University Audit

University Audit

University Audit serves as the university's internal auditor, providing internal audits and reviews, management consulting and advisory services, investigations of fraud and abuse, follow-up of audit recommendations, evaluation of the processes of risk management and governance, and coordination with external auditors.

University Audit reports administratively to the Office of the President and functionally to the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees.

This reporting structure promotes independence and full consideration of audit recommendations and management action plans.

Millican Hall

Our Mission

“As a trusted advisor, we help the UCF community achieve their purpose by doing the right things in the right way at the right time.”

UCF Student Union

Our Vision

“Transform ideas into effective action and efficient results”

About Us

Robert J. Taft CIA, CCSA, CBA
Robert J. Taft, CIA, CCSA, CRMA, SFC

Chief Audit Executive

Robert.Taft@ucf.edu

As Chief Audit Executive, Robert is responsible for providing oversight for the conduct and operations of all internal audit activities, coordinating external audits, and supporting the system of internal controls and risk management across the University. Robert has over 22 years of audit experience and lead the internal audit functions for two NYSE publicly traded organizations in the insurance industry. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. He is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Bank Auditor. He also has a Certification in Control Self-Assessment from the Institute of Internal Auditors. Robert started with University Audit in January 2014.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: The opportunity to learn something new every day, interacting with smart and interesting people, sharing information, and evaluating ideas to determine their potential impact on the university.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: Our goal is not to always add new controls and give our clients more work—we are delighted if we can remove or streamline controls and achieve the same or better results.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: Open Forum Day when I interviewed for the job. Had the sense the world of Higher Education would be an interesting adventure. I remember meeting the audit staff as a group and asking them more questions than they had time to ask me!
  • Life outside of work: Spending time with my wife, daughter, and two dogs, getting to know the Orlando area better, and catching up on reading and TV.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Depending on my mood it would be one of the following: 1) TV game show host, 2) US Supreme Court Justice, 3) Supermodel.
  • Best vacation I ever took: A trip to Cape Cod, MA, when I was about 9 years old. First time to the ocean and loved it (although the water was cool and filled with seaweed). Also got to watch a lot of Red Sox games on TV-38 in the pre-cable era and try lobster for the first time.
Tina M. Maier CPA, CFE, CIG
Tina M. Maier, CPA, CFE, CIG

Associate Director

Tina.Maier@ucf.edu

Tina manages the investigations function and supervises investigations. She has over 30 years of experience performing investigations and identifying internal control and process improvements. She also serves as an advisor for the first ever Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) student chapter at UCF and started a student fraud investigator internship program in University Audit. Tina has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UCF and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. Tina is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Inspector General. Prior to joining University Audit in January 1990, Tina worked three years for the Florida Auditor General.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: Identifying opportunities for improving processess throughout the university community
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: Folks think we know everything about tax law and filing tax returns. When they hear the word "auditor" they think Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • Most memorable UCF moment: There are so many! However, my favorite is being part of and seeing UCF grow to become the 2nd largest university in the nation. I'm a proud '86 alumna.
  • Life outside of work: I am a native Floridian - born and raised in Sanford, Florida. I've been married for 33 years and have three grown sons who all graduated from UCF. I love spending time with family and friends, cooking out, and going to New Smyrna beach.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Working for Candid Camera as a prankster or developing ideas for pranks.
  • Best vacation I ever took: A family vacation to New York City during the winter break and New Year's Eve. Thank you, Dr. Hitt, for the time off!
Vallery B. Morton CPA
Vallery B. Morton, CPA

Audit Manager

Vallery.Morton@ucf.edu

Vallery Morton manages the audit and management advisory services function, supervising operational and compliance audits, as well as supervising and providing advisory services. She has a Master of Science in Taxation from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Saint Mary's College of California. She is a Certified Public Accountant and worked eight years as a senior auditor with a media/publishing corporation after beginning her professional career at a public accounting firm. Vallery started with University Audit November 1993.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: Helping others. Every new project there is an opportunity to make someone's job a little easier and to show appreciation for what they do.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: The idea that we are "bean counters." What we really do is gather information and communicate solutions; we solve puzzles.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: My first Symphony Under the Stars.
  • Life outside of work: I have been married for 30+ years and have two adult children. I enjoy creating new recipes, making crafts, and participating in outdoor activities like hiking, tennis and swimming.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Outdoor muralist
  • Best vacation I ever took: A week in the Big Apple with my husband to experience Broadway, Fall foliage, Central Park, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, museums, family and great food. We also enjoyed navigating public transportation.
Vicky A. Sharp CPA, CIA
Vicky A. Sharp, CPA, CIA

