Public Accountability Research Articles

Implementation of Public Sector Accounting in a Government Agency

Government Agencies are all government institutions with the function of carrying out tasks or functions of government administration in the operational environment, from those at the center to those in the regions, including commissions, agencies and councils that receive funding from the APBN or APBD. The demand for public transparency requires a system to create maximum good performance and accountability to make a government accessible from fraudulent acts detrimental to the state. Public sector accounting is an accounting system used by government institutions or public service institutions as a method or tool for accountability to the general public. This research aims to discover and understand the importance of implementing Public Sector Accounting in a government agency. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method. This research indicates that every government agency must implement public sector accounting because it can simplify and improve the quality of financial reporting.

Kolaborasi Pemangku Kepentingan dan Warga dalam Upaya Pencegahan Tindakan Korupsi di Bandar Lampung

Corruption is a serious challenge faced by Indonesia especially Bandar Lampung city, hampering development, undermining public institutions, and reducing public trust in the government. Efforts to prevent and address corruption are not only the responsibility of state institutions, but also require the active participation of various stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and the media. This article highlights the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in preventing and addressing corruption. By analyzing various collaborative initiatives that have been successfully implemented in several regions in Indonesia, this article shows that citizen involvement can strengthen the effectiveness of anti-corruption policies, increase transparency, and encourage public accountability. The role of citizens is crucial as social monitors who participate in monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption policies and programs implemented by the government. The success of efforts to eradicate corruption is also determined by the synergy between related institutions and the active involvement of the community. With organized and mutually supportive cooperation, it is hoped that efforts to prevent and handle corruption can be more effective and sustainable, thus strengthening clean and accountable governance in Bandar Lampung City.

Ethical values of public accountant: a critical perspective of rational-religious of Hamka

Purpose - This study explores business practices in public accounting firms, particularly in East Java, along with ethical issues raised by the practices.Method - This study applied a qualitative approach in which data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 public accountants from various public accounting firms. Then, the data were analysed based on a rational-religious perspective as suggested by Buya Hamka.Result - The findings of this study indicated many ethical concerns in public accountant practices, despite they comprehend about ethical standards contained in the professional code of ethics. All those problems were actuated by the financial fulfillment of the public accountant, which deviated from ethical values as signified by Hamka.Implication - Public accountants should implement Hamka’s virtues in professional practices as a reflection of Islamic principles.Originality - This research is the first study that used the virtues of Buya Hamka in public accountant practices.

The Effect of Organizational Commitment, Professionalism, and Ethical Behavior on Auditor Performance in Public Accounting Firms in Sumatra Region

The purpose of this study is to study how auditor performance is affected by the following factors: organizational commitment to the auditor's work, auditor professionalism, and ethical behavior. In addition, this study examines how organizational contribution, professionalism, and ethical behavior affect auditor performance. This study involved auditors from all over Sumatra who worked at Public Accounting Firms (KAP). The sample consisted of 5 regions: Jambi, Pekanbaru, Palembang, Medan, and Batam, with a total of 62 respondents. The data collection method through the SPSS 29 Software for Windows questionnaire was used to conduct the analysis of this study, which used multiple linear regression. According to the results of the study, although organizational commitment does not affect auditor performance, professionalism and ethical behavior significantly affect auditor performance. In addition, professionalism and ethical behavior affect the performance of auditors simultaneously with the organization's commitments.

An examination of Pacific nations’ legislatures’ interactions with Supreme Audit Institutions and the impact on audit quality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report a study of public accountability within the political and economic structures that characterise Pacific nations. The authors examine audit quality with respect to Pacific Island nations’ governmental reporting to investigate ways to improve accountability in a region that is economically and environmentally challenged. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine whether audit quality in Pacific Island nations is associated with the practical arrangements of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), taking into account external factors. The “practical arrangements” include the independence of a SAI (regarding its staffing and funding) and also the requirement for it to report to the Executive. The financial setting in each jurisdiction has been seen to impact the quality of financial reporting and auditing. The authors examine mediating factors such as income, political stability and education that may also impact audit quality. This study uses publicly available databases as well as jurisdictional annual reports and the associated audit opinions and management letters (where available). Jurisdictional reports on public financial management were also analysed. Findings The authors find that public sector audit quality is low in many Pacific countries, concluding that public accountability is impaired. While the authors recommend changes to the practical arrangements that can improve audit quality, the mediating factors also impact audit quality. They argue that a renewed focus on financial capability could enhance public accountability in these nations, but there are limiting factors that are difficult to overcome. Practical implications There are problems in providing accountability for public sector activities in Pacific nations. The authors suggest that improvements to the appointment and funding of SAIs to enhance their independence will help to reduce these issues. Originality/value The authors present a framework for analysing SAIs’ practical arrangements and audit quality that includes variables that may mediate the effects of these practical arrangements. They apply the model to 20 Pacific jurisdictions, showing that the practical arrangements of a SAI directly impact audit quality. Nevertheless, there are instances where audit quality is poor despite good practical arrangements, implying that mediating factors also play a substantial role in determining audit quality of a SAI.

