Empowering Accounting and Auditing Expertise
May is celebrated as Internal Audit Awareness Month, a time dedicated to advancing global awareness of the vital role and value of internal auditing. Concluding this month, we hosted a comprehensive workshop for regional experts in accounting and auditing, many of whom participated in ongoing and past auditing and accounting certification programs we delivered over the past years.
For the past 20 years, the Charted Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and CEF have been committed to advancing training and certification programs for internal auditors (TIAPS) and accountants (PACT) in the public sector in several countries across South East Europe. Together, we have established a legacy of high-quality capacity development programs, promoting continuous professional growth and excellence.
Our latest 2-day regional event, held in Montenegro, brought together experts from 11 countries who participated in the PACT and TIAPS programs. This event featured training sessions, interactive workshops, and discussions aimed at deepening participants' expertise in essential accounting and auditing topics. The auditing experts examined the challenges and pressures internal auditors encounter, including potential consequences for raising concerns. Meanwhile, accounting specialists discussed IPSAS standards, focusing on asset definition, recognition, data sources, and cost measurement within IPSAS 45 – property, plant, and equipment.
During our time in Montenegro, we also met with representatives from the newly established Academy of the Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia and the Academy of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia. Together we visited the Regional School of Public Administration and the Montenegrin Human Resources Management Authority, gaining valuable insights into our partner's work.
The gathering provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional networks and explore future collaborations.