OAG Performance Auditors Received Additional Training from PASAI

February 21st, 2024

Majuro, Marshall Islands: The OAG received a four-day training in the area of performance auditing and related capacity-building support from Mr. Mike Scott, Performance Audit Director of the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI), from February 13 to 16, 2024.

The training included two full days dedicated to performance auditing on various and focused topics ranging from audit planning to interview techniques and a report writing session that was attended by all staff of the OAG, among others. The training also included a quality assurance review of an audit engagement completed previously by the OAG. Specifically, the review looked at the audit file and the actual audit report against the relevant auditing standards or Yellowbook, which concluded that the audit file was very tidy and demonstrated compliance with the documentation requirements of the auditing standards and that the audit report was of high quality. In addition, the review also offered a few suggestions for OAG to consider continuing to advance the quality of its audit works.

“Mr. Mike’s training is important to us performance auditors because the training covers various topics in planning, conducting fieldwork, and writing easy-to-read reports. One of the many important lessons I learned from the training was keeping our audit objectives narrowed and focused to deliver timely and impactful performance audits. It is a pleasure to attend these trainings facilitated by PASAI.”

Commented Mr. AJ Enos, Audit Supervisor, Performance Auditing.

Mike Scott and the Performance Audit Division pictured at RMI OAG office.

Mike Scott has over 30 years of performance audit experience and has just recently joined PASAI. Before PASAI, Mr. Scott held an audit and assurance managerial role at New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs. Mr. Scott was also the Assistant Auditor-General of Performance Audit at the Office of the Auditor-General in New Zealand for nearly 12 years. With Mr. Scott’s experience, he believes it is crucial to spend more time during the planning phase of an audit.

The OAG would like to thank Mr. Scott and PASAI for this capacity-building training that has further enhanced the skills of our performance auditors. The OAG would also like to acknowledge the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for their support to PASAI and our region.

Centered, RMI Auditor-General Mr. Junior Patrick and PASAI’s Performance Audit Director Mr. Mike Scott, pictured with RMI OAG personnel at the Office front.

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Media Contact:

Leban Joash – IT Manager & Communication Officer

Email: ljoash@rmioag.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

OAG Management Team attends Leadership Training

January 31st, 2024

Majuro, Marshall Islands: The office of the Auditor-General (OAG) management team, along with other Heads of Departments (HODs) and management teams from RMI Government offices, attended a three-day workshop, “The Five Seeds of Effective Leadership”. The workshop was held in Majuro and conducted by Mr. Glenn Furuya, the Founder and CEO of a renowned development and consulting firm, Leadership Works, based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Majuro, Marshall Islands: The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) management team, along with other Heads of Departments (HODs) and management teams from RMI Government offices, attended a three-day workshop, “The Five Seeds of Effective Leadership”. The workshop was held in Majuro and conducted by Mr. Glenn Furuya, the Founder and CEO of a renowned development and consulting firm, Leadership Works, based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The workshop was divided into three sections, with the first two sections focusing on “Creating a Culture of Confidence” and “Leading Yourself Through Tough Times”. These sections were held over the first two days at the USP Long Island campus. The last section, “Tools for Effective Communication”, took place on the islet of Bokinbotin. Participants were divided into two groups, HODs and management, for each session.  

During the workshop, HODs and mid-management level teams learned how their perspective shapes their organizations and how they can create a positive and confident working environment. This positive attitude is reflected in their employees’ behavior and workplace culture. The second part of the workshop focused on dealing with work situations promoting professionalism in the workplace. The final part of the workshop emphasized the importance of effective communication within the workplace using special techniques to engage positively with co-workers and staff.  

The workshop was immensely rich in leadership skills learning and provided participants with powerful ideas such as, how to better understand and communicate and engage with their employees and colleagues professionally. This is a step forward in empowering RMI Government leadership teams with positive skills and mindset to lead. The RMI OAG expresses gratitude to Leadership Works and Mr. Glenn Furuya for the workshop, and the Office of the Chief Secretary for the invitation to attend and participate in the workshop.

