ADDIS ABABA – The Office of the Federal Auditor General is advancing efforts to digitize audit processes and align national auditing manuals with international standards.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, Deputy Auditor General Abera Tadesse revealed that the office is currently developing legal frameworks and procedures to enable the use of digitized data in audits. He also disclosed that the national audit manual is being revised to meet international standards, marking a significant enhancement in the office’s operations.
In partnership with the African Organization of English-Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E), the office is working to improve its capacity and effectiveness in implementing Financial and Compliance Audit Manuals. “Ethiopia is now among the countries performing at a higher standard, though some gaps still need to be addressed,” Abera noted.
Despite these advancements, the office is facing challenges due to a shortage of auditors. Currently, there are only 670 experts, falling short of the required 1,000, which has led to gaps in audit coverage. Financial constraints and outdated legal frameworks are also contributing to the lack of staff permanency.
However, Abera expressed optimism that these issues will soon be resolved, with measures already underway to address them.
On international cooperation, he highlighted that the office maintains regular relations with 24 AFROSAI-E member countries, which supports its members in enhancing human capacity, legal frameworks, and procedures. As an auditing organization, AFROSAI-E promotes the independence of its institutions, facilitating the exchange of best practices in audit performance and standards among member states.
Experts from the Office of the Federal Auditor General are currently participating in a workshop hosted by OFAG Ethiopia and organized by AFROSAI-E, with representatives from other member countries also in attendance, The Ethiopian Herald reported.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST 2024
