The State Audit Office marked 26 years of institutional development and dedicated work in the public interest. This anniversary highlighted SAO’s role as a pillar of accountability, transparency, and sound management of public funds, as well as an institution that continuously evolves with modern auditing practices.
The event was enriched by the presence of high-ranking state and institutional representatives, including the Vice-President of the Assembly, ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, Auditors General, and representatives of supreme audit institutions, as well as civil society organizations, donors, the media, and employees of the State Audit Office—current, former, and retired. This diverse and significant attendance underscored the SAO’s role as a credible institution in building trust and advancing public policies.
Following addresses on the institutional role and development of the State Audit Office, the Auditor General Mr. Maksim Acevski, noted that “26 years operation of the State Audit Office represents a continuous commitment to independent, professional, and objective auditing, with the clear aim of strengthening citizens’ trust in institutions and improving the quality of public policies”, emphasizing that modern auditing, in addition to its control function, also has a significant advisory and preventive role.
As part of the ceremony, the Vice-President of the Assembly, Mr. Antonio Milososki, stressed that “a strong and independent supreme audit institution is an essential prerequisite for effective parliamentary oversight and strengthening democratic processes,” highlighting the Assembly’s continued support for further development and enhancement of the audit function.
Reflecting on the impact of audit findings on public financial management, the Minister of Finance, Ms. Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, emphasized that “the findings and recommendations of the State Audit Office represent a significant instrument for improving fiscal discipline and responsible management of public finances,” adding that through partnership-based cooperation with the SAO, more effective and sustainable public policies are created.
In the context of the role of auditing at the local level and its importance for citizens’ everyday lives, the Minister of Local Self-Government, Mr. Zlatko Perinski, stated that “as Minister of Local Self-Government, I strongly believe that auditing is an essential tool for building accountable and transparent municipalities that truly work in the interest of citizens,” emphasizing the importance of consistent implementation of audit recommendations at local level.
The State Audit Office also promoted the new audit tool for analyzing public procurement contracts, intended for all local self-government units, which facilitates the timely identification of risks, better oversight of contract implementation, and further strengthening of the preventive role of auditing.
The 26th anniversary event confirmed the role of the State Audit Office as a modern, open, and professional institution that remains consistently dedicated to protecting the public interest and strengthening good governance.
