SAO delegation headed by Auditor General Maksim Acevski and Deputy Auditor General Orhan Ademi realized a study visit to Vermont, USA, from 13-17 November.
The study visit was organized and supported by the National Institute for Democracy (NDI) with the aim of improving institutional relations and strengthening supervision of legislature over public funds through cooperation with the state audit.
At the meetings were exchanged experiences and practices in several areas concerning relations and cooperation between the state audit and the legislative and executive power at national and local level, as well as the cooperation with non-governmental organizations.
During the study visit, meetings were held with representatives of the Joint Fiscal Office and a group of legislators from the Statehouse and Senate, representatives from U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy’s Office, Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, and Lt. Governor Molly Gray.
At the meetings, information was exchanged on the importance of audit in support of the legislative and executive authorities, allocation of funds for realization of effective, integral and transparent budget priorities and programs, as well as cooperation with non-governmental civil organizations, such as Vermont Natural Resources Council.
Within the study visit, SAO delegation held a meeting with Vermont State Auditor, Doug Hoffer and exchanged experience on the role of the Audit Office and the state audit system in Vermont. By using external services for implementation of financial audits and the audit quality control performed by the Vermont Audit Office, most of the activities of the state audit are focused towards implementation of performance audits.
At the meeting with Adam Greshin, VT Commissioner on Finance and Management, SAO delegation exchanged experience re ensuring effective budgetary compliance, transparency, and accountability with regards to the state’s financial management.
At the meeting with US Government Accountability Office (GAO), information was provided about the role and responsibilities of GAO, conducting audits, particularly in relation to fraud and corruption and performance audits, as well as the relations with the US Congress.
With the aim of gaining information about the role of local government and cooperation with state audit, SAO delegation met with representatives of the city of Burlington and the Vermont National Guard, given the relationship between the Guard and North Macedonia’s military through the U.S. State Partnership Program.
The State Audit Office will deepen its cooperation with the National Democratic Institute as an activity foreseen in the recently signed Memorandum of Cooperation between SAO and the Assembly.
