adminBusiness Reporter
The Institute of Internal Auditors Zimbabwe says there is need for corporates to go back to the drawing board and address issues of accountability so that the economy can start performing again. In an interview, IIAZ chief executive Mr Roy Bvekerwa said the role of internal auditors was to ensure accountability in companies.
“The issue of accountability is key, because without it we cannot have development. Where there is no accountability, then corruption festers and then poor performance is tolerated,” he said.
He said companies had been tolerating poor performance for too long and should start listening to the voice of internal auditors if they are to improve their performance.
“So often, internal auditors are ignored, bullied and pushed aside when they point out areas of high risk and internal controls which need to be addressed,” Mr Bvekerwa said.
He said the annual conference that will be hosted by the IIAZ from September 19 to 21 sought to address such issues and strengthen the role of internal auditors in the market.
The conference will be held in Victoria Falls under the theme, “Driving change and delivering results: A challenge for internal auditors”.
More than 200 participants from all sectors of the economy will take part in this year’s conference which coincides with the institute’s silver jubilee celebrations.
“The world is going through changes and internal auditors have to be the drivers of that change,” Mr Bvekerwa added.
He said internal audit had gone through dramatic changes since the financial crisis and speakers at the conference would speak on the latest developments in terms of practices of internal auditors needed to improve the sector.
IIA global president Mr Richard Chambers is expected to deliver the keynote address while other high profile speakers who include Mr Paul Mangwana the former chairman of the Constitution Select Committee, Mr Keith Haywood who is the talent creation executive at Spar Zimbabwe, Mr Doug Mamvura a marketing guru and Mr Tichaona Zororo the director of enterprise governance of IT in South Africa have been lined up.
Topics to be covered include governance, compliance and ethics; insights and lessons, Technology; emerging trends and relevant resources and strengthening accountability in the public sector-safeguards in the new constitution.
Online Reporter