Workplace Spirituality as a Moderator of the Influence of Task Complexity, Audit Experience and Audit Competence on Auditor Performance (Case Study of Public Accounting Firm of Bali Province)

Auditor performance is the result of work achieved by an auditor in carrying out his duties in accordance with the responsibilities given. This research was conducted at Public Accounting Firms (KAP) in Bali Province based on the Directory of Public Accounting Firms and Public Accountants published by the Indonesian Institute of Public Accountants (IAPI) in 2023. The subject to be studied is an auditor who is in a Public Accounting Firm (KAP) in Bali Province. The population in this study is all auditors in the Public Accounting Firm (KAP) of Bali Province which totals 148 people. The number of auditors was 148 people obtained by asking directly to the Public Accounting Firm (KAP) in Bali Province. The sample determination method used in this study is saturated sampling. The data collection method used in this study is a survey method with a questionnaire technique. The respondents' statement answers were measured using a 5-point likert scale. The data analysis in this study uses the Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) approach. Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) is a data analysis method that is devoted to analyzing moderation variables with the help of the Stata application. The results of this study prove that the complexity of tasks has a negative effect on the performance of auditors in Public Accounting Firms in Bali Province. Audit experience has a positive effect on the performance of auditors in Public Accounting Firms in Bali Province. Audit competence has a positive effect on the performance of auditors in Public Accounting Firms in the Province of Bali. In addition, this study also proves that Workplace Spirituality strengthens the negative relationship between task complexity and auditor performance in Public Accounting Firms in Bali Province. Workplace spirituality strengthens the positive relationship of audit experience to auditor performance in Public Accounting Firms in Bali Province. Workplace spirituality strengthens the positive relationship between audit competence and auditor performance in Public Accounting Firms in Bali Province.

Counter Accounting and Counter Accountability: A Post‐COVID‐19 Study of England's Hospital Infrastructure Crisis

Post‐COVID‐19 England's health‐care system remains in crisis, with growing waiting lists for elective care and rising backlog maintenance in its hospital infrastructure. The government indicates that its delivery plan issued in 2022, involving additional funding and greater use of the private sector, will tackle this problem. Framed as a consequence of the pandemic, in England, such a framing denies the historic problem of underfunding as well as the rise of financialization. Notably public accountability for health care has received little prominence over the past decade. This study uses an approach based on counter accounting to challenge the prevailing hegemony of English National Health System (NHS) health‐care infrastructure policy and offers a counter‐explanation of the current hospital infrastructure crisis. It examines an alternative set of evidence drawn from publicly available financial statements and other documents to make visible data relating to hospital infrastructure capital and revenue costs. This shows that health care has been systematically underfunded since the start of austerity in 2010, and that even additional funding during COVID‐19 was insufficient to make up the shortfall. Previously weakened accountability mechanisms have been further displaced from the public eye by the rhetoric around COVID‐19, meaning there is little challenge of private sector legitimacy in public health‐care provision, despite its financialized nature. The study considers that instigating strong oversight and evaluation of hospital infrastructure policy is necessary as over the next decade many private sector contracts will terminate and funding is likely to be in short supply.

Pengaruh Solvabilitas, Kompleksitas Operasi Perusahaan, Kontinjensi, Opini Audit, dan Reputasi Kantor Akuntan Publik (KAP) Terhadap Waktu Penyelesaian Audit

This study aims to analyze the influence of solvency, complexity of company operations, contingency, audit opinion, and the reputation of Public Accounting Firms (KAP) on the audit completion time in non-primary consumer goods sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) during the period 2019-2022. The research method used is quantitative with secondary data analysis obtained from company financial statements. The research sample is taken using purposive sampling based on specific criteria. The results show that solvency, complexity of company operations, contingency, and KAP reputation do not affect audit completion time, while audit opinion has a negative effect, where companies that receive an unqualified opinion tend to complete the audit more quickly.

