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A study into the challenges of internal audits in organizations in nigeria

 

Table Of Contents


Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Internal audit functions play a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls within organizations. In Nigeria, the challenges facing internal audits have gained significant attention due to the dynamic business environment and the need for robust corporate governance practices. This research project aims to investigate and analyze the challenges faced by internal audit functions in organizations in Nigeria. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to gather comprehensive data. The qualitative aspect involves interviews with internal audit professionals, senior management, and key stakeholders to understand their perspectives on the challenges faced by internal audits. The quantitative aspect includes surveys distributed to a diverse range of organizations across various industries to collect data on the specific challenges encountered. The research findings reveal several key challenges faced by internal audit functions in Nigeria. These challenges include inadequate resources, lack of independence, skills gap, and inadequate support from senior management. Inadequate resources encompass both financial constraints and limited staffing, which hinder the ability of internal audit functions to effectively carry out their responsibilities. The lack of independence is often attributed to organizational culture and management interference, which compromise the objectivity and impartiality of internal audits. Furthermore, the skills gap among internal audit professionals poses a significant challenge, as the evolving business landscape requires continuous upskilling and professional development. The research also highlights the crucial role of senior management support in fostering a strong control environment and promoting the value of internal audits within the organization. The study recommends several strategies to address the challenges identified, including investing in training and development programs for internal audit professionals, enhancing communication and collaboration between internal audit functions and senior management, and advocating for greater independence and autonomy for internal audit departments. By implementing these recommendations, organizations in Nigeria can strengthen their internal audit functions and enhance overall governance and risk management practices. Overall, this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on internal audits in Nigeria and provides valuable insights for organizations looking to overcome challenges and improve the effectiveness of their internal audit functions.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Â BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE SUBJECT OF STUDY
It is generally agreed that finance is the main stay of any economy, be it public or private sector. It is equally true that no meaningful development could be achieved without finance and proper management, as a result of this, many organizations establishes difference systems of control or ensure smooth running of their business of which internal auditing is an integral part.

Basically, internal auditing ensures that all activities of the organization are carried out by employees according to laid down procedures.

The introduction of new technologies e.g. the  invention of computerized audit system which posed challenges to the internal audit staff and their work, the update of their knowledge to meet with these challenges in the face of manipulation of these to perpetrate fraud is desirable. Moreso, the requirement of new auditing standards will make the staff of internal audit to update their knowledge and adjust to the current practice.
Auditing as a key factor in controlling every kind of organization with financial and economic aspect serves as a sort of checks and balances in the financial and administrative procedure of any organizational setup. Apart from explaining the concept of auditing and it’s operations, emphasized is laid on the problem areas in the account of governance, accounts maintained by the government and procedures involved in auditing government accounts.

The need for maintaining and adequate, effective and efficient internal audit system, therefore cannot be over emphasized especially in days like these when Nigeria economy is with effort in ensuring that wastage, pilferage, misappropriation and checked or avoided and to ensure that asset are being secured.

1.2Â Â STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
i.     often management of public sector and internal audit department function are seen as contradictory rather then complementary.
ii.    Internal audit department which is set up to ensure adherence to management policy may not achieve their main objective because of interference and undue influence by top management.

That the internal audit adequately equipped with.
That better and well-trained professional should be employed for efficiency and effectiveness.

1.3Â Â OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
i.     To identify the problems in internal audit department of public sectors.
ii.    Finding ways of improving on the internal audit of public sector.

To explain the meaning and significance of internal audit as an aid to public sector.
Assist other researcher to obtain useful information that will serve as input for further research work.
1.4Â Â RESEARCH OF HYPOTHESIS
Considering the problem definition of this study and it’s objectives. The following hypothesis are developed to be tested in this project.
Hi: Internal audit is of importance to aid management of public sector performances.
Ho: Internal audit is not importance to aid management of public sector performances.

1.5Â Â RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following research questions are used as a guide to collect information.

How is the account of state ministry being audited?
What are the procedures involved in caring out audit of the state ministry?
What are the problems being encountered by the auditors in auditory state ministry?
Is there any laws binding the auditing of account of the state ministry?       Â

1.6Â Â SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study is to enable the researcher to know:

If internal audit within an organization is effective for internal control system.
Whether internal audit in public sector organization complies with sector management policies, law and regulation.
If internal audit in public sector organization will help to defect minimization fraud in an organization (State Ministry).
Some procedures, techniques add principles involve in auditor government parastatals.                                       Â

1.7Â Â DEFINITION OF TERMS
In the course of writing this project, there are some technical terms used that needs to be understood very well before a project can have a good meaning to the reader, these terms include the followings:
AUDIT: Is the independent examination of the financial statement of an enterprise and the expression of an opinion of such financial statement by an appointed auditors as to whether it shows true and fair view of the state of affairs of the enterprises in accordance with the terms of his agreement, the observation of statutory regulation and professional requirement.
AUDIT REPORT: Generally refers to any written report by an auditor in accordance with the term of his appointment. It is an medium through which are auditor expresses his opinion.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM: A system within an organization designed to provide reasonable checks regarding the achievement of the organizational objective.
IRREGULARITY: Is the intentional distortion of financial records and report for what ever purpose.
FRAUD: The use of deception to obtain an unjust or illegal financial advantage.
ERROR: Unintentional misstatement in or omissions of amounts or disclosures from an entity’s accounting records or financial statements.
ILLEGAL ACTS: Refers to any act that is contrary to law.
PUBLIC SECTOR: Is all organization, which are established, being operated and controlled by the government on behalf of the public.



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