Saudi GCA Chief Meets IIA Chair at Riyadh Auditing Forum

Riyadh, May 12, 2024 — Dr. Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Angari, Head of the General Court of Audit (GCA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with Sally-Anne Pitt, Chair of the Global Board of Directors of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), on the sidelines of the Fifth Internal Auditing Forum in Riyadh. The meeting focused on advancing the internal auditing profession, enhancing cooperation, and exchanging expertise between the GCA and the IIA, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to governance and transparency.

Context and Background

The Fifth Internal Auditing Forum, organized by the GCA, serves as a premier platform for auditors and financial professionals to discuss best practices, regulatory developments, and the future of internal auditing. The IIA is the global professional reference for internal audit organizations, setting standards and certifications recognized worldwide.

Dr. Al-Angari has been a member of the IIA Global Board of Directors since 2022, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international audit governance. He also chairs the Board of Directors of the Arab Confederation for Institutes of Internal Auditors (ARABCIIA), which promotes the profession across the Arab world.

Key Details

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Angari and Ms. Pitt discussed strategies to support the internal auditing profession in the Kingdom and explored avenues for deeper collaboration. Topics included capacity building, professional certification, and the adoption of international standards to enhance audit quality.

The GCA, under Dr. Al-Angari’s leadership, has been instrumental in modernizing audit practices in Saudi Arabia, aligning them with global benchmarks. The IIA, represented by Ms. Pitt, commended the GCA’s efforts and expressed willingness to support its initiatives.

Implications and Impact

This meeting reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional leader in internal auditing and governance. By engaging with the IIA, the GCA gains access to global expertise and contributes to shaping international standards. This collaboration supports the Kingdom’s broader objectives of transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic growth.

Regionally, the partnership between the GCA and the IIA can elevate audit practices across the Arab world, through ARABCIIA, fostering trust in financial reporting and governance mechanisms.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes good governance, transparency, and efficiency in public and private institutions. The GCA’s collaboration with the IIA aligns with these goals by promoting high-quality auditing standards, which are essential for attracting investment and ensuring the integrity of financial systems. As the Kingdom continues its ambitious transformation, such international engagements demonstrate its commitment to excellence and global integration.

20 Questions

Q1. Who met with the Head of the General Court of Audit?

A1. Sally-Anne Pitt, Chair of the Global Board of Directors of the Institute of Internal Auditors, met with Dr. Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Angari during the Fifth Internal Auditing Forum in Riyadh.

Q2. What is the General Court of Audit?

A2. The General Court of Audit is Saudi Arabia’s supreme audit institution, responsible for overseeing public funds and promoting transparency and accountability in government entities.

Q3. What event hosted this meeting?

A3. The meeting took place at the Fifth Internal Auditing Forum, organized by the General Court of Audit in Riyadh, which brings together auditing professionals to discuss best practices.

Q4. What is the Institute of Internal Auditors?

A4. The Institute of Internal Auditors is the global professional association for internal auditors, setting standards, providing certifications, and serving as the authoritative voice for the profession worldwide.

Q5. What topics were discussed at the meeting?

A5. They discussed advancing the internal auditing profession, enhancing cooperation, exchanging expertise, and ways to support audit quality in Saudi Arabia.

Q6. What roles does Dr. Al-Angari hold currently?

A6. Dr. Al-Angari is Head of the General Court of Audit, a member of the IIA Global Board of Directors since 2022, and Chairman of the Arab Confederation for Institutes of Internal Auditors.

Q7. What is the Arab Confederation for Institutes of Internal Auditors?

A7. ARABCIIA is a regional organization that focuses on the internal auditing profession and its members across the Arab world, promoting professional development and standards.

Q8. Why is this meeting significant for Saudi Arabia?

A8. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to good governance and transparency, and strengthens its role in international audit standard-setting and cooperation.

Q9. How does this meeting align with Vision 2030?

A9. Vision 2030 emphasizes transparency and accountability, and this collaboration supports those goals by enhancing audit quality and aligning with global best practices.

Q10. What are the benefits of international cooperation in auditing?

A10. It facilitates knowledge exchange, adoption of best practices, and mutual recognition, ultimately improving audit quality and investor confidence.

Q11. What is the IIA’s role in internal auditing?

A11. The IIA sets global standards, provides certifications like the CIA, and advocates for the profession, ensuring auditors have the resources and recognition they need.

Q12. How does the GCA support the auditing profession in Saudi Arabia?

A12. The GCA organizes forums, provides training, and collaborates with international bodies to enhance the skills and standards of internal auditors in the Kingdom.

Q13. What is the significance of the Fifth Internal Auditing Forum?

A13. It is a key platform for discussing emerging trends, sharing insights, and fostering partnerships among auditing professionals in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Q14. What outcomes can be expected from this meeting?

A14. Enhanced collaboration, potential joint initiatives, and further alignment of Saudi auditing practices with international standards.

Q15. How does ARABCIIA contribute to the profession?

A15. It unites Arab auditing institutes, promotes professional standards, and facilitates cooperation and knowledge sharing across the region.

Q16. Why is internal auditing important for economic development?

A16. Internal auditing ensures accountability, reduces fraud, and improves efficiency, which are crucial for attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth.

Q17. What is Saudi Arabia’s position in global auditing?

A17. Saudi Arabia is increasingly influential, with leaders like Dr. Al-Angari holding key positions in international bodies, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to excellence.

Q18. How does the GCA promote transparency?

A18. By conducting audits, publishing reports, and engaging with international peers to adopt best practices that enhance public trust.

Q19. What future collaborations might arise from this meeting?

A19. Potential joint training programs, research initiatives, and further integration of Saudi auditors into global networks.

Q20. What message does this send to the international community?

A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to governance and its willingness to collaborate globally for the betterment of the auditing profession.

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