Audit and oversight plan 2023–2026
Audit activities are based on an audit plan approved by the National Audit Office. The audit and oversight plan for 2023–2026 includes a description of the basic premises of the activities as well as of the audits and key monitoring and oversight activities to be carried out during the planning period.
Description of the operating environment
Basic premises of the activities and planning of audit work
The audit, monitoring and oversight activities of the National Audit Office of Finland (NAOF) are based on the social impact targets set for them in the NAOF’s strategy:
- Improved cost-effectiveness of the state’s financial management
- Improved confidence in the knowledge base of decision-making
- Improved trust in Finnish central government acting openly, effectively and sustainably.
The operational and financial plan of the National Audit Office defines performance targets for the activities. Success in achieving them creates the prerequisites and lays the foundation for the societal impact of the activities.The planning of audit topics is based on the assessment of the risks identified in central government finances and their management and on monitoring changes in the operating environment. The key principle of targeting audit work is the significance of the subject matter to central government finances. Other factors influencing the selection of audit topics include the significance of the subject matter to Parliament and decision-makers, the topicality and timeliness of the issue, and the auditability of the topic.
The planning of audit work is steered by the focus areas of the planning period and the materiality criteria specific to the different audit types. In this planning period, the focus areas in auditing are reforms and changes in public administration, and measures to promote a sustainable economy and balanced central government finances.
The operational and financial plan of the National Audit Office presents the general objectives of audit activities, descriptions of audit types, descriptions of audit quality management and development, as well as the resourcing plans and competence development related to auditing.
A follow-up of an audit examines what measures the audited entity has taken on the basis of the conclusions and recommendations presented in the audit and whether the NAOF finds these measures adequate to correct the shortcomings detected in the audit. With the exception of financial audits, a follow-up is conducted on all audits on which an audit report has been issued. Follow-up activities related to financial audits are carried out as part of the annual financial audits. Follow-up is no longer continued if the shortcomings have been corrected adequately. If the shortcomings have not been addressed adequately, the follow-up may lead to a proposal to re-audit the subject matter. Follow-ups also provide information for the planning of audit activities. The results of follow-ups are also used to assess the effectiveness of audit activities.
Contact persons
Jaakko Eskola
Director, the Audit Unit, Authorised Public Accountant
Management
Matti Okko
Director, Monitoring and Oversight
Management
