The INTOSAI Development Initiative launched The Centre for SAI Audit Professionals at the end of 2023. We are delighted to announce that, after a successful pilot, we are scaling up PESA for regular delivery as the flagship qualification of The Centre.

Through PESA IDI is forming a partnership with SAIs to develop the universal competencies required for the application of the ISSAIs. IDI has developed and prepared the integrated education and reflection framework. Using this framework, the SAI Auditor is expected to develop knowledge and skills related to the principles of audit and the process of conducting a high-quality audit as per the ISSAIs. 

PESA is a professional education and certification initiative that aims to create a critical mass of SAI audit professionals with competencies to add value to the SAI’s professionalisation journey. It provides opportunities for education, assessment and reflection alongside the work experience offered within a SAI. The syllabus is based on INTOSAI’s Competency Framework. The education includes two cross-cutting papers common to all participants and five papers each on compliance, financial or performance audit streams.

“The education in PESA is comprehensive, practical and custom-made for public sector auditors. Besides giving me confidence as a performance auditor,  PESA comprehensively covered other areas of importance to SAI auditors; why Supreme Audit Institutions matter and behaving professionally. I am now well equipped to play my role in making a difference in the lives of citizens.”

Pauline Nyaga, SAI Kenya - IDI Certified SAI Auditor

“PESA is a valuable tool for employee training and education and something that gives opportunity to each PA auditor within the SAI to enhance their skills at their own pace and receive IDI-issued  certification upon successful completion of their education and certification.”

Georgi Kapanadze, SAI Georgia – IDI Certified SAI Auditor and PESA SAI Coach

“The IPDP was my favourite part of the program because it helped me understand a lot about my SAI, my SAI context, etc. This reflective writing is so useful and clarifying.”

Verónica Cerdas, SAI Costa Rica - IDI Certified SAI Auditor 

“PESA is not just a theoretical programme; it allows the participants to share knowledge and experiences from many different countries and reflect on what they have done while working on some issues and what they could do now that they are participating in PESA. I was very satisfied to contribute to the success of my colleagues, who have made an important effort to complete this programme.” 

Aníbal Kohlhuber, Auditor, SAI Argentina – PESA SAI Coach 

By Rodrick Inambao, Certified SAI Auditor

The role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in public financial management cannot be overstated. As a certified SAI auditor, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that effective auditing can have on ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.

However, the ever-evolving landscape of public financial management, coupled with the increasing complexity of auditing standards and methodologies, demands that SAI auditors possess specialized skills and knowledge to remain effective. This is where the Professional Education for SAI Auditors (PESA) certification comes in.

PESA is a comprehensive certification program designed specifically for SAI auditors. The program aims to enhance the professional competence of SAI auditors, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to perform high-quality audits that meet international standards.

The PESA certification program covers a range of topics, including auditing standards, financial reporting, risk assessment, and audit methodology. The program also emphasizes the importance of professional ethics, independence, and objectivity in auditing.

So, what makes PESA a game changer for SAIs around the world? Here are a few reasons:

In conclusion, the PESA certification program is a game changer for SAIs around the world. By enhancing the professional competence of SAI auditors, improving audit quality, promoting transparency and accountability, and providing global recognition, PESA certification helps to ensure that SAIs remain effective in promoting good governance and public financial management.

As a certified SAI auditor, I highly recommend the PESA certification program to all SAI auditors seeking to enhance their professional competence and contribute to the global efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.

• I like how the facilitators (mentors) presented the FA Digital Education with very detailed explanations and examples to us, the participants (auditors), which was well received and very much appreciated. 

• I like the practicality and the relevance of the learning material to my role as a SAI auditor. 

• The concept of the modules I liked the most. I especially liked the combination of digital platform, exercises and virtual presentation of modules.  

• It is a very, very good platform to help SAI auditors to obtain knowledge in conducting high-quality audits. 

• I am much more confident in assessing the adequacy and completeness of the audit evidence when I have confirmed that the practice complies with all general principles, standards and quality control guidelines. 

• I am an audit manager now, and I have 3 teams under me, so I helped them to fully practice the standards of PA from the course, and I share the experience that I got from other SAIs which I learned from the course. They are happy and appreciate my support. I am also happy to share my knowledge and experience. 

Jonah Mendoza, SAI Philippines, IDI Certified SAI Auditor

Ana Carolina Amorim, SAI Brazil, IDI Certified SAI Auditor

Yvonne Jones, Director of Audit St. Lucia

Markella Koukkoulli, SAI Republic of Cyprus, IDI Certified SAI Auditor

Charles Deguara, Auditor General, National Audit Office of Malta