An updated Financial Audit Manual and a new methodology website for more efficient work of auditors in municipalities

Continuing of its ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the public sector, the National Audit Office organised a training for representatives of municipal control and audit services on 11 June. Our colleagues from the Innovation and Methodology Department presented the updated Financial Audit Manual based on the requirements and practices of international standards on auditing.

The updated Financial Audit Manual is designed to meet the practical needs of auditors by structuring the information according to the audit process, and is more tailored to group audits - the core financial audits carried out annually by all the municipal control and audit services. The training covered key changes such as updated and clarified definitions, more detailed description of the audit planning phase and other important aspects.

Representatives of municipal control and audit services were also introduced to a new publicly accessible website on public audit methodology - a digital hub of standards and good practices, designed as a comprehensive tool to support auditors. This integrated platform provides an easy one-stop-shop for international audit standards, methodologies, document templates and training materials developed by the National Audit Office. Based on the best international practices, the website is user-friendly and tailored to the auditor's work from planning to report preparation.

"We can see that the new Public Audit Methodology website is already becoming an important everyday tool for auditors. This is very encouraging as audit is not only about checking, but also about building trust between the state and society. We want every citizen to be aware and trust that both state and municipal resources are being used transparently, responsibly and effectively. That is why we continue to invest consistently in strengthening auditors' competences, introducing advanced methodologies and digital solutions", says Kristina Jakštonytė, Head of the Innovation and Methodology Department.

By working closely with municipal control and audit services and by providing methodological support, training and advice, the National Audit Office aims to strengthen the auditors’ independence, to improve the quality of audits and promote the responsible use of public funds across the public sector.

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