in place
  • no university has training in place to ensure that contractors and volunteers are aware of their codes of conduct and policies relating to fraud
  • most universities have not complied with their legislative reporting requirements for reporting fraud to the Auditor-General.
Financial sustainability

The university sector as a whole remains financially strong. Assets in the sector totalled $20.8 billion at 31 December 2016 compared with liabilities of $4.8 billion.

The universities have large cash and investment holdings and relatively low debt. The composition of their balance sheets has shifted over the past five years, with universities investing their surplus money in more long-term instruments for better returns.

At the same time, universities have taken on more debt to fund capital investment. This has caused the short-term liquidity ratio for the sector to decline, although the ratio remains above one, which means the sector has enough liquid assets to meet current obligations as they arise.

The universities' strong financial performance is underpinned by year-on-year growth in student enrolments, which has led to revenue growth. However, the net result margin at the sector level is declining. This indicates that universities could do more to identify opportunities to improve their cost‑effectiveness and efficiency.

To cater for the growth in enrolments, the rate of capital investment in the sector has grown since 2014. The sector has taken advantage of low interest rates, and has increased its borrowings to fund capital projects.

Despite this, we noted that for three of the eight universities the expenditure on renewing and maintaining their physical assets in 2015 and 2016 was lower than the assets' decline in value through use. If this trend continues over a longer term, those universities face an increased risk that their assets may not be in a suitable condition to meet operational needs.

Recommendations

We recommend that universities:

1. prepare for the new accounting standards for revenue by:

  • working together to share technical advice and implementation issues
  • updating their policies, process and systems as required (see Section 2.2)

2. strengthen their fraud risk management by:

  • documenting a fraud control plan as part of their risk management framework
  • making contract staff and volunteers aware of their codes of conduct and policies on fraud through training
  • reporting all significant and systemic frauds to the Auditor-General as soon as they become known (see Section 3.2.2)

3. review their long-term plans for asset renewal and replacement to satisfy themselves they will be able to be maintained and replaced when needed (see Section 4.2).

Responses to recommendations

We have consulted with the Department of Education and Training and the eight public universities in Victoria, and we considered their views when reaching our audit conclusions. As required by section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, we gave a draft copy of this report to those universities and asked for their submissions and comments.

The following is a summary of those responses. The full responses are included in Appendix A.

We received four submissions from the sector and a response from the Department of Education and Training. The Department of Education and Training and La Trobe University accepted our recommendations and provided details about how they will be addressed.

Deakin University and the Australian National Academy of Music do not agree with our interpretation of the nature of their revenue that led to their reports being qualified. This is discussed further in Part 2 of the report.

Victoria University highlighted that their liquidity ratio has decreased due to their change in investment strategy, which is consistent with our comments on the sector in Part 4.

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1 Context

1.1 Sector overview

Eight universities and their 51 controlled entities make up the public university sector in Victoria. Collectively, they make a significant contribution to the state and national economy through their principal activities of higher education and research.

The universities provide higher education services to both domestic and international students. Enrolments have grown steadily by around 4 per cent each year since 2012, and there were about 370 000 students enrolled in 2016.

Over the past five years, foreign students have consistently accounted for around 30 per cent of total enrolments. As most foreign students pay full fees, they are a significant source of revenue for most universities.

The sector has progressively increased its international operations in an effort to diversify and broaden its reach to international students. This includes establishing overseas offices and campuses, developing partnerships with foreign higher education providers, and offering distance learning and cloud-based options.

The research conducted by the sector contributes to expanding knowledge and improving efficiency, with broad and far-reaching benefits. Higher Education Research and Development statistics show Victoria had the second highest expenditure—behind New South Wales—on higher education research and development in 2014.

Aside from research and education, universities also engage in a number of other income-generating activities, including providing student accommodation, health and fitness facilities and other services, to supplement and support the experiences of their staff and students.

To fund their operations, the sector relies primarily on student fees and government funding. Figure 1A provides an overview of the sector's operations.

Figure 1A

Overview of the university sector

Overview of the university sector shown in Figure 1A

(a) 2016 student enrolment and completion data was not available as at 10 May 2017.

(b) excludes postgraduate research awards.

Source: VAGO and the Australian Government Department of Education and Training Higher Education Statistics Data Cube (uCube).

1.2 Legislative and financial reporting framework

The universities and their controlled entities are subject to a range of accountability and reporting frameworks, with many and varied reporting requirements. As a result, universities' financial reporting is complex.

At the state level, universities fall within the definition of a public body under the Financial Management Act 1994 (FMA). As a result, they must comply with the reporting and other requirements of the FMA, particularly in the preparation of their annual financial reports.However, the universities are not controlled by the state of Victoria, and their financial results are not part of the state's annual financial report.

From the perspective of the Commonwealth, universities:

  • are registered with the Federal Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, and are therefore subject to the regulation of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act)
  • receive the majority of their grant funding from the Commonwealth Government, and fall withinthe scope of any legislation associated with this funding, including the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA Act).

The TEQSA and HESA Acts, and many of the funding agreements for research and other grants, also impose financial reporting requirements on the universities. The Commonwealth requires some of these reporting requirements to be included in universities' annual financial reports. As a result, the disclosures in universities' annual financial reports exceed the requirements of the Australian Accounting Standards.

Many universities and their controlled entities are registered charities with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. This means they have further reporting obligations under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissions Act 2012.

1.3 What we cover in this report

In this report, we provide information on the outcomes of our financial audits of the eight Victorian universities and their 51 controlled entities for the year ended 31 December 2016. The financial results of controlled entities are consolidated into those of their respective parent entities, and we do not discuss them separately in this report.

