OfficeManagement Assistant Course-FINANCE
Resource Person :NassirHosaneePrincipal Financial Operations OfficerMinistry of OceanEconomy , Marine Resources , Fisheries and ShippingSession 3Group :BDate:26September,2017
Course Content
Topics to be covered:Legal FrameworkThe Role and Importance of the Finance SectionThe Budget ProcessDisbursement and Payments proceduresRevenue & Cash Management/Receipt Framework and ProceduresPlanning , Control and ManagingAccounting Framework/ComputerisedAccounting System and ManagementAccountingSystemInternal ControlSystemDuties andResponsibiltiesof Public Officers
Collectionof Revenues
(a)The Finance Section sets up all the structure( Cash Offices)to ensure a proper collection of revenue on behalf of the state. It also ensure debt collections tomaximiserevenue collections.(b)These revenues help in the financing of recurrent and capital expenditure of the Government
Legal Provisions for Raising of Revenues.
Section 105 of the Constitution-Authorisationof Expenditure( through the Appropriation Act)The public Debt Management Act of 2008a) raising ofloans,issuingof securities and overdraftsThe Finance and Audit ActThe Finance And Audit Act is a tool in the hand of the Government through which regulations are made and instructions are issued to Ministries /Department via amendment in laws to ensure efficient and effective financialmanagement.Amendmentsin various Revenues Acts are made through this Act every year to enforce and maximize revenue collection.
Sources of Revenue
There are four sources of Revenue:Local sources: Direct and IndirectTaxes.Receiptsfrom the Utilities and servicesLoans obtained from foreign(line of credit-foreign countries/International Financial Institutions) and domestic sources through the Public debt Act.Grants from other Governments( Thro’ Bilateral Agreement withChina,India,Australia,Franceamong others)Dividend from Investments( AirMauritius,SICOM,MTetc)
Revenue Collection
1.Recurrent revenue .Recurrent Revenue refers to direct and indirecttaxes,receiptsfrom public utilities and publicservices,Rentalof Government property, interest ,Reimbursement of Loan and these are meant to finance expenses of theGovtof recurrent nature like Personal Emoluments, other staff cost, Goods and services and other goods and services
Revenue Collection
2. Capital revenue.Capital Revenue refers to Grants and loans from International FinancingOrganisations, Foreign Financing agencies andgovernment,Domesticborrowing thro’ issues of stock and treasurybills,proceedsfrom the sale of Government immovableproperty,Dividendfrom investment and contribution from Recurrent revenue and these are meant to finance huge investment in terms of infrastructure and networks likely to take a long period of completion and bring long term benefits to the country as a whole.
RECEIPTS FRAMEWORK
An official receipt must be issued for every sum received from thepublic.Thestandard form of receipts for use in all cases in which no special form has been authorized is Accts BF 9a.This for manual receipts in allGovtDepartments. However each and everyDepttype of receipts differ in their format depending on the requirement or specificity of theDept.Insome cases thelicenceor permit itself is a form of receipt.No alteration should be made on an official receipt when spoilt, it should not be destroyed but the word “CANCELLED’ should be written across it.
RECEIPTS FRAMEWORK
A conditional receipt is always issued when payment is made bycheque.(The issue of this receipt is conditional on thechequebeinghonouredon presentation for payment)The receipt is drawn in Two copies(Original and Duplicate) and should show the following information:Date of paymentName of the payerAmount paid in figures and wordsThe purpose of the paymentThe revenue item to be credited.
