Successful Completion of the Public Accountants Certification Training Program in North Macedonia
With the closing ceremony, we are completing the internationally recognized professional qualification program for public sector accountants in North Macedonia. Accountants who successfully concluded the Public Accountants Certification Training (PACT) program were awarded the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) diploma. The closing ceremony took place on January 17, 2024, in Skopje, North Macedonia.
The PACT training program in North Macedonia focused on strengthening democratic institutions and increasing transparency and accountability in the public sector. It played an important role in aligning the public sector accounting and auditing functions with international standards and best practices. Additionally, the program led to the establishment of an independently run training center for public sector financial practitioners - the Academy of Public Finance.
State Secretary, Ms. Jelena Tast, expressed the Ministry of Finance's recognition of the establishment of the Academy of Public Finances as a crucial step in professionalizing the public sector in the field of public finances. He emphasized its vital role in building institutional capacities, strengthening financial management, and promoting sustainable economic development.
Throughout the project implementation, the CEF facilitated the work of the Localization working group, which aimed to create a conducive environment for the localization of the training program in North Macedonia. The Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in North Macedonia, Mr. Gregor Presker, recognized the excellent cooperation between the Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia and CEF in finalizing the work on the handover of the training materials, the training methodology, and supporting local trainers who will independently run this important training effort in the future. Similarly, the Ambassador of Slovakia in North Macedonia, Mr. Henrik Markuš, echoed this acknowledgment by emphasizing CEF's contribution to training local trainers, empowering them to independently deliver the PACT training program.
Going forward, the CEF will continue to support the newly established Public Finance Academy in its journey to become a learning organization. CEF Director Ms. Jana Repanšek praised the Academy’s interest in the learning organization concept, demonstrating its high level of professionalism and visionary planning.
The PACT program in North Macedonia has been financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia through Slovenian Aid and the Ministry of Finance of Slovakia while the Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia provided in-kind support to the program's success.