We identify and report on the key matters arising from our audits, and provide an analysis of the information included in the universities' financial reports.

Figure 1B outlines the structure of this report.

Figure 1B

Report structure

Part

Description

2 Results of audits

Comments on the results of the financial report audits of the public universities and their controlled entities for the 2016 financial year.

3 Internal control

Summarises the internal control issues observed during our audits and comments on the fraud control frameworks in place across the sector.

4 Financial sustainability

Provides an insight into the university sector's financial outcomes, including sustainability risks and challenges.

Source: VAGO.

Appendix B provides a list of all 59 entities included in this report, and details the financial audit opinions issued for the year ended 31 December 2016.

We carried out the financial audits of these entities under section 8 of the Audit Act 1994 and Australian Auditing Standards. Each entity pays the cost of its audit.

The cost of preparing this report was $125 000, which is funded by Parliament.

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2 Results of audits

2.1 Financial report audit opinions

Independent audit opinions add credibility to financial reports by providing reasonable assurance that the information reported is reliable and accurate. A clear audit opinion confirms that the financial report presents fairly the transactions and balances for the reporting period, in keeping with the requirements of relevant accounting standards and applicable legislation. We carried out our financial audits of the university sector entities in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards.

Figured 2A outlines the status of the sector's financial audits, and the types of opinions issued to each entity.

Figure 2A

Status of the sector's 2016 audit opinions as at 31 May 2017

Entity

Clear opinion

Modified opinion

In progress

Universities

6

2

Controlled entities

46

1

4

Source: VAGO.

We issued clear audit opinions for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 to six universities and 46 controlled entities.

The 2016 audit opinions of the following entities were modified (qualified) because in our opinion the recognition of grant revenue did not align with the requirements of the Australian Accounting Standards:

  • The University of Melbourne
  • Deakin University
  • Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).

We also modified our audit opinion on the 31 December 2015 financial report of ANAM, which was issued after our report Universities: 2015 Audit Snapshot was tabled in Parliament.

The qualified financial reports of these entities treat grant income as a liability and they do not include it as revenue until they provide the services required by the grant.

Australian Accounting Standard AASB 1004 Contributions requires these grants to be recorded as revenue when they are received. The effect of this timing difference can be material to the revenue and net result in any given year, and a liability appears in the balance sheet when no obligation to pay that money exists.

These qualifications alert readers of the financial reports to be cautious when interpreting the financial results and financial positions in the qualified reports. The revenue, net result and liability amounts cannot be compared between universities because different recognition principles have been applied for revenue.

These qualified audit opinions are longstanding issues in the university sector.

2.2 Changes to revenue recognition

The accounting standards that set the recognition and measurement principles for revenue are about to change. This represents an opportunity for the university sector as a whole, particularly those entities whose financial reports have qualified audit opinions, to review and realign their policies on revenue recognition.

There are two new accounting standards on revenue:

  • AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (AASB 15)
  • AASB 1058 Income of Not-for-profit Entities.

These standards will apply to the 2019 financial reports, and will supersede the revenue requirements for public sector entities that are currently in AASB 1004 Contributions.

Applying these new standards will require significant work by the universities and their controlled entities. They will need to assess how they recognise and measure all current types of revenue against the principles of the new standards.

To implement AASB 15, universities and their controlled entities will need to review all existing and potential contractual arrangements so that the contractual performance obligations that will drive revenue recognition are clearly defined. They will need to review existing systems to ensure they can capture the performance obligations and the evidence of when they have been satisfied to trigger recognition of revenue. System changes may be necessary and entities will need to allow adequate time for this to occur.

Given universities are large entities—many with devolved contract management responsibilities—the effort required for them to understand, capture and record the required information may be significant.

Staff in functional areas and faculties who will need to interpret and apply the principles in the new accounting standards may need training, and changes to policies and procedures may be required. The financial reporting team should monitor the changes to provide assurance that revenue is being recognised and measured correctly.

The new standards will apply from 2019, and comparative information will need to be disclosed. In effect, this means that all entities will need to recognise and measure revenue numbers against the new requirements for the 2018 financial year.

As a result of these changes, the university sector has only a short time frame to implement the necessary changes in policies, procedures and systems.

We see this as a good opportunity for the sector to work together, and with universities in other states, to share the challenge of implementing these standards, and develop a consistent approach to the treatment of common types of revenue.

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3 Internal controls

Effective internal controls help entities to meet their objectives reliably and cost‑effectively. Strong internal controls are a prerequisite for delivering reliable, accurate and timely external and internal financial reports.

In our annual financial audits, we consider the internal controls relevant to financial reporting, and assess whether entities have managed the risk that their financial reports will not be complete and accurate. Poor internal controls make it more difficult for entity management to comply with relevant legislation, and increase the risk of fraud and error.

3.1 Internal control observations

To the extent we tested them, universities' internal controls for financial reporting were adequate for ensuring their financial reporting is reliable. However, some important internal controls need to be strengthened and financial reporting matters need to be addressed.

During 2016, we identified 47 internal control weaknesses and financial reporting issues, and reported them to management and university audit committees.

Figure 3A shows the risk rating of the issues we identified, excluding the 16 low-risk issues we reported. These low-risk issues were minor control weaknesses or opportunities to improve existing processes or internal controls. We define each risk rating in Appendix C.

