By Melo Media Correspondent | Lusaka | Zambia
The Office of the Auditor General Zambia is hosting a regional workshop on assessing information system controls in financial audit from 30 October to 3 November 2023. This workshop is being organized by AFROSAI-E (African Organization of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions) and aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of auditors in evaluating the effectiveness of information system controls in financial audits.
AFROSAI-E is a regional organization that promotes good governance and accountability in the public sector. It provides support and capacity building to Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in English-speaking African countries. The workshop organized by AFROSAI-E in collaboration with the Office of the Auditor General Zambia is part of their efforts to strengthen financial audit practices in the region.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Felix Nkulukusa, Secretary to the Treasury and in a speech delivered on his behalf by Acting Accountant General Ms Nsandi Manza, Mr Nkulukusa emphasized the need to move away from the traditional method of manually assessing controls and auditing huge book files. He highlighted the importance of embracing an efficient and automated approach to information system controls auditing. This gathering aims to educate auditors on how to assess controls in an automated environment. The advantages of this approach are significant, including increased efficiency and reduced expenses, as auditors can perform their tasks from the comfort of their offices rather than at the audited entity.
During the same event, Dr. Ron Mwambwa, the Acting Auditor General, expressed his satisfaction in announcing that SAI Zambia has successfully implemented an Audit Management System (AMS). This system has greatly aided in the management of working papers for various types of audits, such as financial, compliance, information technology, and performance audits. The implementation of the AMS reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence in all areas, including data analysis.
Information system controls are crucial in ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of financial information. In today’s digital age, most financial transactions and records are stored and processed electronically. Therefore, it is essential for auditors to have the necessary skills to assess the controls in place to protect these systems from unauthorized access, manipulation, or loss of data.
The regional workshop will provide auditors with a platform to enhance their knowledge and skills in assessing information system controls. It will cover various topics, including understanding the different types of information system controls, evaluating their effectiveness, and identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities. The workshop also will emphasize the importance of using appropriate audit techniques and tools to assess these controls accurately.
The workshop will facilitate the sharing of best practices and experiences among auditors from different countries in the region. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from each other’s successes and challenges in assessing information system controls. This exchange of knowledge and experiences is invaluable in improving audit practices and ensuring consistency and quality in financial audits.
By enhancing auditors’ knowledge and skills in assessing information system controls, the workshop contributes to strengthening financial accountability and transparency in the public sector. Effective information system controls help prevent fraud, errors, and mismanagement of public funds. They also ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial information, which is crucial for making informed decisions and promoting public trust.
The regional workshop organized by AFROSAI-E and hosted by the Office of the Auditor General Zambia reflects the commitment of both organizations to continuous professional development in the field of financial audit. By providing auditors with opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, they are equipping them with the tools necessary to carry out their roles effectively and contribute to improved financial governance in the region.
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