THE Certified Practising Accountants Papua New Guinea (CPAPNG) and the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) have formalised a new partnership aimed at improving financial management, accountability, and governance across the country’s subnational governments.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during the Provincial Administrators Conference at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, witnessed by DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo and CPAPNG President James P. Gore, along with delegates from both organisations.
CPAPNG President James Gore described the agreement as a “significant milestone” in advancing public sector financial management in Papua New Guinea. He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening transparency and accountability at provincial and district levels.
Under the MOU, both parties will collaborate on capacity building, training, and certification of public sector
accountants. The initiative will also support proposed amendments to the Accountants Act, aimed at creating a structured pathway for professionalising government finance officers.
Mr Gore highlighted that CPAPNG, which has nearly 10,000 members and recently marked its 51st anniversary, is expanding its role beyond member services to actively contribute to national development priorities.
“This partnership aligns with the government’s PNG Reset @50 20-Year Roadmap, particularly in promoting accountability, transparency, and effective governance,” he said.
The agreement will see CPAPNG provide technical support to DPLGA, focusing on improving financial practices in budgeting, reporting, auditing, and implementation at the provincial and district levels.
Secretary Philip Leo welcomed the collaboration, noting its importance in strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring better financial oversight across subnational administrations.
The partnership also aims to support policy and legislative reforms, promote ethical standards in the accounting profession, and mobilise public sector accountants under a unified professional framework.
Both organisations expressed confidence that the initiative will enhance public sector performance and help deliver improved services to citizens, while meeting the expectations of government, development partners, and stakeholders.
The MOU is expected to play a key role in reinforcing financial stewardship and supporting long-term governance reforms in Papua New Guinea.