Figure 3A

Reported issues by area and risk rating

Area of issue

Risk rating

Total

Extreme

High

Medium

Assets

1

3

4

Expenditure/accounts payable

1

1

2

Financial reporting

1

2

3

Governance

4

4

IT controls

3

10

13

Payroll

4

4

Reconciliation

1

1

Total

6

25

31

Source: VAGO.

Forty-two per cent of the issues raised related to the information technology (IT) control environment at the universities. Universities, as with other public sector entities, rely heavily on IT systems. Common areas of concern include poor user access, poor password controls, and weaknesses in disaster recovery programs. Weaknesses in security and automated controls make material errors and fraud more likely and harder to detect.

Status of matters raised in previous audits

As part of our financial audit process, we monitor the resolution of previously reported control weaknesses and financial reporting issues. We provide information to university managers and their respective audit committees about the status of these issues.

Seventy issues remained open at the start of 2016. Encouragingly, 80 per cent of these matters were resolved during 2016.

Figure 3B shows the internal control weaknesses and financial reporting issues raised in previous audits, with the resolution status by risk.

Figure 3B

Prior year issues by resolution status at 31 December 2016

Status of prior period issue

Risk rating

Total

Extreme

High

Medium

Resolved

16

40

56

Unresolved

5

9

14

Total

21

49

70

Source: VAGO.

Most unresolved issues relate to IT controls, with universities not properly dealing with the root causes of problems and consequently only partially implementing our recommendations.

The universities' failure to resolve these problems reduces the effectiveness of their internal control environments.

3.2 Fraud controls

Each year we select one area of internal control and perform a more detailed review of the controls and related operating environment. For our 2016 audits we reviewed the fraud control frameworks in place at universities—a key component of the internal control environment.

The risk of fraud is inherent in all entities. When fraud occurs in public sector entities such as universities, public money is lost.

Australian Standard 8001:2008 Fraud and Corruption Control (AS 8001) identifies three clear activities that are considered to be fraud:

  • theft of money or property
  • deliberate falsification, concealment, destruction or use of falsified documentation
  • improper use of information or position for personal financial benefit.

Universities should be alert to opportunities for fraud to occur, given the nature of their business. They need to design and implement frameworks to mitigate any risks as part of their routine risk management activities.

The Independent Broad Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) has published a checklist to help public entities assess whether their fraud risk management is better practice. This checklist is included in Appendix E. Figure 3C summarises the key aspects of better practice that should be included in a fraud control framework, based on the checklist.

Figure 3C

Key elements of an effective fraud control framework

Managing the risk of fraud

Practice and culture

  • Assess and identify fraud risks
  • Implement and maintain an integrity framework
  • Develop and implement fraud control governance arrangements
  • Have good internal controls to detect potential fraud
  • Conduct pre-employment screening
  • Undertake supplier and client vetting
  • Ensure management is committed to controlling fraud risks
  • Create a culture that supports ethical behaviour
  • Build up line management accountability for appropriate culture
  • Have training to build employee awareness of fraud control
  • Ensure client and community awareness of fraud control framework
  • Put in place clear avenues for reporting suspect incidents in place
  • Ensure protections for disclosers are in place

Source: VAGO, based on Controlling fraud and corruption: a prevention checklist, IBAC, 2013.

We assessed the fraud risk management framework at the eight Victorian universities against better practice criteria, including the IBAC checklist, AS8001 and the Standing Directions of the Minister for Finance 2016.

3.2.1 Managing the risk of fraud

Most universities have sound policies and procedures in place to manage their fraud risks. Overall, the policies and procedures underpinning the fraud control frameworks are up to date, and there is evidence of recent management review.

All universities defined fraud to include the three components outlined above, consistent with AS 8001. This means the universities have a comprehensive view of fraud.

The following key elements of an effective fraud control framework were evident at most universities:

  • corruption prevention principles form part of strategic planning, project planning and business processes
  • management, internal audit and audit committees conduct ongoing scrutiny of internal controls
  • independent reviews are conducted of the operation and effectiveness of internal controls to prevent, deter and or detect frauds
  • a member of management is responsible for fraud control, including communicating to employees the university's commitment to controls, and management's approach to preventing, detecting and responding to fraud and corruption
  • fraud control is monitored and reported on at least annually
  • procedures are in place to guide the conduct of high-risk activities such as tendering, accounts payable and managing assets
  • the university has a policy on the acceptance of gifts and benefits, which it communicates to staff
  • pre-employment screening is conducted of qualifications, credit history, criminal history and potential factors that may raise a fraud risk
  • credentials of new suppliers and customers are checked.

Although universities have the key elements of a fraud control framework, there is scope for improvement.

3.2.2 Areas for improvement

Documented fraud control plan

Frauds risks are being identified and managed within the strategic risk register at most of the universities. However, none of the eight universities had a documented fraud control plan to support and manage this risk.

A fraud control plan is a key operational document that explains how the university's fraud policy, risk register, and strategies for prevention, detection and response are integrated, and how they are put into practice and reviewed. Fraud control plans should include:

  • a summary of the university's major fraud risks, identified by conducting a fraud risk assessment and incorporating knowledge of fraud trends
  • treatment strategies or controls in place to mitigate material fraud risks
  • roles and responsibilities identified for implementing and monitoring key prevention, detection and response initiatives
  • performance measures in place, including procedures for assessing the plan's effectiveness.

A well prepared fraud control plan can provide a university with assurance that they are aware of all major fraud risks, and that they have adequate prevention, detection and response initiatives in place.

Not having a fraud control plan could mean that significant areas of fraud risk are not identified and controlled, putting a university at risk of financial loss.

