The impact of IPSAS on accountability in public sectors accounting.

Author

Chinyani, Julian

Title

The impact of IPSAS on accountability in public sectors accounting.

Abstract

One of the often used instruments used by governments to create better accountability worldwide is International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The adoption of IPSAS was a significant component of public sector reforms and followed a global trend toward financial responsibility and openness in government, both of which are essential elements of a democratic society. This study used the instance of Bindura Provincial Hospital to analyze how the implementation of IPSAS affected accountability in Zimbabwe's public sector accounting. For the purpose of gathering data, a survey with a five-point Likert scale was used. Accountants, auditors, and senior management of Bindura Provincial Hospital received the questionnaire. Both primary and secondary sources were used to acquire the data. 33 respondents made up the target population, of which a sample of 28 was used. Both surveys and interviews were used to collect the data. The data was then displayed in tables, graphs, and pie charts after the valid surveys had been evaluated with descriptive statistics and SPSS 20. The study concludes that the use of IPSAS raises the degree of accountability and openness in the utilization of public expenditures. Although the implementation of IPSAS would not completely eradicate corruption, it does improve governance quality, which improves accountability and financial reporting quality. The results also indicated that IPSAS implementation is hampered by a lack of management support, a lack of necessary knowledge and skills, a lack of requested resources, reluctance to change, a lack of available technology, and a lack of requested resources. The study recommended that organizations receive financial help from the government. Educational institutions have to offer program courses that consider IPSAS. Government agencies should recruit IT professionals and offer appropriate training programs.

Date

2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Implementation of IPSAS

Corruption

Public sectors accounting

Supervisor

Mr. Manyani