The New Structure of the Abstract of State Comptroller Reports

The new abstract includes a TOP 10 abstract that focuses on the main findings at the heart of the report, “key facts” and makes wide use of infographics that summarize the main numbers and data in the audit findings

The new abstract vs. the old abstract:

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman has completed preparations for the “constructive audit reform” and has recently submitted, as required by law, about 25 comptroller reports to the Prime Minister. By law, after the reports are submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister, about ten weeks later, they are made public. These reports include references to a wide range of government ministries and public bodies, among which are: the security forces, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Housing and Construction, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Religious Services, Israel Railways, the Israel Electric Company and others.

The comptroller reports will be presented to the public in their new format that includes a TOP 10 abstract, which focuses on the main findings at the heart of the report in conjunction with its main recommendations. Naturally, most of the findings will indicate failures alongside, in proportion, particularly noticeable positive actions.

In addition, the abstract will include “key facts” and will make wide use of infographics that summarize the main numbers and data in the audit findings. In the past, the report abstract was too wordy and sometimes went on for over 20 pages, which at times made understanding the report and discerning the failings and the comptroller’s recommendations in the report difficult. The new model of the abstract, a page and a half in length, is common practice among leading audit institutions around the world such as the US, England and other audit institutions.

Comptroller Englman referring to the new abstract said, “As I stressed when I took office, audit work under my leadership will be done in a respectful and dignified manner. We will strive for excellence in audit, for innovativeness and creativity and we will carry out efficient and effective audits while being meticulous about good governance and integrity. The new abstract is our first step in making the comptroller reports available to the public in a much clearer and focused form that will enable young audiences to read the reports more deeply and learn about how public bodies in Israel are run.”