Role Of An IAAS Officer - UPSC
Updated: Jan 18
The Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS) is a Group A service of the civil services of the Indian government. The IAAS is a central government service under the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and is free of oversight from any administrative authority. The major responsibility of the IAAS is to audit the accounts of the Union and State governments and public sector organizations and manage the funds for State governments. IA&AS is responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union and State governments and public sector entities and keeping the accounts of State governments. Its mission is somewhat similar to the US GAO and National Audit Office (United Kingdom) (United Kingdom). Once recruited to the IA&AS, the directly recruited officials are taught principally at the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Responsibility of an IAAS Officer
The duty of IA&AS officers is extremely venerable and requires a great degree of responsibility and regard on the officer's part. It is also critical for an officer to be physically and psychologically fit and healthy in order to deal with the pressures of the job without becoming overwhelmed. These are the functions and obligations that an IA&AS officer is delegated to carry out: The Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) is in charge of auditing the accounts of the Union and state governments as well as public sector entities—keeping track of the financial records of state governments. Its role is similar to that of the US Government Accountability Office and the National Audit Office (United Kingdom). IAAS officers are overseen by a constitutional body (the CAG), which ensures that they are protected from inappropriate political meddling. During the course of their auditing responsibilities, IAAS officials have the chance to interact with representatives from every department of the government. This occurs as a result of the fact that they audit and monitor the performance of all departments and organizations. The diverse nature of the work has made the service both refreshing and difficult at the same time.
Salary And benefits of an IAAS Officer
Junior Time Scale
Assistant Director with INR 8000 - 13500 pay band
5500 INR is the grade pay.
Senior Time Scale
Deputy Director with INR 10000 - 15200 pay band
5500 INR is the grade pay.
Junior Administrative Grade
Director with INR 12300 - 16500 pay band
5500 INR is the grade pay.
NFSG of Junior Administrative Grade with INR 14300 - 18300 pay band
5500 INR is the grade pay.
Senior Administrative Grade
Principal Director with INR 18400 - 22400 pay band
5500 INR is the grade pay.
Principal Director with INR 18400 - 22400 pay band
5500 INR is the grade pay.
Director-General with INR 22400 - 24500 pay band
2500 INR is the grade pay.
Additional Deputy CAG with INR 24050 - 26000 pay band
2000 INR is the grade pay.
Deputy CAG (6 posts) with INR 26000 pay band
Grade pay - NIL
An IAAS reports to India's Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). CAG offices are located in Washington, London, and Kuala Lumpur; IAAS cadre officers may be sent to these offices. This is one of India's most sought-after services. Officers in the IA & AS cadre have numerous chances to serve within the country and on deputation to other countries. The work performed by these officers in this cadre is critical since their audit reports are presented to Parliament.
Perks of an IAAS Officer
This is a good alternative for anyone interested in accounting. According to a government poll, the IA&AS had the highest rate of job satisfaction among its officers out of the three All-India Services and the seven central services.
It is a service that is based on knowledge. Officers are highly respected within the bureaucracy for their diverse expertise and competence in the audit, accounting, and finance fields. The government encourages officers to pursue higher certifications in a variety of relevant courses on a regular basis.
IAAS officers are exposed to international missions on a continuous basis. After serving for seven years, IAAS officers are eligible to serve in various international organizations. Several of these were discussed in the preceding topic.
IAAS is a unique service that monitors how organizations operate globally, at national, state, and district levels.
IAAS officers have a plethora of post-retirement employment prospects in private sector firms. After retirement, they are eligible to become permanent employees of UN organizations.
Powers of an IAAS Officer
Officers of IAAS are expected to acquire and possess the professional skills of an accountant and auditor and the administrative competence necessary to manage the Indian Audit and Accounts Department's staff of over 60,000. Their work requirements include the examination of sophisticated contracts, a comprehension of tax and revenue rules, and the assessment of commercial enterprises' financial health. Additionally, industry knowledge may be necessary, such as an understanding of the difficulties of oil extraction or the operation of an atomic power plant, as well as a thorough examination of the effectiveness of country-specific rural development, health care, and education programs.
Challenges of an IAAS Officer
The technical nature of the job (many people may consider this a negative)
There are very few public interfaces.
Generally, work entails some form of post-mortem and defect finding.
There is a lack of awareness about the posts due to IAS, IPS, etc., being in high demand.
IAAS doesn't attract as much power as other civil services.
Friendly Conclusion
For those who are not fond of the publicity that the IAS entails, the IAAS is a viable alternative. You can live a more sedate existence. There is little political meddling in your work. All positions would be located in urban areas or state capitals. A remarkable service that is recognized and valued throughout the bureaucratic and technical nature of the assignment and a potential exit option for individuals interested in moving into the corporate sector. Deputations are an excellent opportunity.