Internal auditors in government institutions have been urged to be professional if they are change how Public expenditure is managed, Finance Minister James Musoni has said.

The minister made the remarks at a one-day workshop on improving internal audit in the public sector.

"Internal auditors lack confidence because auditing and accounting is a new thing in Rwandan culture," the minister said.

He advised the auditors to monitor how tenders are awarded, how money was released and to report all wrong entries to avoid embezzlements.

Internal auditors, accountants and other staff in public financial management were recently upgraded from support to professional staff.

The move was meant to empower them and play a leading role in Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms.

This was to ensure that public finances and properties are managed and accounted for properly.

Musoni’s remarks come after the 2007 Auditor General’s report found many institutions didn’t submit consolidated financial reports.

"PFM reforms need to be fully understood and internalized by auditors to pave way for their sustainable implementation," he said.

The minister promised internal auditors government support in training and other capacity building initiatives.

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