Press Release

17th ANNUAL ASSOCIATION OF PACIFIC ISLAND AUDITORS (APIPA) CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP

The Association of the Pacific Islands Public Auditors (APIPA) annual conference and workshop for 2006, hosted by the FSM Office of the National Public Auditor, was successfully completed in Palikir Pohnpei on July 28, 2006 . More than 280 participants attended the conference from American Samoa , CNMI, Guam , Republic of Palau , the Republic of the Marshall Islands , and the Federated States of Micronesia National Government and its State Government Audit Offices of Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap including the finance officers of the APIPA member countries.

The conference started on July 24, 2006 with a plenary presentation by the Hawaii State Auditor, Ms. Marion Hinga on “Transparency in the Public Sector” and closed on July 28, 2006 with a plenary session entitled "Ethical Concerns for Public Sector Employees” facilitated by Mr. Ralph Capio

Four tracks were offered at the conference to promote accountability and transparency in government. The courses offered were: “Conducting Performance Audits: Techniques for Success, Developing and Presenting Audit Findings, Fraud Auditing: What You Should be Looking For, Report Structure: How to Reach Your Audience, Audit Risk Update: New AICPA Auditing Standards, Procurement for Auditors, Project Management of Performance Audits,: Keeping on Track from Start to Finish, Review of Current Yellow Book Standards, Reviewing Audit Reports, Strategic Planning for Audit Offices: Moving Forward with Next Steps, Performance Measures and the Service Delivery Model, Nuts and Bolts of Governmental Accounting, What Auditors Do and How to Make Them Go Away Happy, GASB Updates, Management Controls for Financial Managers: Applying Best Practices, Performeter Updates, Post Award Procurement Considerations, Pre-Award Procurement Considerations”.

The Opening Ceremony remark was given by Chief Justice Andon Amaraich. His Excellency Joseph J. Urusemal, the President of Federated States of Micronesia delivered the closing remarks. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of the Public Auditor Offices in ensuring that there is accountability and transparency in the governments with a view of enhancing governance. He congratulated all the participants and expressed gratitude to the United States Office of Insular Affairs and the USDA Graduate School for funding such an important endeavor.

This year's conference was implemented by the FSM Office of the National Public Auditor with close coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Graduate School and Pacific Islands Training Initiative (PITI) Program based in Honolulu with its staff including Stephen Latimer , Jason Aubuchon and Skip Polson.

The National Public Auditor Mr. Haser H. Hainrick, who is also the APIPA Chairman for 2006, wishes to acknowledge and thank the Office of Insular Affairs, the USDA Graduate School / PITI, all the Public Auditors from the APIPA member countries, and all participants for making this year's annual conference a success.

Last and not the least, we express our heartfelt thanks to the able staff of the Office of the National Public Auditor, the Upward Bound volunteers, the contributing sponsors and donors for their assistance and contributions.