RECEIPTS FRAMEWORK
Internal treatment of Receipts1.All revenues collected should be credited to the proper Revenue Items2.Entries should be made in the cash book in case of manual Cash Office3.The cash Collections should be accounted in the TAS4.All collections should be banked promptly on a daily basis5.Collections obtained after banking hours should be kept secure in the safe(keys to be kept in the personal custody of the Chief Cashier)
Procedures for banking of daily collections
1.All collections are credited to the General Account of the Government with the Bank of Mauritius(BOM) for Non-Self AccountingDepartments.Self-Accounting Departments on the other hand credit their collections to their bank account with the SBM Ltd.2.Cashiers of Non-Self Accounting Departments should follow the following procedures:a)Fill in pay-in-slip from the BOM(which is in book form) in three copies with the amount to be remitted toBOM.Thereare two types ofpay-in-slip:onefor cash remittance and another one forcheque.
Procedures for banking of daily collections
b) BOM will acknowledge receipt of the remittances and will stamp the pay-in-slip and hand over two copies to the cashier at the bank counter.c) The cashier will then proceed to the Treasury Cash Office where he will submit a Combined Remittance Voucher(Accts F 226(a)) duly filled in two copies indicating the amount remitted as in the pay-in-slip and also very important the revenue item to be credited.
Procedures for banking of daily collections
d)The cashier at the Treasury will issue an official receipt to the remitter together with the Original of the CombinedRemittance.Thereceipt will indicate the amount credited to respective revenueitems,nameof the Department orMinistry,dateand time .It is to be noted that Self –AccountingDeptsinput their collections in the TAS –Accounts Receivable Module after banking their proceeds from cash collection on a daily basis.Notetheserevenue will be recorded and accounted for properly in theGovernment Accounting System (TAS)and will be used for accounting ,reporting,evaluatingpurpose in theGovernmentFinal Statements.
CASH MANAGEMENT
There are different method for receipts of cash. Cash may be received in the form ofcheques,Postal money order and cash .1.By post-Paper money(cheques,postalmoneyorder,Payableorders)2.Directpayment at cash office counterbycheques,PostalMoney Orderor cash itself.Payment by postIn this particular case a Paper money registershouldbe kept at the Registry where the officer responsiblefothis register will record the following information on the book1.Date received2.from whom received3.descriptionof remittance(postalorder.chequestheir ref number)4.on what account5.amount paid
Paper Money Register
The register and the paper moneys will be handed over to thecashier.Thelatter will ensure that the paper moneysdonotcontain the following flaws before issuing a receipt for every payment:a.notstale or post datedb.no signature/signatures missingc.amountin word and figureshouldnotdifferd.anyalterationmustbear signature of drawerThe issue of the receipt should bear the stamp “The issue of this receipt is conditional on thechequebeinghonouredon presentation for payment”.The main purpose of a paper money register is to have a proper control of all the paper money received in the ministry/Department.Anotherimportant purpose is that the register ensures that all paper money register’s receipts are duly brought to account in a reasonable period of time.
Paper Money Register
The issue of the receipt should bear the stamp “The issue of this receipt is conditional on thechequebeinghonouredon presentation for payment”.The main purpose of a paper money register is to have a proper control of all the paper money received in the ministry/Department.Anotherimportant purpose is that the register ensures that all paper money register’s receipts are duly brought to account in a reasonable period of time.
Chequereturneddishonouredby the bank
Two categories-1.incorrectly made out, wrong date, alteration without signatures, and figures /wording differs .Thechequewill be cashed by bank when amended by drawer.2.Cheque returned for lack of funds and marked “Refer to drawer” or “Not arrangedfor”,”Accountclosed”or“Effects Not Cleared”Steps should be taken to recover the cash by contacting the drawer. Openan advance account for the sum involved. Sum is to be recovered within seven days if no seek assistance from Police.Henceforth to acceptchequeendorsed by the bank ”Good for payment”/Officecheque,and inform the individual accordingly.
Monitoring ofDishonouredcheques
The Accounting Officer should ensure that the Cashier keeps and maintains aregister,electronicorctherwise,ofdishonouredchequesto record the following info:1.datechequereceived,amount,chequeNo and receipt number with date;2.name and contact details of the drawer;3.date returned bybankandreason forchequebeingdishonoured;4.date drawer contacted;5.date cleared by drawer and receipt number with date;6.date referred to Police for recovery.The Finance Officer-in-Charge should regularly check the register to ensure that appropriate action has been taken to recover money from the debtors concerned.Accounting should on a monthly basis submit to the A/General a return giving details of thedishonouredcheques.