OAG Auditor-General and management team: From left to right: Deputy Chief Investigator Laulani Loeak, Performance Audit Supervisors Jean Digno and AJ Enos, Performance Audit Manager Maludrik Maludrik, Auditor-General Mr. Junior Patrick, Financial and Compliance Audit Supervisor Ruson Mewa, Deputy Chief Investigator Lucia Reimers, IT Manager & Communication Officer Leban Joash, and Asst. Auditor-General Atmita Jonathan, pictured at Bokinbotin islet during the 3rd workshop – ‘Tools for Effective Communication’.
5 Seeds of Effective Leadership HOD participants at the Majuro USP campus.

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Media Contact:

Leban Joash – IT Manager & Communication Officer

Email: ljoash@rmioag.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

OAG participated in the Induction Seminar for new Nitijela Members

January 5th, 2024

Majuro, Marshall Islands: The Auditor-General, Mr. Junior Patrick, participated in a 2-day Induction Seminar on January 4 and 5, 2024 for the new members of the Nitijela (Parliament) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Induction Seminar featured presentations from the Attorney-General who spoke on the separation of power requirements under the RMI Constitution, ethical requirements for elected officials, and interaction between the executive branch and legislature. The Legislative Counsel (LC) of the Nitijela also provided an overview of the role of the Speaker and Members of the Nitijela (law-making, oversight, and representation roles). The LC discussed in great detail the law-making process and the tools and privileges Nitijela Members have. The Clerk of the Nitijela also provided an overview of the support her Office provides to the Nitijela Members and Standing Committees.

An overview of the RMI budget process was provided by the Secretary of Finance who was represented by two Assistant Secretaries. The LC also provided an overview of the Nitijela’s oversight responsibility over public spending and scrutiny of audit reports that are provided by the Auditor-General.

In its presentation, the Auditor-General provided an overview of the functions of the Office of the Auditor-General and reporting obligation to the Nitijela. The Auditor-General reiterated the remarks by the LC on the importance of the oversight role the Nitijela plays, through its Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), to scrutinize public spending and especially discuss how the Auditor-General’s recommendation may be implemented. The Auditor-General also explained the RMI public financial management (PFM-short version) for the benefit of the Members.

The Auditor-General was joined by Ms. Atmita Jonathan, Assistant Auditor-General, throughout the 2-day Induction Seminar for new Members of the Nitijela.

OAG would like to thank the Speaker and the Clerk of the Nitijela, and the LC for the invitation to participate at this important Induction Seminar for the new Nitijela Members.

Nitijela Members during the 2024 Induction Seminar, OAG’s presentation slot.

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Media Contact:

Leban Joash – IT Manager & Communication Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

Congratulations! OAG’s Chief of Investigations graduated with a Master’s in Cybersecurity

December 28th, 2023

Majuro, Marshall Islands: The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) is pleased to announce that Chief of Investigations, Jaston Anjain, graduated from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia with a Master of Cybersecurity degree under an Australia Awards Scholarship.

As Chief of Investigations, Mr. Anjain’s primary responsibility is to lead, manage, and conduct all investigations into allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds that are within the jurisdiction of OAG to investigate. Under Mr. Anjain’s leadership, OAG has conducted a number of investigations and referred to appropriate authorities for further legal (criminal) proceedings and/or administrative sanctions. In addition to this great accomplishment, Mr. Anjain had yet other accomplishments years prior when he became a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), accredited by the ACFE, the world’s largest anti-fraud organization. CFEs are trained professionals who possess a unique set of diverse skills in preventing, detecting, and investigating fraud. In addition, Mr. Anjain also specializes in computer forensics, as an EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE).

The OAG would like to congratulate Mr. Anjain on this great achievement and recognize him with great admiration for his dedication to the OAG and the people of the Marshall Islands. The OAG would like to also thank the Government of Australia for the scholarship awards and the RMI Public Service Commission for granting educational leave for Mr. Anjain during his studies.

Mr. Jaston Anjain receiving his Master of Cybersecurity degree at the Edith Cowen University.

