Effectiveness of internal audit function in public sector organizations: a case of Ministry of Finance
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Date
2013
Authors
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The general objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of internal audit function in public sector organizations. This was achieved by seeking answers to four research questions being; whether internal auditors are fully exercising honesty, objectivity and diligence when performing their duties and responsibilities; whether internal audit complies with national policies, procedures, laws and regulations; whether the internal audit is operating under adequate management support; and, whether the internal audit is comprehensively and sufficiently identifying and monitoring occurrences of risks in time. In order to attain the research objectives, this study followed a descriptive-cross-sectional research design using a case of Ministry of Finance. It involved a survey where 50 respondents filled usable questionnaires containing both closed and open ended questions. The responses were summarized in tables and the resulting statistics were reviewed and analyzed accordingly. Findings on the above research questions are somehow mixed. Internal auditors were found to be honest, diligent, and exercising objectivity in the conduct their work. Majority of the respondents also agreed that they were competent enough to perform their work effectively. However, on the issue of management support, though respondents say that management supports the work of internal auditors, majority of them also contend that very few of the internal auditors’ recommendations are implemented. Non implementation of auditors’ recommendations tends to reduce the effectiveness of the internal audit function to the respective departments. On the issue of risk management, a number of respondents responded that risk management is not a responsibility of the internal auditors, but of management. A number of recommendations were given, including the need for management to show full support to internal audit work by implementing their recommendations, and also management taking full charge of the risk management in their respective departments.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark
(THS EAF HF5668.25.T34M37)
Keywords
Auditing, internal, Administrative agencies, Ministry of finance
Citation
Matina, D.D(2013) Effectiveness of internal audit function in public sector organizations: a case of Ministry of Finance, Master Dissertation, University of Dar Es Salaam. Dar Es Salaam