Patrick Smith appointed as first Caymanian Auditor General

Patrick Smith, who has been the Deputy Auditor General with remit for corporate and international affairs, has been appointed as the country’s new Auditor General, effective 1 June 2025. He is the first Caymanian to hold this position.

His appointment follows a rigorous recruitment drive which ran locally and internationally for the highly specialised post. The recruitment panel was chaired by Her Excellency, Governor Jane Owen, and comprised distinguished individuals from Cayman’s private sector and from senior auditing and leadership roles in the United Kingdom and Jamaica. Mr Smith replaces Sue Winspear, who departed the office in March of this year, following the completion of her term.

In welcoming Mr Smith’s appointment, Governor Owen stated, ‘This is a vital role which reinforces Cayman’s ongoing commitment to good governance and sound financial practices across our public sector. I am confident that Patrick will bring continuity based on his experience, but also a fresh approach to strategy and the challenges of the future.’

Mr Smith first joined the Office of the Auditor General in March 2002 as a Senior Auditor, and has held several positions during his tenure including Audit Manager, Financial Audit Principal and Deputy Auditor General with responsibility for the in-house financial audit practice. Subsequent to this role, he held the post as Deputy Auditor General, from 2023 with responsibility for corporate and international affairs. In addition to leading the Office’s corporate, finance and information technology affairs, he also oversaw the financial audits conducted by private firms on the behalf of the Office of the Auditor General, and worked with the INTOSAI Development Initiative as a consultant.

He began his audit career with KPMG Barbados, in 1996 after which he worked as the Lead Internal Auditor for a regional manufacturing plant then transitioned to the Office of the Auditor General. In addition to being a certified public accountant, he is a certified fraud examiner as well as certified in quality management auditing. He also holds a Diploma in International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

In commenting on his new role, Mr Smith stated, “I am honoured to accept the role of Auditor General of the Cayman Islands. It is a privilege to assume this key position, which plays a vital role in ensuring accountability, integrity, and transparency in the public service. I look forward to continuing the important work conducted by the Office of the Auditor General in enhancing financial reporting, promoting good governance, and supporting the long-term sustainability of our Islands.”

Deputy Governor Honourable Franz Manderson has congratulated Mr Smith on his appointment noting, “As Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, I look forward to continuing a highly collaborative working relationship with the OAG under Mr Smith’s very able leadership. The Civil Service remains committed to ensuring that our work delivers value for money and promotes good governance in these Islands. Mr. Smith is a highly experienced professional whom I am sure will continue to build upon the very high employee engagement, professionalism and effectiveness within the Office of the Auditor General.”

Chairman of the House of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, MP Roy McTaggart, also welcomed the news of Mr Smith’s appointment. As a longstanding and respected leader at the Office of the Auditor General, Mr Smith, who has over 28 years’ experience working in the private and public sector, has strong relationships with the Public Accounts Committee, regional and international audit bodies, and senior personnel within the Civil Service and wider public sector.

Under the Constitution, the Office of the Auditor General has the power and responsibility to audit the public accounts of the Cayman Islands, and the accounts and finances of all authorities, offices and departments of government. It also has the power to undertake value for money investigations in respect of these entities.