Dimension 31.1. Timing, coverage and data requirements

Time period Coverage Data requirements/calculation Data sources
Last three completed fiscal years. CG.
  • Number of months taken for complete scrutiny of the external audit report by the legislature after receipt of the report.
  •  SAI, MoF, legislature, and budget committee of the parliament, corroborated by civic interest groups.

catching up on a backlog. In such situations, the committee(s) may decide to give first priority to audit reports covering the last completed reporting periods and audited entities that have a history of poor compliance. The assessment should favorably consider such elements of good practice and not be based on the resulting delay in scrutinizing reports covering more distant periods.

31.1:2. To be considered complete, an audit review by the Public Accounts Committee or any other mandated committee should be tabled in the full chamber of the legislature for scrutiny. If the SAI submits several financial audit reports to the legislature the date of the receipt of the last report should be used to calculate the delay.

Dimension 31.2 Hearings on audit findings

DIMENSION MEASUREMENT GUIDANCE

31.2:1. This dimension assesses the extent to which hearings on key findings of the SAI take place. Hearings on key findings of external audit reports can only be considered ‘in-depth’ if they include representatives from the SAI to explain the observations and findings as well as from the audited agency to clarify and provide an action plan to remedy the situation.

31.2:2. ‘Occasionally’ in the context of C score means that hearings may be conducted for only a small number of entities (possibly in groups), may not follow a prearranged schedule, and may not follow a consistent pattern from year to year.

Dimension 31.2. Scoring

Score Minimum requirements for scores
A In-depth hearings on key findings of audit reports take place regularly with responsible officers from all audited entities which received a qualified or adverse audit opinion or a disclaimer.
B In-depth hearings on key findings of audit reports take place with responsible officers from most audited entities which received a qualified or adverse audit opinion or a disclaimer.
C In-depth hearings on key findings of audit reports take place occasionally, covering a few audited entities or may take place with ministry of finance officials only.
D Performance is less than required for a C score.

Dimension 31.2. Timing, coverage and data requirements

Time period Coverage Data requirements/calculation Data sources
Last three completed fiscal years. CG.
  • Records of hearings and audit reports for the last three completed fiscal years.
  • Records of attendance at hearings, particularly concerning the audited entities and SAI.
  • Respective legislative committees, the budget committee of the parliament, SAI, and the MoF, corroborated by civic interest groups.

 

Pillar Seven: External Scrutiny and Audit