iTaukei Affairs Ministry Aims for Financial Transparency with New Audit Initiatives

The iTaukei Affairs Ministry is set to deliver financial statements for all 14 provinces by the end of the year, encompassing transactions up to 2024. During a recent meeting with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Sereana Matakibau, Deputy Chief Executive of the iTaukei Affairs Board, discussed efforts to tackle a long-standing backlog in audits at provincial councils.

This backlog includes audits that have not been completed since 1999, largely due to manual record-keeping practices at the councils. A taskforce was created in 2016 to expedite the audit process, resulting in the completion of audits up to 2018 across all councils. Currently, the focus is on finalizing audits for the years 2019 through 2022.

Matakibau noted that one of the significant challenges has been the absence of records from past years. However, recent improvements in record management, following a review of job roles within the councils, are contributing to better outcomes. To further improve capabilities, the minimum qualification for new hires has been raised to a bachelor’s degree, ensuring that future recruits meet this standard.

Additionally, provincial treasurers are participating in quarterly workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge, providing access to updated systems and refresher training. This initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of provincial councils and promote better financial management practices.

These efforts not only aim to rectify the audit backlog but also demonstrate a clear commitment to enhancing financial accountability and governance within local councils. Engaging in these valuable reforms is essential for ensuring transparency and restoring public confidence in local governance.

The outlook remains optimistic as the iTaukei Affairs Ministry actively takes steps towards accurate and timely financial reporting, which is crucial for safeguarding accountability and transparency in governance. This positive trajectory will ultimately benefit provincial councils and the communities they serve.