Mrs. Anna Zavou-Christoforou was born in Nicosia. She graduated from the Pallouriotissa High School and then studied Mathematical Economics at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom.
She is a Chartered Accountant, member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC). She is also a member of the international Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
She holds the following professional qualifications: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP) and Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). These designations are internationally recognised and obtained through examinations, combined with the required experience in internal audit.
The certifications awarded by the IIA are an excellent professional credential in the field of internal audit worldwide. Their holders are considered to be the most qualified professionals with full technical knowledge and abilities in all matters of internal audit. These qualifications are recognised in more than a hundred countries.
Moreover, Mrs. Christoforou holds the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential which denotes expertise in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. CFEs are trained to identify the warning signs and red flags that indicate evidence of fraud and fraud risk. CFEs around the world uncover fraud and implement processes to prevent fraud from occurring in the first place.
Mrs. Christoforou had worked for four years in audit firms in both London and Cyprus. In 1994, she was employed as an accountant in the Financial Services of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and since 1996 she had been working in the Internal Audit Department of the organisation. From April 2013 until 6 December 2015, she held the position of Assistant Internal Audit Manager of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus.
On 5 November 2015, the Council of Ministers appointed Mrs. Anna Zavou-Christoforou as Commissioner of Internal Audit of the Republic of Cyprus for six years from 7 December 2015 until 6 December 2021.
Mrs. Christoforou has been elected President of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Institute of Internal Auditors as from 1 July 2020.
On 15 September 2020, within the framework of the “16th CFO Management Forum & Awards” she was awarded the “Public Sector Finance Award” as a distinguished professional in recognition of her contribution, achievements and professional excellence in the field of management.
Mrs. Christoforou’s term of office as Commissioner of Internal Audit was renewed for another six years (7 December 2021 until 6 December 2027) by the Council of Ministers on 24 November 2021.