Milne Bay becomes final province to roll out IFMS

Milne Bay Province has become the final province in Papua New Guinea to undergo full rollout and implementation of the Integrated Financial Management System [IFMS], the Department of Finance announced this week.

The IFMS, which replaces the legacy PNG Government Accounting System [PGAS] used since Independence, is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and oversight of public funds.

Deputy Secretary for Finance, Sub-National, Tom Tiki, said the system provides full visibility of budget allocations, procurement processes, and fund dispersal, something that was limited under PGAS.

“It’s important because now the budget will have to be captured under the IFMS. This is a transparent process, where Waigani can monitor funding flows and reporting accurately,” Tiki said.

Milne Bay has already piloted the system at the Provincial Division of Finance and Treasury and the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority. The current rollout includes training and practical implementation for district teams over the coming weeks.

Sharon Mua, Deputy Administrator of Corporate Services at MBPA, said the timing was critical as the province approaches the end-of-year budget period.

“We were among the first to implement IFMS, but the last for full rollout. We are grateful for the Department’s time here. It’s crucial that district teams familiarize themselves with the system as the way forward,” Mua said.

The training is being led by Deputy Secretary Tiki and caretaker FMIP Program Manager Dandeluib Vali, supported by the Financial Management Training Branch, focusing on core IFMS modules and practical applications.

The Finance Department expressed confidence that Milne Bay’s full adoption of IFMS marks a key step toward modern, technology-driven financial management across PNG, improving data integrity, transparency, and accountability.