HRD Support to the National Finance Service  

(last updated October 2006)

Phase I:          July 2001-December 2006
Budget:           CHF 2’475’000
Partner:          Ministry of Finance
Contact:          jambayt@mof.gov.bt, Mr. Jambay Tashi, Head, National Finance Service

Background/Introduction
Achievements
Activities
On-going activities
Future Outlook
Key Project Documents                    

Background/Introduction:

The goal of the project is to strengthen the National Finance Services (NFS) through development of the required knowledge, ability and skills of the accountants of ministries, dzongkhags (districts) and agencies for enhancing efficient and transparent public financial management, thereby fostering good governance. After strengthening the capacity of the Royal Audit Authority, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) supported long-term capacity development in budget and financial management and professional accounting as well as shorter-term certificate courses in accounting. Additionally, an activity was included that was not envisaged at the beginning of the project - capacity development of Gups, Mangmis, clerks and, more recently, the geog accountants

Within the scope of this overall goal the project pursues three major objectives:

• The professional competencies of the NFS financial personnel have improved thereby
   increasing its self-reliance;
• A cadre of skilled and motivated NFS personnel is established which effectively and efficiently fulfill their assigned job responsibilities and tasks and thus have increased the quality of civil service; and
• The financial profession is made attractive and professional.

To achieve the objectives, the project concentrates on the following main group of activities:

• Long-term training in Masters of Accounting, Chartered Accountancy, and Diploma in Accounting level in the region and overseas;
• Medium to short-term training in the region and overseas; and
• In-country training for accountants through the Royal Institute of Management or in-house training courses designed and executed by NFS.

Achievements:

• Implementation of more capacity development activities than originally foreseen within the same budget through identification and networking with competent institutes in the region;

• Enhanced financial competency of the NFS through the placement of over 600 trained personnel in various ministries, agencies, and Dzongkhag administrations;
• Enhanced awareness and skills of over 500 Gups, Mangmis, clerks, and geog accountants on geog accounting and financial management; and
• Successful follow-up on recommendations of the internal review and external mid-term review of the project on prioritizing the capacity development at the geog level..

On-going activities:

• Focus on continued enhancement of financial knowledge and accounting skills at the geog level;
• Continue selection of appropriate candidates and placement in competent and cost-effective institutes in the region;
• In-country trainings in close collaboration with the Royal Institute of Management; and
• Regular monitoring/assessments of candidates undergoing training and their future placements, and reporting.

Future Outlook:

Since the project ends in December 2006, preparations for the consolidation of activities and discussions on future plans is of high priority.

Preparations are underway for the placement of the last 65 slots: financial management course and certificate course in Accounting in India, and training in financial management and BAS 2.3 version at the Royal Institute of Management.

Key Project Documents:

• Project Document
• Project Agreement
• Mid-term Review Documents (Internal and External)