Whisper it but this week comptroller and auditor general Sir John Bourn saw fit to qualify the accounts of the UK's security services. And while the qualification itself isn't exactly secret, it isn't being volunteered either - it's news that floats somewhat uneasily between official and unofficial states.
Sir John said he had been forced to qualify as he had been ‘unable to obtain all the information and explanations’ he felt he needed to given the accounts a clean bill of health. However, we were told little more.
Even the Commons Public Accounts Committee was kept in the dark about the report involving GCHQ – members were not even shown the statements on a confidential basis. It was merely ‘seen’ by chairman Edward Leigh under ‘normal arrangements’.
The sensitivity of such accounts is not at issue. Neither would anyone suggest full disclosure is an option. But is this degree of secrecy necessary?
It doesn’t reflect well on the security services – or the NAO – when negotiations about the accuracy of the agencies’ accounts are so shrouded in secrecy.
The numbers you crunch tell a story. Your expertis...
21yEmbracing user-friendly AP systems can turn the tide, streamlining workflows, enhancing compliance, and opening doors to early payment discounts. Read...
View articleOrganisations can enhance their financial operations' efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness by adopting platforms that offer them self-service cust...
View articleIn a world of instant results and automated workloads, the potential for AP to drive insights and transform results is enormous. But, if you’re still ...
View resourceDiscover how AP dashboards can transform your business by enhancing efficiency and accuracy in tracking key metrics, as revealed by the latest insight...
View articleThe Bank of England has appointed Ernst and Young LLP (EY) as its external auditor from the financial year ending 28 February 2025. Read More...
View articleThis follows an investigation into undisclosed personal loans and issues with an acquisition. Despite challenges, the company aims to achieve £1bn in ...
View articlePwC's decision to delay promotions in its graduate scheme, affecting around 100 graduates, is a response to reduced client demand and the aftermath of...
View articleTraditionally, audit schedules have been prepared manually, consuming significant time and resources. However, with the advancements in Artificial Int...
View articleThe FRC is promoting initiatives to foster a more competitive market, following recent high-profile accounting scandals. Read More...
View articleOn January 27, it was reported EY had quit as auditor to Asda amid one of its senior partners starting a romantic relationship with billionaire chief ...
View articleDespite the increased interest in AI and ML, only 12% of respondents indicate their organisations have adopted AI and ML within their audit functions....
View articleAs the government's independent investigation progresses, it is hoped that a clearer picture will emerge, leading to meaningful reforms within the aud...
View article