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OPA gets highest possible rating from peers
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Posted on Feb 22 2005
The Association of Pacific Islands Public Auditors recently gave its highest possible rating to the CNMI Office of the Public Auditor as a result of a recently completed external quality control “peer review” of the office.
A peer review team comprised of Yap Public Auditor Gertrude Gootinan, Republic of the Marshall Islands Auditor General Jean Tonyokwe, and APIPA Technical Consultant Charles Hester commended OPA in a report dated Dec, 23, 2004 for “exemplifying the highest standards of the auditing profession.”
Government Auditing Standards promulgated by the Comptroller General of the United States require government audit agencies to undergo an independent external quality control review every three years, OPA audit reports issued between Jan. 1, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2004 and its system of internal quality control in place during this period were reviewed by peer review team.
Public Auditor Mike Sablan credited his managers and staff for OPA’s high marks.
“This is a reflection of their collective dedication to ensuring adherence to established standards,” said Sablan.
Sablan also gave special recognition to new OPA audit staff hired since the last review conducted in 2001.
“I am particularly proud of our new staff,” he added. “Most of them have been with the office less than three years, but each of them came with a solid educational foundation, trained hard to understand auditing standards, and worked diligently to apply the standards in their work. The results of this independent review have proven their capabilities and enhanced the office’s credibility.”
The DOI Office of Insular Affairs provided special funding to cover the costs of the CNMI OPA peer review. In accordance with APIPA guidelines, a copy of the peer review report was provided to Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Senate President Joaquin Adriano, and Speaker Benigno Fitial. (PR)
