The Structure and Functioning of the Turkish Court of Accounts as the Body Responsible for the Financial Audit of State-Owned (Public) Companies Under Turkish Law

In the modern understanding of public administration, public authorities establish companies governed by private law to ensure flexibility and efficiency in service delivery. However, the fact that these companies utilize public funds necessitates effective oversight in accordance with the principles of accountability and transparency. Since the capital of these companies is derived from public resources, their financial auditing by public authorities becomes necessary. Under Turkish law, the financial audit of these companies—established with public capital and whose managers are appointed by public authorities—is carried out by the institution known as the Turkish Court of Accounts (TCA). This study aims to analyze the structure and functioning of the TCA, the institution responsible for the financial audit of public companies, within the framework of the Turkish Court of Accounts Act No. 6085, and to provide an overview of this subject. Based on the TCA Act, the body responsible for assessing the financial discipline and legal compliance of public companies is introduced. This study also provides information on the public officials serving within the TCA and the units in which they perform their duties. Furthermore, it addresses the disciplinary and criminal liability of those serving within the TCA.