Maine State Employees' CU Norton gives internal auditors a good name

AUGUSTA, Maine – Despite stereotypes to the contrary, internal auditors do not take pleasure in finding violations at their credit unions. “Probably one of the common misconceptions about internal auditors is that we are just looking for what is being done incorrectly,” said Maine State Employees’ Credit Union Internal Auditor Sangeeta Norton. As the $140 million credit union’s first internal auditor, Norton views her role as more of a consultant who works with the board and executive team to strengthen the credit union. With the NCUA recommendation that credit unions with more than $100 million in assets should consider adding an internal auditing staff and supervisory committee, MSECU made the decision last March to add the 15 plus-year credit union veteran to its staff. As a one-person department Norton’s responsibilities range from putting together an audit plan, conducting risk assessments, to branch audits of member services, ACH information systems, human resources and payroll. She also works in conjunction with the vice president of operations and the credit union is reviewing the feasibility of having her take over compliance as well. “Sometimes the greatest challenge is just keeping up with the technological changes, compliance changes, and Federal Reserve changes because they happen so quickly,” said Norton. Married for five years and mother to sons Christopher and Derek, Norton makes time to network, which she feels plays a big part in staying updated. Actively involved with different associations, she serves on the Board of Governors, the Maine Chapter of the Institute of Auditors and the ACUIA publication resource committee to name just a few. She also keeps up with knowledge-based training. Norton says teamwork is a vital part of her job and just as she makes recommendations after evaluating internal controls, the board and executive team offer their input as well and working together they come up with solutions that ultimately make for a stronger credit union. [email protected]