State Audit Office

Can you imagine a building whispering secrets of financial scrutiny? Here at the State Audit Office of Vietnam, also known as SAV, those whispers become roars. The State Audit Office, established on July 11, 1994, initially served as a subordinate agency to the Vietnamese government. For over a decade, its operations were directly controlled by the Prime Minister. The State Audit Office’s role was to ensure the proper management and use of state finances and assets. Imagine the Prime Minister overseeing every audit assignment and training activity. Everything changed in 2006. The first State Audit Law transformed the State Audit Office into an independent agency. This marked a significant shift, giving the SAV autonomy and solidifying its role as a specialized agency of the National Assembly. The State Audit Office now operates independently, answering only to the law. Its responsibilities expanded to include financial auditing, compliance auditing, and performance auditing of all agencies using state funds. In 2013, the Constitution of Vietnam formally recognized the State Audit Office’s legal status and the Auditor General’s position, further strengthening its independence. This constitutional recognition cemented the State Audit Office’s authority and importance in Vietnam’s governance. The State Audit Office continues to evolve. The State Audit Law, revised in 2015 and effective from January 1, 2016, broadened its mandate and reaffirmed its independence. This ensured the State Audit Office’s continued relevance and effectiveness in overseeing public finances. The State Audit Office adopted International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions, demonstrating its commitment to international best practices. The SAV has developed a ten-year strategy, launched in 2010, to enhance its operational capacity, promote the effectiveness of its audit results, and improve the overall quality and efficiency of its operations. The SAV’s journey embodies its dedication to transparency and accountability in Vietnam’s financial landscape. It stands as a testament to its commitment to safeguarding public funds.