Monitoring ofDishonouredcheques
The A/General shall maintain a central database fordishonouredchequesmainly for defaulters and regularly alert Accounting Officers on regular defaulters as well as debtors who have failed to clear thedishonouredcheques. Also he must notify in writing the defaulters/debtors that hence forth only cash or Officechequewill be accepted from then until furthernotice.TheAccounting Officer should accordingly see to it that only cash or officechequeis accepted from such defaulters/debtorsIn case anychequereceived isdishonoured,anAdvance Account should be opened in the name of the Department concerned for the amountinvolved.TheAdvance Account should be labelled “Advance AccountDishonouredCheques-Cashier-Name of Department”
ProfessioalApproach to Revenue Management
There are three key elements in attaining efficient RM1.Prompt assessment and collection of monies due.Cl;aimsto be raised promptly andrecorded.Subsequentlymatched with receipts to determine arrears and also minimizearrears.alsoto avoid loss of revenue due to Time barred.2.Prompt banking.-For security reasons-Best use of money to reduce overdraft and hence interest payments or to invest surplus and thereby earn interest.3.Forecasting ofCashflowTwo main reasons:a.Enablerevenue departments to monitor its performanceb.TheGovtdepends on these revenues for its expenditure requirements thereforeGovtasa wholewill have to plan and control its needs for borrowing and its surplus for investment.
ProfessioalApproach to Revenue Management
Collection targets is compared with actual collection on a monthly and Quarterly Basis.Progressagainst plan is monitored.Variancesareexamined,analysedand explained to enable necessary and prompt correctiveaction.THESAME PRACTICE APPLIES FOR EXPENDITURE.Performance against plans both for cash in and cashout aremonitored to cater for any variances so that the impact onGovttotalcashrequirement can be assessed.
CASH IN TRANSIT
Some Officers of the civil Service who by virtue of their duties are involved in the handling of cash in their day to dayduty . Theseare;1.Payclerk2.ImprestHolder3. The Cashier4. The Chief Cashier.
CASH IN TRANSIT
For precautionary measures they should be provided with strong rooms, safes, lockable tills(imprestholder),lockable drawers( cashier) and suitcase(payclerk)The keys should be in their physical possessioneverytime.Thesemoney should be used for the purpose for which they are intended .In no circumstances should they use these money for private and personal use.The keys should be in their physical possessioneverytime.Thesemoney should be used for the purpose for which they are intended .In no circumstances should they use these money for private and personal use.
CASH IN TRANSIT
Chief Cashiers andPayclerkusually hold huge sum of money in their possession for remittance, and payment purpose. These money are in transit between two points( cash office to bank/bank topaysites/paysitesto bank/cash office to cash office and finally to bank).Necessaryprecautionary measures should be taken over the route and mode of transporte.gvarying route, times and avoid breaking en route the journey.In no circumstancesshouldoffice attendants be entrusted with the carrying of cash alone.Inno circumstances should cash in transit be left unattended.
Losses and shortages of Public Money
1.Every public officer is duty bound to report to his superior officer without delay for transmission to the Accounting Officer anyloss,shortage, irregularity, fraud , theft or burglary involving the funds or property of Government or for which Government is responsible . The hiding or the failure to report such cases will result in disciplinary action against the officers responsible.2.The Accounting Officer should, in cases oftheft,burglaryorfraud,orin cases where the loss, shortage or irregularity has caused prejudice to Government , immediately refer the matter to Police and at the sane time set up a Departmental Board of Inquiry to situate responsibilities and determine causes thereof.3.Where at any time before the submission of a Police report or Departmental Board of Inquiryreport,aresponsible officer considers that a public officer should be subject to disciplinary proceedings under the Public Service CommissionRegulations,heshall take appropriate action accordingly.
