site.btaNational Audit Office Closes Vacant Job Positions, Amends Employee Incentive Policies

Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) President Dimitar Glavchev has launched an administrative reform in the institution aimed at more efficient management of public funds, optimisation of the staffing structure, and modernisation of employee incentive policies, the BNAO said in a press release Monday. The data on the changes is released in response to media inquiries and questions under the Access to Public Information Act.

In November, 37 BNAO employees who had acquired the right to a pension for length of service and age received notices of termination of employment. On November 21, by order of the BNAO President, 5% of the staff positions in the administration were closed. On November 26, at Glavchev's suggestion, the institution adopted a decision on structural change, which included the closure of one department and one more staff position.

The measures are part of a broader reform that provides for the introduction of a new methodology for determining additional material incentives. A ceiling on the possible amounts will be introduced, as well as objective criteria for employee evaluation. Material incentives for additional work that is not part of the direct performance of official duties will only be distributed if savings are made in the institution's budget and in compliance with the new rules.

Depending on the assessments they receive from their managers, experts, directors, and other staff will be able to receive additional remuneration of up to two monthly salaries per quarter, and management - up to one salary. The additional incentive is an option, not a mandatory payment, the BNAO specified.

The changes at BNAO come against the backdrop of the stalled procedure for adopting the 2026 state budget and efforts to cut costs. In recent days, representatives of both the opposition and the ruling parties have spoken out in support of such measures. At the same time, the institution is making efforts to fill vacant positions in the audit staff, with an emphasis on attracting young professionals with up-to-date knowledge and skills, the BNAO said.

Since the beginning of 2025, five external competitive procedures have been announced and conducted to fill 75 vacant auditor positions. Twelve candidates have been ranked, ten of whom have been appointed. Five more external competitions are currently underway for a total of 53 vacant positions in the audit directorates, the press release reads.