Practice and culture

Fraud awareness and a university's designated fraud control framework should be communicated to and embedded throughout the university to be effective. Staff must be trained to understand the fraud control framework, and training should be refreshed and delivered periodically to maintain staff awareness.

We found that most universities include fraud awareness and reporting in induction training for new staff. Refresher training is generally provided every two to three years. Specific training is also designed and provided to employees more likely to encounter fraud, such as procurement officers and executives.

To support this, universities should have a code of conduct, and create a culture that supports ethical behaviour. This is in place at all universities, is communicated to employees, and sets out the values employees are expected to uphold.

Universities engage a large number of external resources such as contractors and volunteers. As these external resources are acting on behalf of a university, it is important that they are aware of and trained in the universities' fraud policies—just like directly employed staff members—to reduce the risk of fraud. This would also increase the likelihood of potential fraud being identified and reported.

Currently, no university has fraud training in place for contractors and volunteers. Universities have an opportunity to reduce their risk of fraud in this area.

Reporting of fraud

A reporting system that records all allegations of fraud, investigations and outcomes can provide an overview of the nature, extent and location of fraud that is occurring. It can also form the basis for developing an intelligence capability and risk profiles of potential fraud suspects, and provide data to identify trends.

All universities have in place reporting mechanisms for employees to report suspected fraud and other improper conduct. Most universities also have established procedures for supporting and protecting disclosures as required by the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (Vic).

Universities, as public bodies under the Financial Management Act 1994, are required to notify the Minister for Finance, their audit committee, the relevant government department and the Auditor-General when they become aware of significant or systemic fraud, whether actual or suspected. This is a new requirement that came in to effect on 1 July 2016. Before this, all instances of fraud, theft or loss had to be reported to the Minister and the Auditor-General annually, subject to certain thresholds.

Two universities are not maintaining adequate records of all actual and suspected fraud, corruption and other losses, including remedial action planned or taken. Further, only two universities made a report of fraud, thefts and losses to the Auditor-General during 2016.

Given the size and complexity of university operations, this indicates to us that there is insufficient reporting of suspected and actual fraud occurring across the universities, and universities are not complying with their legislative requirements.

In a recent example, an incident of attempted cyber fraud perpetrated by an external party for $3.4 million and instances of contracts worth $0.4 million awarded to undeclared related parties were not reported to the Auditor-General. This limits our ability to effectively assess the risk in the sector when conducting our financial audits.

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4 Financial sustainability

To be financially sustainable, entities need to be able to fund their current and future spending. They also need to be able to absorb the financial effects of changes and financial risks, without significantly changing their revenue and expenditure policies. This includes the ability to fund asset replacement and renewal in a timely manner. A university's ability to do this can be impacted by funding and regulatory environments. Changes to funding policies in the university sector are pending, which present a challenge for universities in their planning for future financial sustainability.

The detailed data and calculations that underpin our commentary in this Part of the report are provided in Appendix D, which lists our financial sustainability indicators, risk assessment criteria, benchmarks and the results of each indicator for each of the universities over the five financial years 2012 to 2016.

4.1 Financial position and performance

Universities all have strong financial positions, with significant holdings of cash and investments and relatively low debt. They are using their strong position and their ability to source debt in private markets to try to maximise returns on their investments while increasing their capital development.

The sector's net asset position is strong, with total assets over four times the total liabilities, as shown in Figure 4A.

Figure 4A

Financial position of the university sector, 2012 to 2016

 

2012 $ million

2013 $ million

2014 $ million

2015 $ million

2016 $ million

Total assets

16 821.4

17 008.4

18 057.6

19 378.2

20 770.3

Total liabilities

4 189.4

3 785.3

4 078.6

4 327.2

4 828.2

Net assets

12 632.0

13 223.1

13 979.0

15 051.0

15 942.1

Source: VAGO.

While the sector's financial position has remained relatively stable, the composition of its balance sheet has shifted over the past five years. This shift is due to increased investment in longer-term assets, and greater use of debt to fund capital development.

The liquidity ratio demonstrates some of this shift and is shown in Figure 4B. The sector's short-term liquidity has declined since 2015, and is at its lowest level in the past five years. However, the ratio remains above 1.00, which means there are no immediate concerns about the sector meeting its short-term financial obligations as they become due.

Figure 4B

The university sector's liquidity, 2012 to 2016

Indicator

Average across all entities in the sector per year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Liquidity

1.50

1.47

1.16

1.27

1.04

Source: VAGO.

The trend in the liquidity ratio indicates that universities are:

  • using their excess cash to purchase longer-term investments
  • increasing borrowings, including short-term borrowings.

Investing cash in longer-term investments is done with the objective of generating higher returns. Although technically these investments do not meet the definition of current assets, most can still be converted relatively quickly to cash as required.

Borrowings are increasing as universities use this source of money to fund capital investments. These borrowings are largely long-term debt, but a portion will always be due for repayment within the next 12 months.

We observed active monitoring and management of cash flow occurring at most universities. This mitigates the risk that universities will not have money ready to pay their bills as and when they fall due.

Operating results

The sector continues to report net profits, with revenue growth due largely to increased enrolments. The revenue and expenditure for the sector over the past five years is shown in Figure 4C.

Figure 4C

Financial overview of university sector from 2012 and 2016

Figure 4C shows financial overview of university sector from 2012 and 2016

Source: VAGO.

The net result margin has shown an overall decline over the past five years. The results are shown in Figure 4D.

