Comptroller, Accountant General Encourages MACs to Uphold PFM Law

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, through the office of the Comptroller and Accountant General, has called on all government entities, including ministries, agencies, and commissions (MACs) to acknowledge and uphold Liberia's Public Financial Management (PFM) Law concerning the suspension, transfers, reassignments, and dismissals of Comptrollers and Accounting staff.

The Public Financial Management Law of Liberia clearly outlines the authority and responsibilities of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, the Civil Service Agency, and the Comptrollers and Accountant General regarding the appointment, suspension, reassignment, and dismissal of Comptrollers and Accounting staff within government ministries, agencies, and commissions.

According to the office of the Comptroller and Accountant General of Liberia, the power and authority to effect changes in the status (suspension, transfers, reassignments, dismissals) of Comptrollers and Accounting staff squarely lie within the purview of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, CSA, and the Comptroller and Accountant General of Liberia.

Such decisions, as explained by the CAG’s office, are consistent with Part II, Section 12; (3, 4, and 5) of the amended and restated Public Financial Management (PFM) Law of 2009, titled “Powers and Duties of the Comptroller and Accountant General,” which clearly articulates the authority of the CAG as the “head of the accountant class within the public service to which all accounting staff in that service belong.”

It further states, “with authority to station in any ministry or agency of government accounting staff and shall give general or specific instructions to line Ministries, Agencies, Commissions (MACs), and public officers consistent with the provisions of the act in consultation with the Minister of Finance and Development Planning.”

This law serves as a crucial framework for maintaining transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial management across all sectors of the Liberian government.

Additionally, heads of ministries, agencies, and commissions are encouraged to refer all matters pertaining to changes in the status of accounting staff (including Comptrollers) to the office of the Comptroller and Accountant General for appropriate action, in line with the PFM Law.

Moreover, the CAG’s office says it remains resolute in ensuring that all accounting staff exhibits the highest standards of professionalism in the execution of their duties.