INTERNAL CONTROL AS AN AID TO ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.

INTERNAL CONTROL AS AN AID TO ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

In this study internal control as an aid to accountability in the public sector was researched on using Biase local government area, cross river state as the case study. The major objective of the study was to find out and understand how internal  control  aids  accountability  in  the  public  sector  and  to  explain  those relevant topics, which will enable any reader to understand and appreciate the important  of  how  internal  control  aids  accountability.

Questionnaires  were constructed for the purpose of data collection. The constructed questionnaires were administered to the various departments of Biase local government area. A field study was used to test and establish the validity of the hypotheses. Hence data was carefully analyzed with the aid of simple percentages. The hypotheses were then tested by using chi-square and decision rule which was used in the conclusions. The major findings revealed that, internal control provides desired results in the public  sectors;  internal  control  provides  for  preventing  and  detecting embezzlement, fraud and errors, for reasonable accounting of liabilities, expenses, revenue and assets. In conclusion, the researcher observed that internal control system has a significant positive impact on every establishment’s profitability and survival.

No  organization,  regardless  of  the  nature  and  size  can  operate successfully without an adequate and effective system of internal control and accountability. For effective application of internal control these recommendations were made. That good, complete and integrated system of accounting should be established. Written manual of accounts operational procedures should be set out. There  should  be  adequate  forms  and  documents  with  some  control  features. Accounting system should emphasis employee competence and duties assigned should be commensurate capabilities. Finally, public sectors should effectively utilize  the  information  or  reports  given  to  it  by  internal  audit  department  in handling its financial affairs.