Shirima, Bruno Melchior2019-07-022020-01-082019-07-022020-01-082011Shirima, B. M (2011) Examining the similarities and differences between internal and external auditing practices in the public sector governance: the case of government ministries, agencies and departments. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspxhttp://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4839Available in printThe purpose of this study was to examine the similarities and differences between internal and external auditing practices in the public sector in order to evaluate their contributions to good governance. The study applied a survey design for auditors in public sectors. The respondents involved in the study were selected from various Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments; the data collected through questionnaire, a total number of 119 auditors, accountants, and economist were participated. The study found that there internal and external auditors have a significant contribution towards public good governance. Both catagories of audit were found to play a catalyst role in ensuring the government funds are used as planned. In addition to that the similarities and differences between the two were found. Similarities between internal and external auditors are both develop, document and impliment a comprehensive audit plan, examine financial transactions, evaluate financial and operational procedures, identify, assess, and evaluate the institution’s risk areas, test a comprehensive internal audit plan and work with the senior leadership. The following differences were found; internal auditor is more experienced than external auditor, internal auditor is not independent than external auditor, internal auditor is restricted to access to staff and information than external auditor, external auditors apply auditing standards than applied by internal auditors, management shows more concern over external reports than internal reports, the audit procedures of internal auditor are quite different with those of external auditor, and external audit mandate and reporting lines enable to fulfill its duties. Generally, the both units’ similarities and differences were found to contribute into good public governance. The study concluded that there is significant contribution of both internal and external auditors in the contribution towards public good governance. But, there are some duplicated functions which need to be critically reviewed. For example develop, document and implement audit plan, test of internal audit plan, examine financial transactions, evaluate financial and operational procedures and working with senior leadership indentifying key business risk. It has been recommended that the government should create a better environment for better performance of auditing works. In addition, there should be a higher level of transparency, independency, accountability and practicability in auditing.enAcademic achievementIlala municipalityDar es Salaam regionMathematicsPrimary schoolsTanzaniaThesis