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Annual Report of the Ombudsman 2004

Chapter 4 - Better Financial Management and Accountability

Better Financial Management and Accountability

A modern financial management system with accrual accounting has been installed in the Office. The system provides a framework for the future development of management information and output measures in order to support better management of resources. In this regard, a Performance Indicators Group has been established, the aim of which is to develop performance indicators which are aligned with the high level goals set out in the Office’s Statement of Strategy 2004 - 2006.

All the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers (known as the Mullarkey Report) have been implemented including the setting up of an Audit Committee which includes a number of external members. While the Office has always had an internal audit function, the new Audit Committee structure has brought more openness to the process and facilitated access to external expert opinion. The Committee sees its primary role as providing support to the Accounting Officer (i.e. the Director General of the Office) who has responsibility for the proper management of the resources of the Office. A Financial Risk Register has been compiled and work is well underway to complete the Register by including non-financial risks also.

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