COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM AND FRAUD PREVENTION IN FEDERAL PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study examined computerized accounting system and fraud prevention in public sector organizations in Rivers State, Nigeria. The Specific objectives of the study among others were to; examine the relationship between government integrated financial management information system (GIFMIS) and payroll fraud (PF). Also, examine the relationship between treasury single account (TSA) and payroll fraud (PF). Examine the relationship between integrated payroll and personnel information system (IPPIS) and payroll fraud (PF). This study adopted correlational survey research design. The targeted population consisted fifteen (15) federal public sector organizations in Rivers state, Nigeria. The instrument for this study was primary data. The formulated research questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The hypotheses were tested using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Model regression analysis with the aid of E-view (10). The findings of the study among others shows that; there is a significant relationship between government integrated financial management information system and payroll fraud in federal public sector organizations in Rivers state, Nigeria. Also, there is a significant relationship between treasury single account and payroll fraud in federal public sector organizations in Rivers state, Nigeria. And there is no significant relationship between treasury single account and payroll fraud in federal public sector organizations in Rivers state, Nigeria. Based on the synopsis of the findings the study advances the following recommendations that though, government integrated financial management information system has contributed significantly to payroll fraud prevention. There is necessity for the of Nigerian government to be proactive in the combat against fraud in its civil service, the federal government should continue to operate with the principles of single treasury account because of the positive influence it has on the effectiveness of public finance management in areas of fraud control and accurate accounting, Ministries, public enterprises and parastatals should regularly monitor their top administrative and management activities and prosecute any officer(s) found embezzling public funds and make the head of account unit answerable for any such misappropriation.