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Media Contact:

Leban Joash – IT Manager & Communication Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

RMI OAG hosted the 34th Annual APIPA Conference

September 6, 2023

Majuro, Marshall Islands: The Republic of the Marshall Islands’ Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) was pleased and honored to host the 34th annual conference and workshop of the Association of Pacific Islands Public Auditors (APIPA) during the week of August 28 to September 1, 2023 in Majuro, the capitol of the RMI. Over 400 participants attended the week-long conference and workshop. This was the first in-person APIPA conference since the global pandemic hit us and APIPA resorted to virtual training in the last three years. The theme for the APIPA conference was “Shining a Light on Public Accountability”. One of the founding principles of APIPA is to promote the use of public resources and strengthen the auditing and accounting profession across its member jurisdictions. Since its inception, APIPA has offered professional and capacity development trainings to its members. A total of 2,190 course certificates were awarded to 406 participants, reflecting 13,804 continuing professional education units during the 2023 APIPA conference.

The training courses this year were designed to respond to emerging issues and trends across accounting, finance, management, and auditing sectors across APIPA jurisdictions. The audit tracks were held at the Marshall Islands Resort while the finance management and leadership courses were at the International Convention Center throughout the week. The APIPA Principals (Executive Body) also held its annual meeting during the week.

The 34th APIPA conference also included several planned after-hour activities which included a Night Market which was coordinated with the RMI Office of Commerce, Investment, and Tourism where locals showcased their beautiful handicrafts, and tasty local food, along with great music and entertainment for our visiting participants.

“The OAG was honored to be the host of the recently concluded 34th annual workshop and conference of APIPA here in Majuro. The annual workshop is a training opportunity for auditors and accountants to improve their skills relevant to their roles, and enable them to perform to their full potential. What is good for the development of our staff is also good for our organizational performance, productivity, and quality. I am positive that the participants at the 34th annual APIPA conference found great value in their time here in Majuro, and will return to contribute more to their respective organizations” Auditor-General and Chairman of the 2023 APIPA, Mr. Junior Patrick said.

APIPA would like to extend its most sincere appreciation to the RMI Government, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Graduate School USA for their continued support of APIPA and our annual conference.

For more APIPA 2023 photos, please click the following link.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pitiviti/sets/72177720311024828/

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Media Contact:

Leban Joash – IT Manager & Communication Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

Pass Rating for OAG’s Latest Peer Review (2023)

June 21, 2023

Majuro, Marshall Islands: The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) proudly announces that it received a rating of pass for its recent Peer Review from a team of auditors from the Association of Pacific Islands Public Auditors (APIPA) in accordance with the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. The Government Auditing Standards require all audit organizations that perform audits and attestation engagements following the Government Auditing Standards to undergo an external quality control review (or peer review) performed by reviewers independent of the audit organization being reviewed at least once every three years[1]. An audit organization can receive a rating of pass, pass with deficiencies, or fail. The OAG received a rating of pass. The Auditor-General Junior Patrick congratulates his staff on this achievement and recognizes the staff for their hard work and commitment to following all required auditing standards. The OAG’s Peer Review was conducted by Mr. Satrunino Tewid, Public Auditor of the Republic of Palau (Team Leader), Ms. Elizabeth M. Jonah, Auditor II of Kosrae State Office of the Public Auditor Office (Team Member), and Mr. Reggie Jay Mabel Junior Auditor II of Palau Office of the Public Auditor (Team Member). The objective of the review was to determine whether, during the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020, the OAG’s internal quality control system was suitably designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with those auditing standards. The onsite portion of the review took place from June 12 – 16, 2023. Based on its review, the Peer Review Team concluded that “OAG’s internal quality control system was adequately designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with the Government Auditing Standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements for performance and financial audits during the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020”. In addition, the Peer Review Team also offered certain (verbal) suggestions to further strengthen OAG’s internal quality control system. We have accepted the Peer Review Team’s suggestions to further strengthen OAG’s quality control system. A copy of our Peer Review report may be viewed/retrieved at the OAG website at https://www.rmioag.com/peer-review-reports/.


