Assessment on Influence of the Controller and Audit General Reports on Financial Accountability in Tanzania: A Case Study of Mwanza City Council

Abstract

The responsibilities of public sectors undertakings in providing the basic transparent to society requires strong financial management. The efficient and effective utilization of available resources in Local Government Authorities (LGA) has been a topic of high interest worldwide including Tanzania. The study assessed the influence of the Controller Audit General (CAG) audit report on financial accountability in Mwanza City Council (MCC). The study has been motivated by the efforts exerted by public sector stakeholders worldwide to properly utilize public resources in local governments. To achieve this objective, the study employed both primary and secondary data. The secondary data were mainly compiled from the CAG general reports of Tanzanian local government, while primary data were collected by using structured questionnaire distributed to MCC accountants, internal auditors, procurements, planning officers, council director and ward councilors that made a total of eighty (80) respondents The study employed statistical techniques to address the subject matter of the research problem. Among other things the study found that quality of financial reporting is very significant in enhancing financial reporting and financial accountability of MCC. Also it was found that the adoptions of IPSASs accrual basis of accounting of MCC will improve decision making, transparency, and accountability. The MCC management is urged to continue improving the proper utilization of CAG finance auditing report to ensure financial accountability and enhancing quality provision of social services to the citizen.