Losses and shortages of Public Money
4.Where in the light of facts reported to him, a responsible officer considers that a public officer should, in the interest of the public service, instantly cease to exercise the powers and functions of his office , he should proceed with the interdiction of the officer in accordance with regulation 31(1) of the Public Service Commission Regulations.5.Notwithstanding any action which may have been taken in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 3 above , the procedures set out hereunder should be carried out in all cases .6.On discovering any loss, fraud, theft or irregularity, the Accounting Officer, should-(a) arrange for the amount of any deficiency to be debited to Advance Account Personal in the name of the officer having immediate control or custody of money including an officer keeping the keys of asafe,lockeror electronic cash register;(b)report the facts of the case in writing to the Financial Secretary with copy to the Ac General, confirming that the Advance Account Personal has been opened and , giving its title and the amount debited thereto
Losses and shortages of Public Money
Where a public officer is convicted in any court following criminal proceedings instituted againsthim,AccountingOfficers should immediately proceed with recovery by means of a civil action from the convicted person and the result of such proceedings should be communicated to the Financial Secretary and copied to the Ac General.Where it is established that the amount lost or any part thereof isirrecoverable,theAdvance Account may be cleared(credited) by the Accounting officer in respect of the irrecoverableamount,subjectto the appropriate item of charge beingauthorisedby MOF.The occurrence ofloss,shortage,irregularity, fraud, theft or burglary in a Department may be the result of weaknesses in systems and procedures in thatdepartment.TheAccounting Officer, through his Finance Section and Internal Control Unit, should review the procedures in order to identify weaknesses and take necessary corrective action, and inform MOF accordingly
Losses,ArrearsofRevenue,Write-Off and Advances
Every Accounting Officer shall ,in respect of his Department, be responsible to write off irrecoverable arrears of revenue and to clear Advance Accounts in respect of-Loss of public money(b) Abandoned claims;(c) Irrecoverable overpayments and advances;(d)DishonouredchequesThe Accounting Officer should arrange for prior verification by theDirector,InternalControl cases of Write off of irrecoverable arrears of revenue and clearance of Advance Accounts referred to him.TheAccGeneral must , in his Annual Statements, report on amounts written-off and clearance of Advance Account as the case maybe,byevery Department in respect of each item as mentioned above.-
Abandoned Claims
1.Abandoned claims refer to claimsi.r.odefaults relating to ,forexample,overseaspurchases,contractforgoods,worksand services which are abandoned on grounds that the claims become irrecoverable or because it is considered not to be economical to pursue recovery action.2.The Accounting Officer should prepare aclaim,inwriting,ona supplier ofgoods,worksor services as soon as adefect,deficiencyor shortcoming is detected in respectthereto.Nopaymentshould be effected in respect of suchdefect,deficiencyor shortcoming unless it is rectified.3.If payment has been effected to the supplier before suchdefect,deficiencyor shortcoming isdetected,anAdvance Account claims for the value of the claim should beopenedinthe name of the supplier/insurer.TheAccounting Officer should see to it that thecaseisfollowed up and the Advance is cleared as soon as possible.4.If it is established that thedefect,deficiencyor shortcoming was due to the negligence of a public officer or has been condoned by the latter, theAccounting Officer should initiate action against suchofficer.Insuch cases, the Advance Account claims should be transferred to an Advance Account Personal(claims) opened in the name of the officer concerned.
AbandonedClaims
5.The Advance Account should be credited with any amount recovered or the value of any recovery made in kind.6.The Accounting Officer should proceed with the legal recovery in case of non-settlement.Whereafter consultation with theSLO,itis established that a claim is to beabandoned,theAccounting Officer may proceed with the clearance of the Advance AccountClaim,SUBJECTTO THE APPROPRIATE ITEM OF CHARGE BEING AUTHORISED BY MOF.7.The Accounting Officer should ensure that the appropriate accounting entries be made by way of adjustment voucher to clear the Advance AccountClaim.Heshoulthen notify the Financial Secretary and the Accountant General within one week of the clearance of Advance Account, specifying the reference number of the AV.