Figure 4D

The university sector's net result margin from 2012 to 2016

Indicator

Average across all entities in the sector per year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Net result margin

7.65%

5.45%

4.32%

4.83%

4.24%

Source: VAGO.

The declining net result margin indicates that the sector may have room to improve its management of costs. This will be particularly important in the future, as the proposed funding changes, if introduced, could affect revenue growth in the sector.

4.2 Capital investment

In response to the growth in student numbers, and to take advantage of student accommodation grants in recent years, many of the universities have increased the rate of investment in their physical assets. There are significant ongoing and planned capital development projects in the sector. This can be seen in the increase in payments for capital expenditure since 2014, shown in Figure 4E.

Figure 4E

Payments for capital expenditure

Payments for capital expenditure shown in Figure 4E

Source: VAGO.

Although these activities have been historically funded from the universities' own cash reserves, some universities have begun taking advantage of recent low interest rates, and are taking on more debt to fund their projects.

To date, the strong net asset position has enabled the sector to take on more debt without any significant impact on its longer-term sustainability.

The increasing investment in assets is evident in our capital replacement indicator. Through this indicator we consider how much the sector is spending on renewing assets compared to the level of assets consumed, as measured by depreciation. The results since 2012 are shown in Figure 4F.

Figure 4F

University sector's capital replacement indicator, 2012 to 2016

Indicator

Average across all entities in the sector per year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Capital replacement

2.71

2.10

1.52

1.67

1.74

Source: VAGO.

The capital replacement indicator has increased since 2014 and shows a trend of increasing investment. Each year the indicator has exceeded 1.5, which is a strong result. This indicates that the majority of universities' assets are being renewed and maintained so that they retain their intended function.

Although the total sector has achieved good results, the individual capital replacement ratios of three universities have been below 1.0 for the past two years. This is shown in the detailed results in Appendix D.

We consider the capital replacement ratio to be a long-term indicator of sustainability, given that capital replacement can be deferred in the short term. Inadequate expenditure on asset renewal and maintenance may lead to assets, including equipment and infrastructure, deteriorating to a point where they are unsuitable for use.

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Appendix A.Audit Act 1994 section 16—submissions and comments

We have consulted with all universities and the Department of Education and Training throughout the course of the audit. As required by section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, we gave a draft copy of this report, or relevant extracts, to those entities and asked for their submissions and comments.

Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the entity head.

Responses were received as follows:

RESPONSE provided by the Secretary, Department of Education and Training

RESPONSE provided by Secretary, Department of Education and Training
RESPONSE provided by Secretary, Department of Education and Training

RESPONSE provided by the General Manager, Australian National Academy of Music

RESPONSE provided by the General Manager, Australian National Academy of Music

RESPONSE provided by the Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University

RESPONSE provided by XXXXXXX

RESPONSE provided by the Acting Chief Financial Officer, La Trobe University

RESPONSE provided by the Acting Chief Financial Officer, La Trobe University

RESPONSE provided by the Vice-President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Victoria University

RESPONSE provided by the Vice-President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Victoria University

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Appendix B. Audit opinions issued

Figure B1 lists the entities included in this report. It details the date an audit opinion was issued to each entity for their 2016 financial report, and the nature of that opinion.

Figure B1

Audit opinions issued to the university sector for 2016

Entity

Clear audit opinion issued

Auditor-General's report signed

Deakin University

Modified(a)

21 Mar 2017

Deakin Digital Pty Ltd

22 Mar 2017

Deakin Residential Services Pty Ltd

22 Mar 2017

iHosp Pty Ltd

22 Mar 2017

Unilink Ltd

22 Mar 2017

Federation University

23 Feb 2017

Brisbane Educational Services Pty Ltd

15 Mar 2017

Datascreen Pty Ltd

15 Mar 2017

Inskill Pty Ltd

14 Mar 2017

The School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Limited

14 Mar 2017

UB Housing Pty Ltd

7 Mar 2017

La Trobe University

15 Mar 2017

Medical Centre Developments Pty Ltd

17 Mar 2017

Monash University

23 Mar 2017

Monash Accommodation Services Pty Ltd

23 Mar 2017

Monash College Pty Ltd

15 Feb 2017

Monash Commercial Pty Ltd

27 Apr 2017

Monash Custodians Pty Ltd

n/a

Not yet signed

Monash Investment Holdings Pty Ltd

5 Apr 2017

Monash Investment Trust

5 Apr 2017

Monash Property South Africa Pty Ltd

27 Apr 2017

Monash University Foundation

3 Apr 2017

Monash University Foundation Pty Ltd

3 Apr 2017

Monash University Indonesia Limited

n/a

Not yet signed

RMIT University

1 Mar 2017

RMIT Foundation

14 Feb 2017

RMIT Indonesia Pty Ltd

1 Mar 2017

RMIT Online Pty Ltd

1 Mar 2017

RMIT Spain SL

1 Mar 2017

RMIT Training Pty Ltd

14 Feb 2017

RMIT University Vietnam LLC

1 Mar 2017

RMIT Vietnam Holdings Pty Ltd

1 Mar 2017

Swinburne University of Technology

20 Mar 2017

National Institute of Circus Arts Limited

28 Mar 2017

Swinburne College Pty Ltd

n/a

Not yet signed

Swinburne Intellectual Property Trust

6 Apr 2017

Swinburne Ltd

n/a

Not yet signed

Swinburne Student Amenities Association Ltd

26 May 2017

Swinburne Ventures Limited

6 Apr 2017

The University of Melbourne

Modified(a)

