Slovakia : Country Financial Accountability Assessment

Abstract

Slovak financial accountability systems are strongly influenced by the Communist past but must meet the needs of a European future. Fortunately, Slovakia has the benefit of laws and institutions pre-dating communism, easing the transition from one system to the other. Past influences are still strong: centralization, strong controls, and a uniform system of accounting based on a chart of accounts. In the future, Slovakia will need improved public financial management, fiscal decentralization, a more competitive economy, an effective capital market, and harmonization of standards with those of the European Union. A good start has been made on many fronts. But there is still tension between the culture of control and a more flexible policy based on standards, quality performance, accountability, and competition. Among the specific, required financial management actions, the report recommends ratifying the European Convention on money laundering, establishing a public procurement office and procurement monitoring procedures, completing the legislative framework for internal and external financial control, strengthening the Supreme Audit Office and extending its audit mandate to cover public funds in general, and publishing consolidated financial management data relating to general government.