[1] Due to impacts of Covid-19 and restrictions on travels, APIPA had suspended its peer reviews earlier and requested time extension for its members to complete their required peer reviews. GAO granted APIPA extension to complete its peer reviews.

From left to right: Ms. Elizabeth M. Jonah (Kosrae OPA Auditor II), Mr. Reggie Jay Mable (Palau OPA Junior Auditor II), and Mr. Satrunino Tewid (Palau OPA Public Auditor) during the peer-review in RMI OAG’s conference room.
RMI OAG team with the Peer-Review team in front of the RMI OAG complex.

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Leban Joash – IT Manager / Communication Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

OAG Received Support in the area of Fraud Prevention and Detection from the EU

Majuro, Marshall Islands, April 27th, 2023: The OAG is pleased to announce the capacity-building training and support it received from the European Union (EU) in the area of fraud detection and prevention by placing a Fraud Adviser and Expert to assist. The support received aims to strengthen the capability of OAG’s fraud prevention and detection funtion to conduct effective special reviews into alleged fraudulent activities across all governmental institutions.

The Fraud Adviser and Expert, Mr. Marc Alix, arrived in November 2022 to provide one-to-one hands-on training to OAG investigators. The training includes formal classroom instructions, reviewing and implementing international best practice investigations technical standards, reviewing existing complaint-handling operations, and improving other investigations-specific policies and procedures as necessary.  He is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, CAMS; Certified Fraud Examiner, CFE; Certified Forensic Financial Analyst, MAFF/CFFA; International Association for Financial Crimes, Financial Crimes Investigator; International Asset Recovery Specialist; Criminal Intelligence Analyst; Former Bank Examiner of The New York Branch of The USA Federal Reserve Board of Governors. In addition, Mr. Alix has over 31 years of experience in regulatory compliance related to anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, fraud, corruption, ethics, sanctions, forensic investigations, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and information technology operations, among other financial crimes-related experience and accomplishments. He is stationed at the OAG for a period of 8-9 months, possibly longer, to continue to provide support to our investigators.

The OAG would like to thank the EU for the technical assistance and support, which is funded through the Budget Support towards RMI’s Public Financial Management (PRF) reforms.

From left to right: Ms. Laulani Loeak, Deputy Chief Investigator, Mr. Randall McKay, Investigator, Mr. Marc Andrew Alix, Fraud Adviser/Expert, Mr. Thompson Hanchor, Investigator, and Ms. Lucia Reimers, Deputy Chief Investigator.

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Media Contact:

Leban Joash – IT Manager & Communication Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

OAG Attends Training on Performance Auditing and Writing Audit Reports by Objectives

December 19, 2022

Majuro, MH., On December 12th thru 14th, 2022, the Auditor-General and staff of the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) participated in a training in the area of Performance Auditing and Writing Audit Report by Objectives at the OAG’s complex in Majuro. The three-day course was sponsored by Graduate School USA with funding support from the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs. The training was desgined for public audit professionals who are actively conducting and delivering performance audit results and new auditors who have just started their performance auditing career. The training was also attended by OAG’s financial auditors, investigators, and other support staff.

The training was delivered by Mr. Drummond Kahn who serves on the faculty of the Graduate School USA and who is also a past national President of the Association of Local Government Audits (ALGA). Mr. Kahn previously served in federal, state, and local government auditing positions, including Chief of Internal Audit Services for the Oregon Department of Transportation, Director of Audit Services for the City of Portland, State Audit Administrator for the Oregon Audits Division, and in the U.S. Government Accountability Office. He was named one of the 15 most Influential Professionals in Government Auditing by the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Center for Government Auditing, among distinguished awards to his name.

By attending the three-day training, the participants earned a total of 24 continuing professional education (CPE) and thus meeting the requirements of the Government Auditing Standards (more commonly referred to as the Yellowbook), issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. The standards require auditors to receive a total of 80 CPE hours every two years, of which, 24 CPE hours must be related to government auditing, the government environment, or specific environments in which the audited entity operates. The 24 CPE hours received from this training are directly related to government auditing.