Irrecoverable Overpayments and Arrears
1.Where an overpayment iseffected,forexample overpayment in respect of salaries andallowances,pensionsand supply ofgoods,worksorservices,anAdvance Account Personal should be opened in the name of the Officer authorizing suchpayment,whereit is established that that another officer has caused the payment to be authorized the Advance Account Personal should be opened in the name of such officer .2.Accounting Officers should ensure that all Advance Accounts Personal are cleared as soon aspossible.Incase officer is due to proceed onretirement,theAccounting Officer should notify the Accountant General of any outstanding amount under the Advance Account Personal in the name of the officer.
Irrecoverable arrears of Revenue
The Accounting Officer should ensure that a proper management information system is maintained to generate information on Arrears ofRevenue.Inthisrespect,theAccounting Officer should see to it that his officers dealing with revenue collection-(a) maintain a Revenue Register , electronically or otherwise , to ensure timely follow-up of receivables;(b) ensure timely follow-up of enforcement action;(c) provide explanations regarding any delay in initiating enforcement action;(d) keep and maintain a list of cases set for write-off and to include therein cases as and when they occur.(e) prepare on a half yearly basis list of write off of irrecoverable Arrears of Revenue and a return of Arrears of Revenue.The list at para(d) should be submitted ,on a monthlybasis,tothe Director InternalControl.Thelatter should-(i) after with OIC Internal Control of theDepartment,arrangefor the list to beexamined;and
Irrecoverable arrears of Revenue
.The list at para(d) should be submitted ,on a monthlybasis,tothe Director InternalControl.Thelatter should-(i) after with OIC Internal Control of theDepartment,arrangefor the list to beexamined;and(ii) advise the Accounting Officer whether the arrears of revenue may be written-off.(f)In order to minimize arrears of revenue ,the Accounting Officer together with the DFO should set structures and policies well defined for the timely follow-up recovery and enforcement of outstanding amounts.(g)In theeventanamount previously written off is eventuallyrecovered,suchamount should be brought into account under the appropriate revenue item and recorded in the revenue register accordingly.
Duties and Responsibilities of P.O in relation to Financial Management
The Accountant-General has the responsibility to advise the Financial Secretary and other Accounting Officers on matters relating to -(a) Government accounting;(b) the management of Government cash flows;(c) the opening and operation of bank accounts; and(d) public service benefits (retirement, passage, car advances).
Duties and Responsibilities of P.O in relation to Financial Management
In respect of Government Accounts, the Accountant-General has to -(a) ensure the adequacy and reliability of the centralcomputerisedTreasury Accounting System (TAS) for the processing and recording of Government transactions and for the preparation of financial and non-financial reports including performance reports;(b) ensure that adequate controls exist for safeguarding the integrity and security of financial data stored in the TAS;(c) prepare and submit to the Director of Audit the annual statutory financial statements;(d) maintain an updated Chart of Accounts (COA) and ensure that financial data is recorded in conformity with the COA; &(e) exercise control over the dissemination of financial and other information by officers of the Treasury.
