UNews - internal auditor

Von Heyking recognized with merit award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:33:19 +0000

Sonya von Heyking (CA, CIA, BMgt '03 Great Distinction) is one of 22 Alberta-based chartered accountants being honoured with a 2012 Merit Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) for making significant contributions to charitable and community causes, as well as to the CA profession.

An internal auditor with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge since May 2006, von Heyking is being awarded an Early Achievement Award, presented to CAs who, within the first 10 years since qualifying, have demonstrated excellence in professional, civic, charitable, community or other services. Von Heyking received her CA designation in 2006, and prior to joining the U of L, worked at KPMG in Lethbridge.

Reporting to the Audit Committee of the Board of Governors, von Heyking has worked on numerous projects that have helped to streamline processes or affect savings or efficiencies for the U of L, including H1N1 preparedness, supplier selection processes and analysis of various activities related to strategic priorities.

Internal auditor Sonya von Heyking is a 2012 Merit Award winner.

"We are extremely proud of Sonya's achievement," says Bob Turner, the U of L Board of Governors Chair. "Sonya is a valuable member of our administrative team, and has an excellent working relationship with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community. In her position, she looks at many different aspects of our business and financial environment, and has a varied skill set that enables her to advise the Board and our senior administrative group with a high level of confidence. This recognition by the ICAA affirms what we already know, and appreciate, about her service to the U of L."

Von Heyking has also earned her CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) designation, making her one of the few CAs in the province with that distinction. As well, she presents at numerous conferences, recently earning a trip to the Institute of Internal Auditors 'All Stars' international conference – an opportunity based on positive feedback from colleagues, audiences and conference organizers.

Among other projects, von Heyking designed assurance engagements that allowed U of L students to conduct actual audit work under her guidance, and present their reports to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's Audit Committee. This project was extremely successful and benefitted both the students and Internal Audit.

As an Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta Centennial Ambassador, von Heyking also volunteered extensively in 2010 to establish a long-term fund supporting academic awards in local high schools. Through contributions by Lethbridge and area chartered accountants, the project ultimately raised sufficient funds to provide 60 annual awards to local high school students.

"The ICAA is, once again, honouring a tremendous class of Merit Award recipients," says Blair Nixon (Q.C. FCA), president of the ICAA. "Each of this year's recipients, including Ms. von Heyking, have left a positive impression on those around them. Throughout the profession's history, CAs have been known for making a difference in Alberta's communities – and within the profession. As always, this year's recipients live up to that reputation."

In total, 22 Alberta recipients will be officially recognized at the 2012 Merit Awards Gala, which takes place June 22 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton.

This story first appeared in the March 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Von Heyking recognized with merit award

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:40:34 +0000

Internal auditor Sonya von Heyking is a 2012 Merit Award winner.

In total, 22 Alberta recipients will be officially recognized at the 2012 Merit Awards Gala, which takes place June 22 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton.

This story first appeared in the March 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Internal Audit can find an easier way

trevor.kenney — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:34:17 +0000

By SONYA VON HEYKING

Sunny summer air is sweeping over Lethbridge but many people are struggling to release their worries and bask in the warm optimism of the new season.

There have been a lot of changes to our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ landscape over the last year and shaking off the frost is going to take time. The natural world is budding more enthusiastically than the economic world – budgets are leaner and departments are smaller.

Experience tells us that these conditions are temporary, but the pressures of doing more with less remain. So how can we make the most of what we have? Maybe we need to look at how we're using our resources.

Sometimes finding a more efficient way to do things is easier than you think. An example I experienced recently serves as illustration. To prevent my curious toddler from playing in the garbage can by her change table I would place heavy objects on the lid after each use, or run interference whenever she approached. She isn't strong enough to pop the can open with the foot pedal when there is something on the lid, and I can outmaneuver her with ease, so I felt this method was an excellent solution. That is, until my 13-year old walked into the room and turned the can around so that my stubby-legged munchkin simply couldn't reach the foot pedal. Voila, baby quickly lost interest, and I could still use the can with ease.

How much time and energy had I spent removing and replacing the obstacle, or clipping my little girl at the knees before she reached the can? It was a simple reminder that a second perspective can pay dividends, even when things seem to be working fine.

Most people can identify at least one process affecting their job that they feel is cumbersome, over-controlled or inefficient. The challenge is finding the best resolution without going too far in the other direction. Engaging Internal Audit to assist might be your fastest route to the resources you need.

Internal Audit can provide advice, checklists or process ideas for almost any area, leaving you with more time to enjoy the sunshine.

If you would like more information about Internal Audit's services, or would like to request assistance or ask for tips, please visit www.uleth.ca/audit

Sonya von Heyking is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's internal auditor

There might be an easier way

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:48:51 +0000

Sunny summer air is sweeping over Lethbridge but many people are struggling to release their worries and bask in the warm optimism of the new season.

Internal Audit can provide advice, checklists or process ideas for almost any area, leaving you with more time to enjoy the sunshine.

If you would like more information about Internal Audit's services, or would like to request assistance or ask for tips, please visit www.uleth.ca/audit

Sonya von Heyking is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's internal auditor

UNews - internal auditor

Von Heyking recognized with merit award

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Von Heyking recognized with merit award

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Internal Audit can find an easier way

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