Mr. Samuel Penias has been appointed as the new Acting Secretary for the Department of Finance to oversee all matters pertaining to the country’s financial matters.
His appointment was announced following a gazette that was released on Tuesday from the office of the Governor General in accordance with section 31B of the Public Services Management Act of 1995 and upon advice from the National Executive Council.
After receiving the recommendation from the Public Services Commission, Penias will serve as Acting Secretary for the Department of Finance for a probationary period of 3 months.
Mr. Penias holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and a Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting Major) from the Divine Word University.
Mr. Penias spent eight years, from 1994 – 2002, with the Internal Revenue Commission in a variety of roles including VAT Manager Wewak (VAT), Tax Auditor (Tax Audit Branch) and Company Assessor (Company Assessing Branch). Previously he was Provincial Treasurer, Central Province from 2002-2005 responsible for financial administration.
Prior to his current role, from 2005 to 2011 Mr. Penias was First Assistant Secretary and Assistant Secretary in the Provincial and District Management Division, where he was responsible for providing financial services to the 22 Provinces and 89 Districts.
Mr. Penias is responsible for the Non-Tax Revenue Division (NTRD), the Internal Audit and Compliance Division (IACD), Corporate Services Division (CSD) and Provincial and District Financial Management Division (PDFMD).