Duties/Responsibilities of Financial Operations Officer
Financial Operations Officers (FOs) are posted by MOFED in Departments to assist and advise Accounting Officers in the preparation of the Departments’ budget, collection of revenue, processing and control of expenditure and preparation of financial reports, for the efficient and effective implementation of the Departments’ policies..The main duties and responsibilities of Financial Operations Officers are to-(a) carry out financial operations in accordance with the instructions and regulations contained in the FM Kit;(b) promptly collect, bank and account public money through themaintenance of appropriate accounting records,computerisedor otherwise;(c) ensure that all payments are dulyauthorised, supported by documentary evidence and effected within the required deadlines, and charged to the appropriate items of expenditure;(d) process monthly payroll for the Department and submit to CISD the relevant variation forms in respect thereto;
(e) keep and properly maintain financial records and accounts up to date;(f) regularly prepare reconciliations of accounts, including bank reconciliations;(g) provide timely and reliable financial or otherInformationto the AccountingOfficer(h) monitor expenditure and ensure that budgetary provisions are not exceeded without authority;(i) assist the Internal Monitoring Committee of the Department in the follow up of progress with a view to ensuring that targets set in terms of delivery of outputs and Performance Indicators are met;(j) assist the Accounting Officer in putting in place appropriate internal control system in the Department;(k) provide Internal Control Unit and Director of Audit with such information and records as they may require for the performance of their respective audits;(l) ensure that proper mechanisms exist for the safeguard of public monies;(m) assist Accounting Officers in the implementation of recommendations made by Internal Audit, Audit Committee and Director of Audit; and
Duties/Responsibilitiesof Financial Operations Officer
(n) promptly draw the attention of Accounting Officer and DFO-(i) on departures from financial instructions, irregularities and fraud referred to in paragraph I.2.14;(ii) on issues relating to interpretation of instructions and regulations contained in the FM Kit;(iii) on cases of losses, wastages and shortages as well as risks which might lead to nugatory expenditure; and(iv) on cases where performance targets of the Department are not likely to be met.
Duties/Responsibilitiesof Financial Operations Officer
Government Accountability
National Assembly I.2.5 The only authority for the expenditure of public funds and the raising of revenues is that which is given by the National Assembly either by resolution or by legislation. Estimates of Expenditure and Estimates of Supplementary Expenditure are appropriated by the National Assembly byprogrammesafter reporting by the Committee ofSupply.BudgetExecution I.2.7 On receipt of the General Warrant, the Accountant-General issues a Circular to all Accounting Officersauthorisingthem to incur expenditure in respect ofprogrammes/subprogrammesunder their control subject to the laws, financial instructions and other instructions of the Government. I.2.8 Every Minister charged with the responsibility for the administration of any Department exercises general direction and control over that Department. Such Department is under the supervision of a Permanent Secretary or of some other Supervising Officer.
AccountingOfficerI.2.9 The Accounting Officer is an officer designated under section 21(1) of the Finance and Audit Act by the Minister and who is charged-(a) with the duty of controlling expenditure on any service in respect of which public funds have been appropriated;and(b) with the duty of collecting revenue and paying that revenue into public funds.TheAccounting Officer is the officer who is answerable to the Public Accounts Committee.I.2.10The Accounting Officer is accountable for the performance of the Department.In this respect, the Accounting Officer has the duty to–(a) ensure that applicable laws, regulations and instructions contained in the FM Kit are complied with;and(b) control expenditure and must be satisfied that such expenditure is incurred economically, efficiently and effectively..
Government Accountability
OIC Finance and OIC Procurement &SupplyI.2.11 Officers of the Financial Operations Cadre (FOs) and the Procurement and Supply Cadre (PSOs) are answerable to the Accounting Officers of the Departments where they are posted. Officer-In-Charge Financial Operations (OIC Finance) and Officer-In-Charge Procurement and Supply (OIC Procurement) have a duty to advise and guide their Accounting Officers respectively on financial procedures and procurement and supply procedures in accordance with the relevant Volumes of the FM Kit.
