- Move aimed at strengthening professionalism and public accountability
BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) Eswatini has officially been registered as an Approved Employer with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), marking a major milestone in the institution’s efforts to strengthen professionalism and enhance public sector auditing standards.
According to information from the OAG, the accreditation forms part of the OAG’s broader strategy to maintain high levels of professional excellence within the institution, which serves as Eswatini’s Supreme Audit Institution (SAI).
ACCA is a globally recognised professional accountancy body that offers internationally respected qualifications, continuous learning programmes and professional development opportunities within the accounting and finance sectors.
ACCA delegation engages OAG leadership and auditors
Officials from ACCA this week visited the Office of the Auditor General, where they met with senior management as well as auditors currently enrolled for ACCA qualifications.
Representing ACCA, Mareke Chabedi explained the organisation’s rigorous qualification standards and commitment to continuous professional development.
Chabedi noted that ACCA’s focus on professionalism, ethics and technical excellence aligns closely with the OAG’s vision of building a highly professional and competent institution.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of equipping auditors with globally recognised skills that are relevant to modern public finance management systems.
Auditor General emphasises shift towards value-for-money auditing
Auditor General Timothy Matsebula welcomed the partnership with ACCA and said the move would strengthen the institution’s ability to deliver effective oversight of public finances.
Matsebula explained that the role of government auditors has evolved beyond merely identifying financial misstatements and qualifying accounts.
He said the focus is increasingly shifting towards determining whether public resources are delivering value for money and improving service delivery for citizens.
“Accountability for the use of public funds is no longer about profitability alone, but ensuring that the public receives quality services from Government,” Matsebula said.
The Auditor General further stated that ACCA qualifications would help equip auditors with the technical knowledge required to better understand government business models and make recommendations that strengthen Eswatini’s Public Finance Management (PFM) system.
Professionalisation journey continues
Matsebula explained that the OAG’s drive towards professionalisation has been supported through partnerships with several international audit organisations over the years.
These include the International Organisation for Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) and the African Organisation for English Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E).
He said the Office continues to promote a culture of continuous learning, ethical conduct and technical competence, which are central to the institution’s revised Strategic Plan.
The Auditor General also stressed that auditing and accounting remain specialised professions that require ongoing professional development because of continuously evolving standards and practices.
“As standards continue to evolve, there is always a need to capacitate auditors so they remain effective and relevant,” he said.
More auditors expected to enrol for ACCA qualifications
The Office of the Auditor General has already enrolled 23 officers for ACCA qualifications, with additional staff members expected to join in future as the partnership expands.
Officials indicated that the accreditation would make studying more conducive for employees pursuing professional qualifications.
ACCA Approved Employers are organisations formally recognised for meeting specific standards relating to the support, training and development of ACCA members and trainees.
Accreditation expected to benefit OAG staff and institution
Among the key benefits of the accreditation is the provision of structured training and professional support aligned with ACCA standards, ensuring that employees maintain relevant and up-to-date skills.
The partnership is also expected to enhance career development opportunities for staff by creating pathways towards senior professional roles and responsibilities.
The development is viewed as a significant step towards strengthening accountability, improving audit quality and reinforcing public confidence in Eswatini’s public finance oversight systems.
