About the Project
Our 'Why'
Transforming Public Financial Management in the Cook Islands
The Financial Management Information System (FMIS) Project is a game-changer for the Cook Islands Government, combining cutting-edge technology with innovative business processes to redefine how public funds are managed. This initiative is building a transparent, efficient, and forward-thinking financial framework that benefits every Cook Islander by ensuring public resources are used wisely and effectively.
OUR JOURNEY: From 2019 - Today
In 2019, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) became the first government agency to adopt the FMIS Unit4, initiating a groundbreaking transformation of accounting practices. Since then 97% of government agencies have joined the journey in either a soft or fully deployed focus , each with unique operational needs that required careful attention and tailored solutions.
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For the first time, agency, Crown and ODA financial processes have been unified into a single, standardised system. Legacy workflows that were once manual and lengthy have been replaced with automated, efficient processes—creating a faster, more consistent financial management system across the government.
The FMIS shines a light on hidden inefficiencies, forcing unresolved issues into view. Every gap in old processes has been addressed, enabling better transparency and accountability.
By moving to the cloud, the government now accesses the latest software updates and features, ensuring the system remains modern and scalable.
Cloud Migration
Innovative Approaches Driving Change
The FMIS Project is more than a software upgrade; it’s an overhaul of public financial management:
The creation of the first-ever CIG Reporting Workgroup, involving Crown, DCD, and Audit, fosters collaboration to refine processes and address longstanding challenges.
Collaborative Solutions
Gap Identification
These innovations pave the way for a smarter, more agile public sector.
Why the FMIS Project Matters:
The FMIS addresses critical inefficiencies in public financial management.
Fragmented Systems: Unified multiple independent platforms into one centralized system.
Manual Workflows: Replaced outdated manual processes with automated solutions.
Complex Accounting Treatments: Standardized processes to eliminate redundancy and streamline operations.
Inefficient Reporting: Simplified financial consolidation for faster, more accurate decision-making.
The changes brought by the FMIS Project go far beyond government agencies:
How the FMIS Benefits Everyone
Transparency for Trust
Real-time insights ensure public funds are managed responsibly.
Modernized Processes
Automation reduces errors and ensures consistency.
Efficient Public Services
Streamlined workflows mean faster approvals and better resource allocation.
Better Decisions, Better Outcomes
Reliable data enables smarter investment in public services like health, education, and infrastructure.
PROGRESS SNAPSHOT
The FMIS journey has already made significant strides:
74% of agencies fully deployed, with 23% soft-deployed
CIG Reporting Workgroup has successfully introduced collaborative, cross-agency problem-solving.
Cloud-Based Platform delivers cutting-edge tools and real-time access for all agencies.
Upcoming Deployments: Seven key agencies, including Health and Education, are scheduled for 2025.
97%
Our MFEM Vision (Ta Matou Orama)
"To be a competent and professional organization inspiring public trust in managing public finances to achieve our national development aspirations." The FMIS Project is not just a government initiative—it’s a commitment to building a better Cook Islands.
A Unified Vision for the Future
The FMIS is transforming public financial management into a system built on trust, transparency, and efficiency. By addressing hidden inefficiencies and unifying competing financial treatments, this project ensures every dollar is managed with care, benefiting Cook Islanders today and for generations to come.