Course on certified information systems auditor launched

The European Union (EU) funded technical assistance, to support the implementation of the PFM Reform Strategic Plan in Bangladesh implemented by DT Global, is supporting the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG) of Bangladesh towards modernising its operations. 

The purpose of providing the assistance is to strengthen the institutional capacity of OCAG and improve the systems and procedures in use; so that external audits are gradually carried out as per international standards and auditors are better trained and prepared to carry out their tasks resulting in improved quality and timeliness of external audits, said a press release.

As part of this ongoing capacity building programme, the EU funded TA is assisting OCAG to professionalise its auditors by acquiring certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) qualification. For this purpose 48 selected officials of OCAG are being trained in phases to prepare them for appearing in the CISA Certificate exam. The training programme for the 1st batch of selected OCAG officials started on 13 July at the Financial Management Academy (FIMA), Dhaka. 

The Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh Muhammad Muslim Chowdhury inaugurated the training programme as the chief guest. Jurate Smalskyte Merville, counsellor, Team Leader – Education, Human Development and Public Finance Management, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, attended the event as the special guest. Abul Kalam Azad, director general, Financial Management Academy (FIMA) was the session chair of the event.

The CISA certification, regulated by Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), is a globally recognized qualification for professionals involved in auditing, controlling, monitoring, and assessing an organisation's information technology and business systems. By acquiring this prestigious qualification, OCAG officials will gain expertise in information system auditing process; governance and management of IT; information systems acquisition, development, and implementation of information systems operations and business resilience; and protection of information assets.

According to the media release, the completion of the CISA certification will enhance the Information Systems and Information Technology capacity within OCAG and the Audit Directorates. It will contribute to improving public financial management, increasing Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) credibility, and enabling better support to policy makers in resource allocation. The certification will further result in the production of high-quality financial, compliance and performance audit reports, and thereby institutionalise improved execution of audits in the longer term.

The CISA certification is part of broader efforts to strengthen OCAG's institutional capacity and modernize its systems and procedures. EU funded TA aims to ensure that external audits in Bangladesh are gradually conducted in accordance with international standards. Through this certification, auditors will receive better training and preparation, leading to improved quality and timeliness of external audits. The CISA certification will also equip OCAG to conduct audits effectively in the advancing IS/IT environment, with iBAS++ at the forefront in the public sector in Bangladesh. This development is a crucial step forward towards Bangladesh's journey in enhancing its audit capabilities and promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.