13.3 Establishment, mandate and functions of public sector auditors

The establishment, mandate, and functions of public sector auditors vary among countries, but they generally share similar objectives and responsibilities. Here is a general overview:

1. Establishment:
   • Public sector auditors are typically established as independent and autonomous bodies to ensure their objectivity and impartiality.
   • They may be established by legislation, constitutional provisions, or executive orders, depending on the country’s legal framework.
2. Mandate:
   • The primary mandate of public sector auditors is to conduct audits of government entities and programs to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.
   • They are entrusted with the responsibility of providing assurance on the financial management, compliance with laws and regulations, and the effectiveness and efficiency of government operations.
   • Public sector auditors often have the authority to access relevant records, information, and documents necessary for conducting audits.
3. Functions:
   • Financial Audits: Public sector auditors perform financial audits to examine the financial statements of government entities and provide assurance on their accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
   • Compliance Audits: They conduct compliance audits to assess whether government entities comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
   • Performance Audits: Public sector auditors carry out performance audits to evaluate the economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of government programs, activities, and operations.
   • Value for Money Audits: They may also conduct value for money audits to assess the optimal utilization of resources and the achievement of desired outcomes.
   • Reporting: Public sector auditors issue audit reports that communicate their findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the audited entities, relevant government officials, oversight bodies, and the public.
   • Advisory Role: Public sector auditors may also provide advisory services, such as capacity-building, training, and guidance to improve financial management practices and internal controls within government entities.