AUDITING THE ANNUAL GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BUDGET EXECUTION: DEFICIENCIES AND SOLUTIONS REGARDING THE ALLOCATION AND CONTROL OF RESERVE AND INTERVENTION FUNDS

Abstract

The article examines issues related to the management and auditing of the Reserve and Intervention Funds available to the Government, using the 2022 financial year as a case study. The research highlights the legal framework and the role of the RCA in the audit process, identifying several critical issues, including the Government's excessive discretion in fund allocation, the lack of clear criteria and predictability, and the growing trend of discretionary allocations. These practices often lead to local authorities' dependence on centralized resources, perpetuating a centralized fiscal policy and hindering coherent local development. Based on the audit findings, recommendations are proposed to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of these funds. The conclusion emphasizes that reforming the allocation processes of these funds is important for promoting balanced local development and mitigating the risks associated with fiscal centralization. The study underscores the need for future research to explore international best practices, long-term trends, and the socio-economic impact of state budget fund allocation policies.