Clear Focus on Accountability: The article highlights the significant role of internal auditing in enhancing accountability within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It brings to the forefront how internal auditing functions as a mechanism to ensure transparency, effectiveness, and integrity in the management of resources and operations, which are critical to the trust placed in educational institutions.

Relevance to Contemporary Challenges: It addresses an increasingly important issue as HEIs worldwide face heightened scrutiny from both government bodies and the public, especially in terms of financial management, ethical governance, and institutional performance. The role of internal auditing in mitigating corruption, inefficiencies, and mismanagement is timely and valuable.

Academic Contributions: By drawing attention to internal auditing practices in the context of higher education, the article contributes to the existing literature on institutional governance, offering valuable insights for policymakers, administrators, and auditors within HEIs.

Limited Practical Insights: While the article provides a theoretical framework, it may lack detailed, real-world case studies or examples of how internal auditing has practically been implemented to ensure accountability in HEIs.

Narrow Scope of Case Studies: The research might be based on a limited set of institutions or countries (Portugal and Brazil). This could affect the generalizability of the findings, as the challenges and practices of internal auditing in HEIs can vary greatly across different regions and cultures.

Possible Overemphasis on Internal Auditing: While internal auditing is critical, the article might underplay the role of other governance mechanisms, such as external audits, student participation, or community engagement, which could also contribute to enhancing accountability within HEIs.

Cross-Cultural Perspective: The involvement of institutions from both Portugal and Brazil offers an intriguing comparative perspective on how internal auditing practices can vary across different higher education systems. This can prompt further exploration into how cultural, economic, and institutional differences affect the implementation of auditing practices.

Internal Auditing as a Strategic Tool: The article proposes internal auditing not just as a regulatory mechanism but also as a strategic tool that can influence institutional culture, promote ethical behavior, and foster long-term sustainability. This broader view of internal auditing’s potential role in governance is thought-provoking and could reshape how administrators view auditing functions.

Potential for Future Research: The article raises interesting questions about the evolving role of internal auditing in HEIs, especially in the digital age where new technologies (AI, data analytics) are transforming auditing practices. This opens the door for future research on how these technologies can further enhance accountability in educational settings.