At the end of 2023, the Global Standards for Internal Audit were approved by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) to set the benchmark for professional practices in this field. Based on 15 guiding principles, the standards aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of internal auditing.
Throughout 2024, with the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative support of the , Zhytomyr City Council worked to establish a comprehensive internal audit system in accordance with the updated Global Standards.
The new standards came into force on 9 January 2025. The following day, on 10 January, Zhytomyr became the first city in Ukraine to launch the Internal Audit Service under the Global Standards. This groundbreaking initiative was approved by local deputies during the December session.
“The establishment of the Internal Audit Service is a vital step towards transparency and more efficient management of community resources. Our objective is not only to meet international standards but also to create a system that serves as a model for other communities in Ukraine. We aim to build public trust, ensure the rational use of funds, and uphold integrity in all processes,” said Svitlana Olshanska, First Deputy Mayor of Zhytomyr.
Key Tasks of the Internal Audit Service:
- Develop strategic and annual internal audit plans to consider community risks and priorities.
- Assess the effectiveness of risk management, internal control systems, asset preservation, and the execution of budget programs.
- Monitor the implementation of recommendations to improve the management of financial and material resources.
- Prepare audit reports, conclusions, and recommendations, and ensure the leadership to be informed about audit results.
“Introducing internal audit in the Zhytomyr City Council is not merely a technical adjustment but a transformative change in managing community resources. This initiative underscores a strong commitment to transparency and efficiency, setting a benchmark for other Ukrainian cities. We are proud to support Zhytomyr in building a system that minimizes risks, improves governance, and strengthens public trust,” emphasized Taras Sluchyk, Team Lead of the EUACI Integrity Cities Component.
Alongside Zhytomyr, other EUACI Integrity Cities, such as Chernivtsi and Mykolaiv, are actively advancing their internal audit systems. Plans to restructure existing departments, update charters, and initiate the transformation process are expected to be published and discussed in 2025.
Learn more about the Zhytomyr City Council’s draft resolution.
