Bairiki, Kiribati: Programme Director for the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI), Susana Laulu, visited Kiribati last week to provide in-person technical support.

Auditor-General, Eriati Manaima, and his staff at the Kiribati Audit Office (KAO) hosted Ms Laulu during her mission.

The primary purpose of Ms Laulu’s trip was to assist and guide the staff responsible for the 2022 Financial Statements of Government (FSG) with the audit planning and process. PASAI’s central strategic priority is that its member audit offices complete high-quality audits of government accounts on a timely basis.

Ms Laulu explained, “It’s very important that auditors have a broad understanding of government operations, the nature of key components of the FSG, and linkages to the work of each ministry to ensure the government budget is appropriately expensed and accounted for.

“Auditing is much more than double-checking numbers. Effective auditors must build relationships, communicate well and know what the right questions are to obtain the relevant information.”

Ms Laulu discussed with KAO staff the challenges impacting workflow and timelines to the FSG audit, and how to manage those challenges with existing resources. 

On her final day in Kiribati, Ms Laulu paid a courtesy visit to senior staff at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Accompanied by Audit Supervisor, Tematang Raimon, Ms Laulu met Accountant General, Toromon Metutera, and Deputy Accountant General, James Ruatu.

Before leaving Ms Laulu assured the Auditor-General that PASAI will continue its support of KAO online and in person where needed near the closing of the FY2022 FSG audit.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

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Contact information:

Susana Laulu, Programme Director PASAI
E: Susana.Laulu@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275

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