By: Areej Mousa Aljehani

Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are pivotal in safeguarding public resources, ensuring that governments are held accountable and fostering transparency in the management of public funds. A key to fulfilling this role is their independence from undue external influence, which allows them to perform audits with objectivity and credibility. As emphasized by INTOSAI’s guidance, SAIs operate most effectively when shielded from interference, allowing them to properly strategize, acquire necessary information, and report findings without restrictions (INTOSAI, 2019). Political influence, budgetary constraints, and limited access to records can undermine audit quality and public trust. This article examines how the General Court of Audit (GCA) of Saudi Arabia has successfully navigated challenges to its independence through robust legal frameworks and disciplined execution, offering practical insights that other SAIs can adopt to reinforce independence and thereby enhance governance and public confidence.