Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The audit procedure in public sector organizations plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial management. This research paper aims to analyze the audit procedure in a public sector organization to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The quantitative aspect of the research involves analyzing financial data, audit reports, and compliance levels with accounting standards and regulations. This analysis provides insights into the effectiveness of the current audit procedures in detecting and preventing financial mismanagement, fraud, and errors. Additionally, the quantitative analysis assesses the timeliness of audit reports and the implementation of audit recommendations. In contrast, the qualitative aspect of the research involves interviews with key stakeholders involved in the audit process, including internal auditors, external auditors, finance officers, and senior management. These interviews aim to understand the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders regarding the audit procedure, challenges faced, and suggestions for improvement. The qualitative data offer a deeper understanding of the human factors influencing the audit process and provide valuable insights for enhancing audit procedures. The findings of this research paper will contribute to the existing literature on audit procedures in public sector organizations by identifying best practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. By integrating quantitative and qualitative data, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the audit procedure, highlighting both the technical aspects and human dynamics involved in the process. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to provide recommendations for enhancing the audit procedure in public sector organizations to promote transparency, accountability, and effective financial management. By addressing weaknesses in the current audit procedures and building on existing strengths, public sector organizations can improve their financial governance practices and better serve the interests of stakeholders and the public. Keywords audit procedure, public sector organization, transparency, accountability, financial management, mixed-methods approach, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, stakeholders, recommendations

Thesis Overview

Auditing is an essential tool for proper governance in the public sector. It constitutes an indispensable control mechanism for ensuring proper management of economic resources and for ensuring compliance with prescribed financial policies and regulations.

Effective audit procedures become important to the public sector organization in order to curtail the rate of financial mismanagement and abuse which hampers the growth and proper administration of the organization.

Auditing in the public sector has extended more than the traditional financial statement audit to the value for money audit. This audit is concerned with the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of a particular function or department within the body whose affairs are being audited.

For the purpose of the study, data were collected through the use of questionnaire, observation and other written documents.

Major findings of the research shows:

– That auditing cannot exist without the preparation of accounts.

– That auditing has helped to uncover irregularities, error and other financial mismanagement.

– That auditing is imperative in public sector as it would help them motivate and maintain operational autonomy and will alongside help them ensure economic stability.