22 Mar 2017

Australia Music Examinations Board (Vic) Limited

11 Apr 2017

Australian National Academy of Music Ltd

Modified(a)

2 May 2017

Melbourne University Publishing Ltd

15 May 2107

Melbourne Business School Foundation

22 Mar 2017

Melbourne Business School Foundation Ltd

22 Mar 2017

Melbourne Business School Limited

22 Mar 2017

Melbourne Dental Clinic Ltd

13 Apr 2017

Mt Eliza Graduate School of Business and Government Limited

22 Mar 2017

MU Student Union Ltd

26 Apr 2017

Nossal Institute Limited

18 Apr 2017

UM Commercialisation Pty Ltd

11 Apr 2017

UM Commercialisation Trust

11 Apr 2017

UoM Commercial Ltd

11 Apr 2017

Victoria University

15 Mar 2017

Victoria University Enterprises Pty Ltd

21 Mar 2017

Victoria University Foundation

21 Mar 2017

Victoria University Foundation Ltd

21 Mar 2017

Victoria University International Pty Ltd

21 Mar 2017

Victoria University of Technology (Singapore) Pte Ltd

21 Mar 2017

(a) See Part 2 of this report for further information on the modified audit opinion issued.

Source: VAGO.

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Appendix C. Management letter risk ratings

Figure C1 shows the risk ratings applied to management letter issues raised during a financial audit.

Figure C1

Definitions of risk rating for issues reported in audit management letters

Rating

Definition

Management action required

Extreme

The matter represents:

  • a control weakness that could cause or is causing severe disruption of the process or severe adverse effect on the ability to achieve process objectives and comply with relevant legislation, or
  • a material misstatement in the financial report has occurred.

Requires immediate management intervention with a detailed action plan to be implemented within one month.

Requires executive management to correct the material misstatement in the financial report as a matter of urgency to avoid a qualified audit opinion.

High

The matter represents:

  • a control weakness that could have or is having a major adverse effect on the ability to achieve process objectives and comply with relevant legislation, or
  • a material misstatement in the financial report that is likely to occur.

Requires prompt intervention by managers with a detailed action plan implemented within two months.

Requires executive management to correct the material misstatement in the financial report to avoid a qualified audit opinion.

Medium

The matter represents:

  • a control weakness that could have or is having a moderate adverse effect on the ability to achieve process objectives and comply with relevant legislation, or
  • a misstatement in the financial report that is not material and has occurred.

Requires intervention by managers with a detailed action plan implemented within three to six months.

Low

The matter represents:

  • a minor control weakness with minimal but reportable impact on the ability to achieve process objectives and comply with relevant legislation, or
  • a misstatement in the financial report that is likely to occur but is not expected to be material, or
  • an opportunity to improve an existing process or internal control.

Requires management intervention with a detailed action plan implemented within six to 12 months.

Source: VAGO.

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Appendix D. Financial sustainability risk indicators

Figure D1 shows the indicators used in assessing the financial sustainability risks of universities in Part 4 of this report. These indicators should be considered collectively and are more useful when assessed over time as part of a trend analysis.

Figure D1

Financial sustainability risk indicators

Indicator

Formula

Description

Net result margin (%)

Net result / Total revenue

A positive result indicates a surplus, and the larger the percentage, the stronger the result. A negative result indicates a deficit. Operating deficits cannot be sustained in the long term.

Net result and total revenue is obtained from the comprehensive operating statement.

Liquidity (ratio)

Current assets / Current liabilities

This measures the ability to pay existing liabilities in the next 12 months.

A ratio of one or more means there are more cash and liquid assets than short-term liabilities.

Capital replacement (ratio)

Cash outflows for property, plant and equipment / Depreciation

Comparison of the rate of spending on infrastructure with its depreciation. Ratios higher than 1:1 indicate that spending is faster than the rate of depreciation.

This is a long-term indicator, as capital expenditure can be deferred in the short term if there are insufficient funds available from operations and borrowing is not an option. Cash outflows for infrastructure are taken from the cash flow statement. Depreciation is taken from the comprehensive operating statement.

Internal financing (%)

Net operating cash flow / Net capital expenditure

This measures the ability of an entity to finance capital works from generated cash flow.

The higher the percentage, the greater the ability for the entity to finance capital works from its own funds.

Net operating cash flows and net capital expenditure are obtained from the cash flow statement.

Source: VAGO.

Our analysis of financial sustainability risk in this report reflects on the position of each university.

Financial sustainability risk assessment criteria

We assessed the financial sustainability risk of each university using the criteria outlined in Figure D2.

Figure D2

Financial sustainability risk indicators—risk assessment criteria

Risk

Net result margin

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

High

Negative 10% or less

Less than 0.75

Less than 1.0

Less than 10%

Insufficient revenue is being generated to fund operations and asset renewal.

Immediate sustainability issues with insufficient current assets to cover liabilities.

Spending on capital works has not kept pace with consumption of assets.

Limited cash generated from operations to fund new assets and asset renewal.

Medium

Negative 10%–0%

0.75–1.0

1.0–1.5

10–35%

A risk of long-term run down of cash reserves and inability to fund asset renewals.

Need for caution with cash flow, as issues could arise with meeting obligations as they fall due.

May indicate spending on asset renewal is insufficient.

May not be generating sufficient cash from operations to fund new assets.

Low

More than 0%

More than 1.0

More than 1.5

More than 35%

Generating surpluses consistently.

No immediate issues with repaying short‑term liabilities as they fall due.

Low risk of insufficient spending on asset renewal.

