a) Accountability and transparency are two important elements of good governance. Transparency is a powerful force that, when consistently applied, can help fight corruption, improve governance, and promote accountability.
Accountability and transparency are not easily separated: they both encompass many of the same actions, for instance, public reporting. The concept of accountability refers to the legal and reporting framework, organisational structure, strategy, procedures, and actions. The notion of transparency refers to timely, reliable, clear, and relevant public reporting on its status, mandate, strategy, activities, financial management, operations, and performance. In addition, it includes the obligation of public reporting on audit findings and conclusions and public access to information about the Government audit.
An important principle set out in INTOSAI-P 20: Principles of Transparency and Accountability is that SAIs should adopt audit standards, processes, and methods that are objective and transparent.
Required:
i) Discuss FIVE (5) ways in which the Auditor-General can adopt standards, processes, and methods that are deemed objective and transparent. (5 marks)
ii) Discuss FIVE (5) ways the Audit Service can operate economically, efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with laws and regulations. (5 marks)
