Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh said internal audits are important in any corporate entity as they make them more efficient and competitive, in his address to participants at a seminar hosted by the Institute of Internal Auditors-Guyana Chapter.
According to a Government Information Agency press release, Singh told the internal auditors that there were issues in the public and private sectors that were intertwined and the Constitution had been strengthened to cater for the oversight of the Auditor General’s office which also oversees the operations of government departments and fiscal and procurement policies.
He also told the meeting which was held to boost report writing skills and interview techniques, that government had taken steps to improve financial management of accounts by revamping the legislation to make the Auditor General’s office an independent entity. Singh then reminded the participants that there was a National Competitiveness Council which led to the Corporate Governance Code and the ensuing reduction in corporate tax, fees and tackling labour force efficiency. These options have not been confined to the government but are accessible to the private sector as well.
In addition, John Seeram, President of the IIA Guyana Chapter, briefed the participants on audit report writing, interviewing techniques and seminar/workshop expectations. He also gave a brief history of the IIA-Guyana Chapter and unveiled its vision for the future.