Generating enough cash from operations to fund new assets.

Source: VAGO.

Financial sustainability risk analysis results

The financial sustainability risk for each university and its controlled entities (each consolidated university), for each financial year ended 31 December 2012 through to 31 December 2016 are shown in Figures D3 to D10.

The following trend analysis has been applied to the results for each university:

↓ Deteriorating trend ↑ Improving trend ■ No substantial trend identified

Figure D3

Deakin University

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

13.31%

1.39

3.94

99%

2013

8.94%

1.16

2.79

101%

2014

7.04%

1.26

1.05

215%

2015

7.16%

1.28

1.42

165%

2016

5.10%

0.93

2.01

110%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

Figure D4

Federation University Australia

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

22.36%

5.33

3.36

223%

2013

1.83%

5.02

2.37

58%

2014

1.02%

2.64

0.46

369%

2015

2.33%

3.18

0.50

206%

2016

0.20%

2.78

0.54

12%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

Figure D5

La Trobe University

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

5.77%

1.16

4.15

63%

2013

7.19%

0.99

2.67

95%

2014

2.70%

1.02

1.52

159%

2015

8.85%

0.99

1.63

111%

2016

5.10%

0.78

2.37

87%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

Figure D6

Monash University

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

5.43%

0.46

2.11

127%

2013

3.33%

0.45

1.89

106%

2014

10.73%

0.42

2.61

110%

2015

7.98%

0.47

3.85

82%

2016

7.80%

0.35

3.70

86%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

Figure D7

RMIT University

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

5.32%

0.64

2.60

86%

2013

6.62%

0.66

1.17

195%

2014

6.78%

0.59

2.35

99%

2015

5.81%

0.59

3.35

69%

2016

7.62%

0.53

2.89

93%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

Figure D8

Swinburne University of Technology

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

3.80%

1.40

1.15

202%

2013

9.52%

1.35

3.30

105%

2014

2.38%

1.27

1.25

172%

2015

2.71%

1.28

0.48

393%

2016

3.25%

0.90

0.44

545%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

Figure D9

The University of Melbourne

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

6.63%

0.80

2.41

98%

2013

4.84%

0.80

1.75

119%

2014

7.59%

0.81

1.46

95%

2015

6.60%

1.10

1.41

170%

2016

7.39%

1.38

1.15

256%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

Figure D10

Victoria University

Year

Net result

Liquidity

Capital replacement

Internal financing

2012

-1.42%

0.83

1.97

88%

2013

1.33%

1.36

0.88

81%

2014

-3.64%

1.27

1.47

279%

2015

-2.81%

1.26

0.74

151%

2016

-2.53%

0.68

0.82

109%

Trend

Source: VAGO.

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Appendix E. Fraud control framework

As discussed in Part 3 of this report, our review of fraud risk assessment and control monitoring at the eight universities has, in part, been based on the Controlling fraud and corruption: a prevention checklist, issued by the Independent Broad-based Anti‑corruption Commission (IBAC) in November 2013.

The key components of a good fraud control framework are detailed in Figure E1, and are from the IBAC document.

Figure E1

Fraud risk and control monitoring checklist

Element of framework

Assessing fraud risk

  • A risk assessment uses methodology consistent with the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines and thorough, periodic fraud risk assessments are conducted to ensure they identify and effectively manage all fraud risk exposures.
  • In identifying fraud risks, consideration is given to the organisation's size and function, any change in structure or function, external and internal fraud risks, new and emerging fraud risks, and the broader organisational operating environment risks to develop a fraud risk profile.

Implement and maintain an integrity framework

  • Corruption prevention principles form an integral part of corporate, strategic and operational planning processes and objectives, both annually and long term.
  • Corruption prevention principles are applied as part of all project planning, agency restructure, business processes and service review processes.
  • Arrangements are in place that ensure effective ongoing scrutiny by executive management, internal audit and audit committees, of the effectiveness of the framework.
  • Independent reviews are undertaken of the operation and effectiveness of all internal control systems to ensure they adequately prevent, deter and detect major frauds.

Fraud control governance arrangements

  • A member of the executive management is the central point of contact for fraud control policies within the organisation.
  • A fraud and corruption control policy communicates the organisation's commitment to fraud and corruption control, setting out the executive management's approach to preventing, detecting and responding to fraud and corruption.
  • A fraud control plan has been developed for minimising the impact and likelihood of identified fraud risks.

Management commitment to controlling risks of fraud

  • Ethics, compliance and fraud prevention goals are included in the performance measures against which managers are evaluated and are used to determine performance-related progression.

Ethical framework

  • A code of conduct or ethical framework states the standards employees are expected to uphold.

Line management accountability

  • People in high-risk positions, such as procurement, revenue receipt, providing exemptions or who have discretionary decision-making roles are appropriately trained, supervised and supported.
  • Supervisors are alert to signs of stress experienced by staff or of other unexplained changes in behaviour or attitude, particularly holders of high-risk roles.

Internal controls

  • The organisation uses internal audit to actively review its risk management systems and controls, and aligns these with its own risk profile.
  • The organisation systematically monitors and reports on the effectiveness of its fraud control strategies at least annually, and there are clearly documented procedures for conducting high-risk activities such as tendering, accounts payable or purchasing and managing assets.
  • A clearly articulated stance on the acceptance of gifts or benefits is known and understood by all employees.

