CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda considered a submission by the Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister responsible for the Public Service concerning the need to enhance financial management, accountability, and professional standards within the Accounts Departments across government ministries.
Following deliberations, the Cabinet approved measures to establish qualified accountants within Accounts Departments, across all Ministries, Departments, and Statutory Bodies of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Cabinet’s decision mandates that:
1. All Accounts Departments must be staffed by qualified and experienced accounting professionals, holding at minimum a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, with professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, or ICAN being an added advantage.
2. Existing staff who do not meet these qualification standards are to be transferred or redeployed to other departments or roles where their skills may be more effectively utilized.
3. The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Department of the Public Service, will oversee the implementation of this directive to ensure uniform compliance throughout the public sector.
This initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing effort to:
• Ensure financial credibility and accountability across the public service;
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure compliance with financial regulations;
• Improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting; and
• Enhance efficiency, transparency, and professional standards within government operations.
The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fiscal management and transparency in the administration of public resources, ensuring that every ministry and agency operates in accordance with sound accounting principles and modern financial governance practice.
