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New Professional Association for government accounting staff

Public accountants and related practitioners will now have their own dedicated professional association.  The Department of Finance has led the establishment of a registered association, the Papua New Guinea Association of Government Accountants & Public Finance Managers (PNG AGA & PFM).   The association will promote professional development and provide networking opportunities for all accounting and related practitioners working in the public service.  Officers can apply for one of four categories of membership: Technician, Associate Member, Member, Senior Member – contact Demo Bonu by phone 328 8163 or email demo_bonu@www.finance.gov.pg

Download PNG AGA & PFM Membership Application Form

 

Introduction

The Papua New Guinea Association of Government Accountants and Public Finance Managers (PNG AGA & PFM) is an initiative of the Department of Finance to complement the Public Finance Management (PFM) Reform.  The PNG AGA & PFM was established to motivate and provide a forum for Public Financial Management practitioners including Public Service Managers to acquire professional development to bring about improvement and efficiency at the work place.

Membership is open to Financial Managers, Legal Officers (PGMA), Accountants, Auditors, Trainers, Budget Officers, ICT (IGMS) Officers, Technicians and Academics/Researchers.  Members will be able to progress through the various categories according to qualifications and experience.  The Association has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) in the UK to provide course accreditation and support.  It is also strengthened by association with the University of Papua New Guinea and the benefit of advice and support from their lecturers.

Background

  • It is an initiative of the Department of Finance to complement the Public Finance Management (PFM) Reform agenda championed by Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan;
  • Work began on establishment of the Association in 2014. The Association currently is incorporated under the PNG Association Incorporation Act as a legal entity;
  • PNG AGA & PFM is in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) in the UK. CIPFA will assist the Association by providing technical support in the operation and capacity building, and accredit courses that will be offered to members. CIPFA has agreed in principle to this arrangement;
  • The partnership was strengthened through a visit by officers from the Department of Finance and UPNG to CIPFA headquarters in London;
  • The Association is ready to be launched and commence operation.

Status of the organisation

  • Legally registered entity;
  • Source of financial support from the national budget, internal revenue raised through service fees & charges, donation and sponsorships;
  • Association’s management is supported within the Department of Finance structure with the Minister as the interim Patron, Secretary for Finance as the interim President, First Assistant Secretary Corporate Services Division & First Assistant Secretary Financial Reporting and Compliance Division provides the Secretariat, Messrs Anneli Nnko, Lawrence Ouma as advisors and Demo Bonu day-to-day operation of the Association;

Governance structure for the of the Association

There are two sectors, one dealing with the day-to- day operations of the Association headed by the CEO. The other sector will focus on policy aspects of the Association which comprises three committee members who are from within the Department of Finance headed by the Vice President.

Objectives & Purpose

  1. To promote professional development and enhance the capacity of Public Sector Accountants (PSAs) through adherence to requirements of Public Sector Accounting Standards;
  2. To educate and award qualifications to members and would–be members within the Public sector generally including those with governments, government bodies departments, and state owned enterprise in the practice and application of public sector accounting and Public Sector Accounting Standards and guidelines;
  3. To determine, define and set professional qualification schemes, training programs and ethical conduct rules for PSAs to enhance their standing and status as accountants, public finance managers and professionals in their own right in the society;
  4. To encourage the application of professional proficiency and promote the objectives of government, public enterprise and public organisation through inputs and continuous development of financial regulations and practises;
  5. To guard against and/or monitor occurrences of unprofessional or unethical conduct by members in discharging respective responsibilities and duties to clients, employers and other stakeholders;
  6. To promote the Association, professionalism, build capacity of members and sustain membership by increased public awareness through campaigns, workshops, conferences and forums;
  7. To encourage and build alliances with other sectors’ accounting bodies, auxiliary professions and stakeholders globally;
  8. To be the focal point for all the interactions of the Association.

For more information contact:

Phone:    328 8163
Fax:        328 8141
E-mail:    demo_bonu@www.finance.gov.pg

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