Government Accountability
Internal AuditI.2.16It is the responsibility of the Accounting Officer to put in place a sound system of internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding–(a) the effectiveness and efficiency of operations in the Department;(b) safeguard of assets and data of the Department;(c) reliability of financial and non-financial reporting;(d) prevention of fraud and irregularities; and(e) compliance with applicable laws, regulations and instructions as well as policies and established procedures.I.2.17 The Accounting Officer is accordingly responsible to – (a) exercise care, skill and diligence in identifying, assessing and monitoring
Government Accountability
I.2.17The Accounting Officer is accordingly responsible to –(a) exercise care, skill and diligence in identifying, assessing and monitoring(b) carry out, with the assistance of the Officer-in-Charge Internal Control (OIC Internal Control), a risk assessment exercise to identify areas where internal audit has to focus upon; and(c) ensure the preparation of an Internal Audit Operational Plan.The Accounting Officer and the DIC should ensure that internal audit is carried out in accordance with the Internal Audit Operational Plan and in conformity with the Internal Audit Charter referred to in Volume VI.I.2.19 It is the responsibility of the OIC Internal Control and the team to- (a) continuously evaluate and test the effectiveness of the internal control system;and(b) provide independent assurance in relation to the management’s assertion surrounding the robustness and effectiveness of risk management including compliance.
Government Accountability
Accountant-GeneralI.2.22The Accountant-General is required under the Finance and Audit Act to submit to the Director of Audit, within 6 months of the close of every fiscal year, annual statements showing fully the financial position of Mauritius in respect of thatfinancialyear. These statements include a progress report on performance in respect of outcomes achieved and outputs delivered.I.2.23 It is the responsibility of the Accountant-General to see to it that the receipt and payment systems of Government are adequate and reliable and meet the standards required to secure public monies and ensure accountability. Accounting Officers should seek the clearance of the Accountant-General prior to putting in place any new receipt or payment system, whether electronic or otherwise, including thecomputerisationof existing systems.
Government Accountability
Government Accountability
Director ofAuditI.2.24 Section 20 of the Finance and Audit Act requires the Director of Audit to send to the Minister of Finance, within 8 months of the close of everyfinancialyear, a certificate of audit on the statements submitted by the Accountant General under section 19 of the Act and a report upon examination and audit of all accounts relating to public money, stamps, securities, stores and other property of Government including RRA, and the Minister shall as soon as possible thereafter lay those documents before the National Assembly.TheDirector of Audit is also required to carry out performance audit and report on the extent to which a Department including RRA is applying its resources and carry out its operations economically, efficiently and effectively.Where it appears to the Director of Audit that a fraud, or serious loss or serious irregularity has occurred, he shall, in accordance with section 18 of the Finance and Audit Act, immediately bring the matter to the notice of the Financial Secretary who shall forthwith report such matter to the Minister of Finance.
Government Accountability
Public AccountsCommitteeI.2.26 The Public Accounts Committee is a Committee of the National Assembly which examines the audited accounts showing the appropriation of the sums granted by the Assembly to meet the public expenditure and such other accounts laid before this Assembly as the Assembly may refer to the Committee together with the Director of Audit’s report thereon.I.2.27 The Accounting Officer is answerable to the Public Accounts Committee for the formal regularity and propriety of the expenditure in respect of thevotes,subvotesand the delivery of outputs for which the Accounting Officer is responsible.
Government Accountability
I.2.28 In particular, the Accounting Officer must satisfy the Public Accounts Committee that –(a) the monies shown in the accounts as having been disbursed were legally available for, and applicable to, the services or purpose to which they have been applied or charged;(b) the expenditure conformed to the authority which governed it;(c) every re-allocation orvirementhas been made in accordance with rules governingvirementsand provision for contingencies;and(d) revenue has been properly collected and paid into public funds.
Government Accountability
Audit CommitteeI.2.29The Audit Committee (AC) is an integral element of public accountability and governance and plays a key role in assisting Departments in their legal and fiduciary responsibilities, especially with respect to the integrity of the Government’s financial information and the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control system. The main object of the AC is to support the Supervising Officer in maintaining sound control systems and in promoting goodgovernance.I.2.30 The establishment and review of Audit Committees and the monitoring of their effectiveness fall under the responsibility of the Office of Public Sector Governance under the Prime Minister’s Office.
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