Students from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) enrolled in the English-taught bachelor’s programme “Accounting, Finance and Digital Applications” at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” learned about the role and importance of the Bulgarian National Audit Office in safeguarding European and national public finances, as well as about the rich history, organisation and functions of the audit institution.

The meeting took place at Sofia University at the invitation of the higher education institution and was attended by students from the programme as well as international students under the Erasmus programme.

The discussion covered the similarities and differences between internal and external audit in the public sector, the types of audit, and the process of planning audit activities. The annual results of the Bulgarian National Audit Office’s work were presented, along with the challenges facing the institution.

The students asked questions related to audit planning and the selection of topical audit themes, and expressed the view that audits should be focused even more on issues of high public importance, such as the management of commercial companies with 50 percent or more state and/or municipal ownership.

According to the students, there is a need for more substantial financial sanctions for individuals who allow violations in the management and spending of public funds, as they believe that personal sanctions have a stronger deterrent effect.

The lecture was delivered by Dobrinka Mihaylova, Head of the Planning, Reporting, Development and Quality of Audit Activity Unit.