Employee awareness

  • Employees are provided with fraud and corruption awareness training during induction so they are in a better position to take appropriate action when faced with unethical behaviour.
  • Ongoing fraud and corruption awareness activities and training are conducted for all staff, including suppliers, volunteers and contractors to foster awareness of the significance of fraud and corruption and their potential impacts on the organisation.
  • Specialist training is provided for key positions performing identified higher-risk functions.
  • Employees know and understand the need to declare and manage conflicts of interest.

Client and community awareness

  • Customers and the community are aware the organisation will not tolerate fraudulent or corrupt behaviour and are given a channel for reporting any concerns.

Pre-employment screening

  • There is an established pre-employment screening policy, including employment, qualifications, credit, criminal history and reference checks, which can help identify potential issues and factors that may be indicative of fraud risk, such as prior criminal convictions for dishonesty.

Supplier and client vetting

  • The credentials of new suppliers and customers are checked and periodically confirmed.
  • The organisation's fraud control policy is provided to external service providers.

Avenues for reporting suspected incidents

  • A range of internal and external reporting mechanisms is in place to report suspected unethical behaviour, including fraud and corruption.
  • The reporting mechanisms, including what needs to be reported and to whom, are well known by employees and the broader community, and are easily accessible.

Protections for disclosers

  • Mechanisms, policies and procedures for supporting and protecting disclosers are established as required by the Protected Disclosures Act 2012 (Vic)
  • Strict confidentiality is maintained from the outset in the receipt and processing of reports of fraud and corruption.

Source: VAGO, based on Controlling fraud and corruption: a prevention checklist, Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, 2013.

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Appendix F. Glossary

Accountability

Responsibility of public entities to achieve their objectives in reliability of financial reporting, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, compliance with applicable laws, and reporting to interested parties.

Asset

An item or resource controlled by an entity from which future economic benefits flow to the entity.

Audit Act 1994

Victorian legislation establishing the Auditor-General's operating powers and responsibilities and detailing the nature and scope of audits that the Auditor-General may carry out.

Audit opinion

A written expression within a specified framework indicating the auditor's overall conclusion about a financial (or performance) report based on audit evidence.

Capital expenditure

Money an entity spends on:

  • new physical assets, including buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment
  • renewing existing physical assets to extend the service potential or life of the asset.

Clear audit opinion

A positive written expression provided when the financial report has been prepared and presents fairly the transactions and balances for the reporting period in keeping with the requirements of the relevant legislation and Australian Accounting Standards—also referred to as an unqualified audit opinion.

Depreciation

The systematic allocation of the value of an asset over its expected useful life, recorded as an expense.

Entity

A corporate or unincorporated body that has a public function to exercise on behalf of the state or is wholly owned by the state, including departments, statutory authorities, statutory corporations and government business enterprises.

Equity or net assets

Residual interest in the asset of an entity after deduction of its liabilities.

Expense

The outflow of assets or the depletion of assets an entity controls during the financial year, including expenditure and the depreciation of physical assets. An expense can also be the incurrence of liabilities during the financial year, such as increases to a provision.

Financial Management Act 1994

Victorian legislation governing public sector entities, as determined by the Minister for Finance, including their financial reporting framework.

Financial report

A document reporting the financial outcome and position of an entity for a financial year, which contains an entity's financial statements, including a comprehensive income statement, a balance sheet, a cash flow statement, a comprehensive statement of equity and notes.

Financial reporting direction

Issued by the Minister for Finance for entities reporting under the Financial Management Act 1994, with the aim of:

  • achieving consistency and improved disclosure in financial reporting for Victorian public entities by eliminating or reducing divergence in accounting practices
  • prescribing the accounting treatment and disclosure of financial transactions in circumstances where there are choices in accounting treatment, or where existing accounting procurements have no guidance or requirements.

Financial sustainability

An entity's ability to manage financial resources so it can meet its current and future spending commitments, while maintaining assets in the condition required to provide services.

Financial year

A period of 12 months for which a financial report is prepared, which may be a different period to a calendar year.

Going concern

An entity that is expected to be able to pay its debts when they fall due, and continue in operation without any intention or necessity to liquidate or otherwise wind up its operations.

Governance

The control arrangements in place that are used to govern and monitor an entity's activities to achieve its strategic and operational goals.

Internal audit

A function of an entity's governance framework that examines and reports to management on the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls and governance processes.

Internal control

A method of directing, monitoring and measuring an entity's resources and processes to prevent and detect error and fraud.

Liability

A present obligation of an entity arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow of assets from the entity.

Management letter

A letter the auditor writes to the governing body, the audit committee and management of an entity outlining issues identified during the financial audit.

Net result

The value that an entity has earned or lost over the state period (usually a financial year or calendar year), calculated by subtracting an entity's total expenses from the total revenue for that period.

Physical asset

A non-financial asset that is a tangible item an entity controls, and that will be used by the entity for more than 12 months to generate profit or provide services, such as building, equipment or land.

Qualified audit opinion

An opinion issued when the auditor concludes that an unqualified opinion cannot be expressed because of:

  • disagreement with those charged with governance or
  • conflict between applicable financial reporting frameworks or
  • limitation of scope.

A qualified opinion is considered to be unqualified except for the effects of the matter that relates to the qualification.

Revenue

Inflows of funds or other enhancements or savings in outflows of service potential, or future economic benefits in the form of increases in assets or reductions in liabilities of an entity, other than those relating to contributions by owners, that result in an increase in equity during the reporting period.

Risk

The chance of a negative or positive impact on the objectives, outputs or outcomes of the entity.

Risk register

A tool an entity uses to identify, monitor and mitigate risks.

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