The OAG would like to acknowledge the Graduate School USA for the training opportunity and the U.S. Department of the Interior for the funding support.

Mr. Kahn delivered Performance Audit Training to OAG staff
Mr. Kahn with OAG staff on the last day of Performance Audit Training

Media Contact

Leban Joash – I.T Manager & Communications Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625-3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

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Auditor-General Attended the 32nd PASAI Governing Board Meeting

December 1, 2022

Majuro, MH., On Thursday November 24, 2022, the Auditor-General, Mr. Junior Patrick, attended the 32nd Governing Body meeting of the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) in Auckland, New Zealand. Mr. Patrick attended the PASAI Governing Board meeting in the capacity as the current Micronesia Representative.

PASAI is the official association of supreme audit institutions (government audit offices and similar organizations, known as SAIs) in the Pacific region. PASAI promotes transparent, accountable, effective, and efficient use of public sector resources in the Pacific. It contributes to that goal by helping its member SAIs improve the quality of public sector auditing in the Pacific to uniformly high standards. The Governing Board sets PASAI’s direction and oversees the activities of its Secretariat. The Government Board is responsible for formulating strategies and policies for the organization. The Board also approves the 3-year workplan and budget and the rules for the conduct of PASAI activities.

During the meeting, the Board received updates from PASAI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Esther Lomeko-Poutoa and her staff at the Secretariat on its activities during the first four months of 2022-2023 financial year. The Members also reviewed and endorsed certain revisions to PASAI’s policies and also commenced work on developing PASAI’s next Strategic Plan.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Sairusi Dukuno, the Acting Auditor-General of Fiji and Chair of the PASAI Governing Board and was joined online by Mr. John Ryan, PASAI Secretary-General and Controller and Auditor-General of New Zealand.

The OAG would like to thank the PASAI Members and Secretariat for their work in the region.

Mr. Patrick with Attendees at PASAI’s 32nd Governing Board Meeting outside the meeting venue

Media Contact

Leban Joash

I.T Manager & Communication Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

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DEDICATION AND BLESSING OF NEWLY EXPANDED/RENOVATED OFFICE COMPLEX

November 14, 2022

Majuro, MH., On Friday, November 11, 2022, the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) held a dedication and blessing ceremony for its newly constructed/renovated Office complex in Delap Village, Majuro. Among those attending the dedication ceremony were H.E. David Kabua and First Lady Ginger Kabua and Honorable Kenneth A. Kedi, Speaker of the Nitijela (Parliament), several members of the Presidential Cabinet and the Nitijela. Both President Kabua and Speaker Kedi delivered remarks and congratulated the Auditor-General and staff for the completion of the newly renovated/expanded OAG complex.

Irooj Yoland Jurelang delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of Lerooj Esther Zedkaia and the landowners of Lokejbar weto (land parcel) where the Office complex is located. Irooj Yoland also congratulated OAG for the completion of its newly constructed Office complex. In his remarks, Mr. Junior Patrick, Auditor-General, thanked the RMI Government for the funding assistance that have made the OAG complex expansion and renovation project possible. Mr. Patrick also congratulated all OAG staff on the completion of the Office complex and challenged his staff to do better in performing the various responsibilities of the Office he leads. Mr. Patrick remarked, “we can have the best facility but what matters most is what comes out of this building”. This proceeding was followed by live music entertainment, refreshments and open-house tour for audience interested.

On behalf of the Auditor-General, we would like to thank everyone for coming to this dedication ceremony. Special thanks and recognition to Rev. Tim Mea (represented by Rev. Lami Paul) of the Uliga United Church of Christ, Lerooj Esther Zedkaia and landowners of Lokejbar Weto, H.E. President Kabua, and Hon. Speaker Kenneth A. Kedi for their kind & wonderful remarks.

Media Contact:

Leban Joash – I.T Manager & Communication Officer

Email: joashlebon@gmail.com | Phone: 692 625 3390

Website: www.rmioag.com

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