Auditor III

Vicky.Sharp@ucf.edu

Vicky Sharp performs operational and compliance audits and provides advisory services to departments. She has a Master of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor. Prior to joining University Audit in June 2003, Vicky was a senior auditor with a public accounting firm, and has over three years in public accounting.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: Every few months I work on a new project and I get to meet new people and learn new processes.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: People are often nervous when they hear “audit” because they think they might have done something wrong and they are going to be in trouble. We are here to make things better for the university by making processes more efficient or bringing a unit into compliance so they don’t get into trouble with outside agencies.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: The first football game in the on-campus Bright House stadium.
  • Life outside of work:: I have two sons, who keep me busy. I'm also very involved at church, and I love to cross stitch and watch UCF Football.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Party Planner
  • Best vacation I ever took: It's a tie between my honeymoon in St. Lucia and a weeklong trip to Italy with my mom.
K. Adam Glover, CISA, CISM
K. Adam Glover, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE

IT Audit Manager

Adam.Glover@ucf.edu

Adam Glover performs IT audits and special projects. Adam has over ten years of IT audit, consulting, and compliance experience working with a public accounting firm as well as in the government and healthcare industries. He has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Decision and Information Sciences from the University of Florida. He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor, Certified Information Security Manager, and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control from ISACA. Adam started with University Audit in March 2016.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: The opportunity to work closely with my clients and add value to the organization on a daily basis.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: Our goal is not to always find something wrong and surprise our clients with a "gotcha" moment. Instead, we are there to use our expertise to provide value through control assurance and improvement.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: Having the opportunity to be a presenter at the UCF Annual Accounting Conference during my time in public accounting.
  • Life outside of work: Spending time with my family, going to the gym, and watching Florida Gator football.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: A Sports Agent.
  • Best vacation I ever took: A week long cruise to the Caribbean Islands right after I graduated from college with my Masters and before I moved to Orlando to start working at a public accounting firm.
Mary Dailey
Mary Dailey, CFE

Audit Investigator II

Mary.Dailey@ucf.edu

Mary Dailey performs investigations and fraud risk assessments. She identifies internal control and process improvements. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. Her final semester at UCF, Mary participated in University Audit’s student fraud investigator internship program. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Mary started with University Audit in August 2019.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: Every assignment is different. I am constantly learning new things and meeting new people.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: That auditors are an opponent. We are all on the same team working together so UCF can reach its greatest potential.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: As a UCF graduate, my most memorable UCF moment is catching a duck at Spirit Splash my freshman year!
  • Life outside of work: I am a huge Disney fan and an annual passholder, so I am frequently at the parks. I love to go on runs with my dog and then take a swim to cool off!
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: To work on a cruise ship as an entertainer and travel the world.
  • Best vacation I ever took: A cruise to Greece in the summer of 2014. Santorini is a beautiful island with incredible views. The architecture is so unique with the white buildings and blue roofs. The Red Beach was breathtaking.
Chase Jicha
Chase Jicha, CFE

Investigations Manager

Chase.Jicha@ucf.edu

Chase is responsible for supervising and conducting investigations of allegations of wrongdoing and identifying recommendations for corrective action and process improvements. He has over 8 years of experience in performing both criminal and internal investigations. Chase has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from UCF. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner. Prior to joining University Audit, Chase worked 3 years for BB&T Now Truist as a Corporate Investigator and over 5 years with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as a sworn law enforcement officer specializing in the investigation of economic crimes. Chase started with University Audit in May 2020.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: Having the ability to work with various departments and learn new processes.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: Audit’s purpose is to find fault within departments. We are here help implement efficient processes and to identify and minimize potential risks.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: Attending my first football game as a student
  • Life outside of work: I have two sons and a daughter with my wife of over 7 years who keep us on our toes. I also enjoy working on vehicles and boating in my free time.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Classic car mechanic
  • Best vacation I ever took: Trips to Blue Ridge, GA. I love the feel of the small-town community with scenic mountain views.
Connor Gilchrist
Connor Gilchrist, CPA

Auditor II

Connor.Gilchrist@ucf.edu

Connor performs operational and compliance audits and provides advisory services to departments. He has a Master of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the University of Florida. Connor is also a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida. He has over 2 years of experience working with a public accounting firm. Connor joined University Audit in December 2020.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: Working with different people in different departments. Working with people has always been my favorite part of any job, and the new situations I face with audit always makes my job engaging.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: That we only show up when you do something wrong. Auditing and internal auditing are part of the normal course of business, and help prevent someone from making a mistake that could turn into a major problem. Auditors and clients are all on the same side to promote the best practices in any organization.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: Seeing my first UCF football game. The game was against USF at night, and it was an amazing game with the crowd going crazy every time we scored.
  • Life outside of work: I usually hang out with friends and family outside of work. I also enjoy watching football and playing with my Corgi, Biscuit.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: If I wasn’t an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Psychologist
  • Best vacation I ever took: Going to Italy and trying Italian pizza, pasta, and gelato. I had gelato every night just because I had never had it before.
Connor Gilchrist
Dezso Nyitray, Jr., CFE

