Departmental Finance Functions
The finance function within a Department should exert the necessary authority and capability to fulfil the requirements of 'Managing Public Money Northern Ireland', namely to retain a firm grasp of the organisation's financial position and performance. The Inquiry recommends that the Department of Finance take action to review and, if necessary, strengthen the leadership of and support for the finance functions within Departments of the Northern Ireland Government.
- The NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024) assessed this recommendation as Implemented, stating that departmental finance function requirements had been addressed through existing arrangements (NIAO Second Progress Report, October 2024).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted[Note: The NI Executive responded to recommendations 19-23, 29-33 together as a group under the 'Governance and Financial Controls' theme.] Accepted in full. Addressed through re-establishment of DoF-led Finance Director meetings and the initiation of a review of MPMNI. Managing Public Money NI updated November 2023; finance profession strengthened; budget holder training enhanced.
Progress Timeline
NIAO Second Progress Report (October 2024): Implemented. Departmental finance function requirements addressed through existing arrangements.