Renaud Seligmann Sr. Financial Management Specialist AFTFM, World Bank Accountability & Integrity conference, Johannesburg 7 April 2010
Background: PEFA data, 2010
Are the differences greater than the similarities? Budget preparation Budget execution Financial reporting Internal auditExternal audit Parliamentary oversight
Budget preparation DifferencesSimilarities Annual process Current vs Investmt Bud From line items to PB MTEF Legal basis
Budget execution Parliamentary AOs are in charge Warrants and vote books IFMIS change the rules? Presidential MoF is in charge Segregation of duties in budget authority More power to line ministries? Joint Challenges Increase execution rates – service delivery Improve quality of internal controls Integrate donor projects
Financial reporting Parliamentary AOs are in charge Traditionally single entry, cash basis Presidential MoF is in charge Essentially cash, some accrual info Joint Challenges Timeliness, accuracy Donor projects IPSAS
Internal Audit Parliamentary Significant diversity Semi- decentralized Presidential Greater Institutional Homogeneity IGF, IGE, Sector Inspections Joint Challenges Risk-based audit Audit vs Investigations Coordination mechanisms
External Audit Parliamentary AG: legislative branch Annual audit opinion No sanctioning power Presidential CdC: Judiciary Annual report on Govt budget Sanctioning power on accountants Joint Challenges Independence Compliance with ISSAI VFMFollow-up of recs
Parliamentary Oversight Parliamentary Not involved in budget approval Focused on annual audit & VFM Led by an opposition MP Prominent oversight role Presidential Heavily involved in budget approval Annual report on budget low profile Led by member of ruling party Less prominent oversight role Joint Challenges Holding Budget Managers Accountable VFM Relationships with SAI
Conclusion Real differences Common challenges Let us learn from each other And implement good ideas!
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