Auditor II

Dezso.Nyitray@ucf.edu

Dezso performs operational and compliance audits and provides advisory services to departments. He has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from DeSales University and Associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Management from NCC. He also graduated from the U.S. Army Military Police School and the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Dezso is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a past chapter president for the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and was a chapter vice-president for the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Dezso was a senior auditor at a private company with over seven years of global corporate internal auditing experience. Dezso Started with University Audit in November 2022.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: Working with different departments and new projects helping everyone involved solve problems.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: That we’re out to get them. Most of the time I have found that the policies, procedures and processes in place were going well, and I was able to provide positive feedback and offer operational improvements.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: Seeing my first UCF football game - I was impressed with the amount of military appreciation displayed even though we were playing Navy.
  • Life outside of work: I avoid TV - so I enjoy outdoor activities like running and training for triathlons. I like standup comedy, bowling, hiking, kayaking and West Coast Swing dancing. I volunteer with professional and other organizations. I like to practice my Hungarian when I can and I’m a lifelong learner looking forward to working on other certifications and transferring into a Master’s program here at UCF.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Forensic Scientist, Professor, Lawyer, professional runner and/or comedian.
  • Best vacation I ever took: I took a trip to Orlando for a leadership conference with the IIA a few years ago. It was my first trip to Florida, and it was during the winter. I had extended the trip into a vacation with my family. Orlando is now my home and my daughter, son-in-law and grandson have also moved to Florida.
Alan McMillan
Alan McMillan

IT Auditor I

Alan.McMillan@ucf.edu

Alan McMillan performs IT audits and special projects. Alan has over two years of experience working with information systems and a year experience with compliance work. He has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Florida State University. Alan started working with University Audit in November 2021.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: The ability to collaborate with different departments and provide feedback on their processes.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: The idea that auditing can’t be exciting. The process can present a variety of situations that require the auditor to adapt and learn.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: Touring the campus when I was applying for college.
  • Life outside of work: Growing up, I was an avid video-game player. That enthusiasm has continued to this day.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: A professional ultimate frisbee player for the AUDL.
  • Best vacation I ever took: A week trip to Kauai, Hawaii during the Summer of 2021. It was the first vacation that my Fiancée, at the time, and I flew on a plane together.
Isabelle Newcomb
Isabelle Newcomb

IT Auditor I

Isabelle.Newcomb@ucf.edu

Isabelle Newcomb performs IT audits and special projects. She graduated from UCF with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has over a year of experience in case management. Isbelle joined the IT audit team in March 2022.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: One of the things I love most about audit is that every challenge is different and I have never stopped learning since I started. I enjoy networking and collaborating with different departments to bring new ideas and processes.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: The biggest misconception about IT auditors is that we are here to get people in trouble. Auditors are here to provide solutions and processes to maximize efficiency and minimize potential risks.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: My favorite UCF moment was when UCF beat the Gators in football in 2021.
  • Life outside of work: I enjoy visiting local restaurants and going to theme parks like Universal and Busch Gardens with my friends and family. When at home, I often spend time with my cat, watch horror/sci-fi movies, or play video games.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: A horror film director.
  • Best vacation I ever took: During the summer of 2015, my family and I took a cruise to Alaska and Canada. While there we went whale watching, ziplining, and explored some small towns. One of my favorite sights while in Alaska was when we saw a grizzly bear and a pack of wolves on the shores of Glacier Bay.
Alexandria Rockaway
Alexandria Rockaway

Administrative Assistant II

Alexandria.Rockaway@ucf.edu

Alex assists the Audit department with administrative duties. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Vanderbilt University. Alex started with University Audit in February 2022.

  • Favorite things about working in audit: The auditors are so friendly and knowlegable about how things work at the university. They know so many people and are great resources for navigating through the many departments that make up UCF.
  • Biggest misconception people have about audit and internal auditors: Auditors are really good at seeing the whole picture. They focus on details, but help the university to reach its goals and carry out its mission.
  • Most memorable UCF moment: When the UCF Knights beat the Auburn Tigers at the 2018 Peach Bowl to finish the season undefeated.
  • Life outside of work: I was a stay at home mom and raised two sons. My husband and I enjoy watching them grow and learn while navigating their college experiences. I love to watch football, read, do crossword puzzles and sudokus.
  • If I wasn't an internal auditor, my dream job would be: Teaching children to read.
  • Best vacation I ever took: My husband and I went to Las Vegas as our first trip traveling without our sons. A few good friends went with us, and I have many fond memories of the six of us laughing, eating, and enjoying the many sights and experiences that Vegas has to offer.