Despite UG disappointment…
THE Guyana Chapter of the Institute for Internal Auditors (IIA) is continuing its efforts to promote the Internal Audit Diploma programme at University of Guyana (UG), but the President, Mr. John Seeram has lamented some level of disappointment.
He said the course content and structure have already been developed but it is left to the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Business Studies, to approve.
Seeram said, while he is optimistic of a September start, he acknowledged that there are still some matters to be addressed before.
He said Mr. Lal Balkaran, from the Toronto IIA Chapter, who is associated with the local body, was instrumental in developing the programme two years ago and, since then, its inclusion at UG has been pursued.
Seeram explained that there is a shortage of professionals and IIA Guyana is promoting avenues to encourage qualification of internal auditors locally.
Additionally, he said the diploma will be a springboard towards the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification.
Seeram said the latter will be facilitated by his chapter and that examination is one of four qualifications that the IIA hopes to promote.
The others are the Certification in Control Self Assessment (CCSA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CCAP) and Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA).
Seeram said UG is the centre for monitoring the test for those desirous of earning the qualifications in the auditing profession.
“The CIA examination is now available through computer based testing, allowing testing all year round at more than 500 locations worldwide,” he said.
The examinations are interactive online and the certification is recognised as Gold Standard qualifications, said Seeram, who pointed out that candidates can apply for them and access records online.
“Before this initiative, candidates for the examinations were inconsistent. Now the role of the chapter is to promote the examinations. We want to promote the international examinations and qualifications of our people at home,” he stated.