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Strengthening parliamentary control over public finances and the role of the Accounting Chamber in this process were discussed on 13 September by Olha Pishchanska, Chairwoman of the Accounting Chamber, and the experts of the institution with Marten Ehnberg, Director of the USAID ‘RADA: Next Generation’ Program, and the project experts: advisor on government communications Andrii Shevchenko, head of the research department Stanislav Ivasyk, and legal advisor Mykola Boichuk.
The participants of the meeting also exchanged views on the ways to develop cooperation between the Accounting Chamber and MPs, in particular, on their more systematic involvement in monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations.
‘We proposed that the relevant parliamentary committees hold joint meetings and invite the heads of the audited entities to hear explanations on the reasons for their failure to implement the recommendations. Today, such cooperation is in place, but it needs to be more systematic and large-scale. That is why, as part of the work on the reform of the Accounting Chamber, we are currently discussing, among other things, the possibility of enshrining at the legislative level the obligation of the specialised committees to review the reports of the Accounting Chamber, to evaluate them, and so on. Therefore, the assistance of our partners in finding ways and opportunities to strengthen this area of cooperation with the Parliament would be extremely valuable for us,’ said Olha Pishchanska.
The meeting also focused on the prospects of consolidated financial statements at the state level. According to Vasyl Nevidomyi, Acting Secretary of the Accounting Chamber - Chief of Staff, consolidated financial statements are currently prepared only at the level of the main budget holders, but there is no consolidated financial statements with assets at the state level.
‘We would benefit from the support of the Program in raising awareness of MPs about the importance of the audit of consolidated statements by the Accounting Chamber. After all, taking into account the results of this audit will help the Parliament to ensure efficient decision-making on the approval of revenues and expenditures in the draft laws on the state budget,' said Vasyl Nevidomyi.
The meeting also discussed the prospects of establishing the Parliamentary Budget Office, possible ways to strengthen the independence of the Accounting Chamber and improve the professional level of auditors. Marten Ehnberg emphasised that the USAID ‘RADA: Next Generation’ Program is ready to cooperate with the Accounting Chamber in most of the areas discussed.
Reference: The USAID ‘RADA: The Next Generation’ Program has been in place since 22 March 2022. Its activities are aimed at helping the Parliament become a modern, efficient institution that promotes accountability and democratic development in Ukraine.
