IIASA Public Sector Forum event to tackle the state of uncertainty in the country
Key highlights of Upcoming Public Sector Forum: Achieving great audit outcomes regardless of the constant changing conditions within the public sector. In any country, the role of the state is to provide goods and services that are for the benefit of the population. However, for many countries including South Africa there is still more work
IIASA Public Sector Forum event to tackle the state of uncertainty in the country
Key highlights of Upcoming Public Sector Forum: Achieving great audit outcomes regardless of the constant changing conditions within the public sector.
In any country, the role of the state is to provide goods and services that are for the benefit of the population. However, for many countries including South Africa there is still more work to be done to meet the expectations of the citizens of the country.
Less than two years ago, damning evidence that was revealed by the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector in South Africa, revealed the rife corruption within the state and some of its entities, and highlighted just how much work needs to be done within government to uphold the constitutional principles. Consequently, this has since eroded the public’s trust.
Internal auditing is defined as “an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes”. Internal auditors played a crucial role in bringing to light some activities that were to the detriment of the state. Their role was not only to provide assurance over the government’s finances but also provide assurance on the state’s performance by recommending actions that will benefit the overall governance of the country.
It is also important to note that the internal audit function relies immensely on the support of governance committees and management of audited institutions and needs to operate in an environment where good governance, risk and controls processes are not adhered to. The profession currently faces many challenges ranging from negative audit opinions, corruption, maladministration and scandals.
The Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA) and the National Treasury’s annual public sector forum is a platform aimed at enhancing the experiences of internal auditors and arming them with tools to carry out their duties effectively, identify and mitigate risks and provide valuable insights to their state departments, entities and municipalities.
The hybrid event will take place on 8-9th May at Emperors Palace and virtually. It will cover various topics that focus on the challenges, latest industry trends, best practices and regulations within the profession.
On Day 1 of the event, participants can look forward to a special appearance by the Minister of Finance, who will provide his take on the current state of uncertainty within the profession.
The following topics will also be covered over the two days:
- How has IA Ethical stature been affected, Has the investment in IA ICT yielded desired results/ The impact of IA ICT Investment
- Agile and assertive internal audit, leadership (what internal auditors should do)
- How to institutionalise IIA code of ethics / Ethics: Current vs Ideal State
- ICT Opportunities to enhance effectiveness of internal audit
- Talent Management: on internal auditors for internal auditors
