Public service dept holds financial regulation workshop

THE Public Service Department held a Financial Regulation Workshop at the Civil Service Institute for 19 senior officers from various ministries.

The course, held on Saturday, was specifically conducted for senior officers who was appointed before March 23, 2009, who were exempted from the Financial Regulations and General Commands and Services exam. Jaini Abdullah, deputy director general of the Public Service Department was invited as the guest of honor for the course.

The briefing on the Financial Regulations 1983 was presented by Rokiah Hj Badar, senior assistant of general accountants from the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance, where she discussed various topics including tender processes. The Treasury Department adheres to the regulation referred to as "The 1983 Financial Regulation". Subsequent Official Circulars issued by The Prime Minister's Office and The Ministry of Finance are also referred to as part of the regulation. From 2004 onwards, Financial Year was changed from 1st January until 31st December to 1st April until 31st March the following year. Closing of the Accounting Year are done at the end of the Financial Year where every Ministries and Departments submit all payment vouchers for the year to Treasury Department before mid March of that year.

The two-day course will end on Tuesday, February 7, following a long weekend break. The second day course will touch on a General Order (G.O) 1961.

According to the press release issued by the Public Service Department, this briefing is conducted to "provide insights to senior officials who follow the financial regulations and orders to be more effective". During this briefing, senior officers will also have the opportunity to submit questions so that they fully understand the processes and the financial regulations.

"It is hoped that senior officers will be able to have in-depth knowledge on the subject which will lead them to practice their department accounts better after completing the course once they return to their respective offices," stated the press release. The press release also added that the senior officers will also be able to understand and implement these processes "smoothly and effectively", to support the government's efforts to strengthen public services.

At the end of the course, the 19 senior officers will each receive a certificate of completion.

The Brunei Times