Analisis Peran Bawaslu dalam Pencegahan dan Penindakan Tindak Pidana Korupsi dan Pencucian Uang Kredit BPR Sebagai Dana Kampanye Pemilihan Umum

One of the roles of the Bank Perekonomian Rakyat (BPR) is to provide credit to improve the economic welfare of the lower middle class through micro and small business services. However, the provision of BPR credit is prone to misappropriation, one of which is used as an election campaign fund. This research is a legal research in analyzing the problem using literature study which is analyzed qualitatively. The results obtained from this research are that the misuse of BPR credit used as campaign funding can be suspected of being a criminal act of corruption and money laundering because it is obtained from state finances and there are indications of disguising and hiding money. The source of state finances provided to BPRs can be viewed in terms of state capital participation in the form of securities and the provision of facilities provided by the government. In anticipating campaign funds originating from criminal acts, the Badan Pengawas Pemilu must cooperate with other parties such as the Public Accounting Office to conduct campaign fund audits and related law enforcement officials such as the Pusat Penelusuran dan Analisis Transaksi Keuangan and the Corruption Eradication Commission to prevent and prosecute the use of money from corruption crimes for campaign funding.

PACE: Participatory AI for Community Engagement

Public sector leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of civic operations and public services. This includes initiatives such as predictive waste management, facial recognition for identification, and advanced tools in the criminal justice system. While public-sector AI can improve efficiency and accountability, it also has the potential to perpetuate biases, infringe on privacy, and marginalize vulnerable groups. Responsible AI (RAI) research aims to address these concerns by focusing on fairness and equity through participatory AI. We invite researchers, community members, and public sector workers to collaborate on designing, developing, and deploying RAI systems that enhance public sector accountability and transparency. Key topics include raising awareness of AI's impact on the public sector, improving access to AI auditing tools, building public engagement capacity, fostering early community involvement to align AI innovations with public needs, and promoting accessible and inclusive participation in AI development. The workshop will feature two keynotes, two short paper sessions, and three discussion-oriented activities. Our goal is to create a platform for exchanging ideas and developing strategies to design community-engaged RAI systems while mitigating the potential harms of AI and maximizing its benefits in the public sector.

Promotion of good governance within local government: a case of municipal public accounts committee in South Africa

The aim of this article was to explore the role of Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in promoting good governance, with the contextual setting being Blouberg Local Municipality. There is general consensus among academics, practitioners and policy makers alike in South Africa that the allocation of functions and responsibilities of municipal council and that of executives are often not clear, thus creating confusion in the officialdom and weakening oversight structures including MPAC. Hence the qualified audit reports in four consecutive years in Blouberg Municipality (see Auditor General, 2016-2021), signals internal failure not only to improve the municipal financial health status but to promote good governance generally. Methodologically, the study adopted qualitative designs and used interviews as instrument to collect data from key members of the committee. Consequently, the study revealed many underlying weaknesses, but the critical one was the demonstrable poor capacity within the committee which is twofold; (1) lack of expertise to facilitate oversight and (2) insufficient budget to enable performance of the Committee. Essentially, these challenges affect the proper functioning of MPAC which is constitutionally bestowed the responsibility of holding the executive accountable and guard against any misappropriation of municipal funds. The study recommended a number of solutions to improve the state of MPAC in the municipality, amongst them were that, council should develop an integrated reporting mechanism framework to conduct an oversight role which can be done with the assistance from experts in governance. The committee’s programme of action must also be funded, sufficiently.

Locus Of Control, Transformative Leadership, Self Efficacy, Professional Commitment On The Ability To Detect Fraud. Auditor's Experience As Moderating Variables

This research aims to investigate the influence of Locus of Control, Transformative Leadership, Self Efficacy, and Professional Commitment on the Ability to Detect Fraud with the audit experience as a moderator. The population in this research are auditors who work at Public Accounting Firms in DKI Jakarta. The sampling method used was an unknowns sample because the population size was uncertain, and the researcher could not obtain information regarding the number of accountants working at the Public Accounting Firm in DKI Jakarta. The number of respondents obtained for this research was 155 respondents. In this research, the analytical methods used are descriptive statistics, data feasibility testing, classical assumption testing, multiple linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing. Test results prove that Locus of Control (LoC) has a positive effect on the ability to detect fraud, transformational leadership and professional commitment have no effect on the ability to detect fraud. Self-efficacy has a negative effect on the ability to detect fraud. Auditor experience moderates the influence of Locus of Control and Self Efficacy on the ability to detect fraud. Auditor experience does not moderate the influence of transformative leadership and professional commitment on the ability to detect fraud.

Gender-based Tracer Study of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy for AY 2014-2015 to AY 2017-2018

The study conducted a gender-based analysis on the educational background including competencies and the employability of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) graduates from the College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (CBEA) of MMSU for Academic Years 2014-2015 to 2017-2018. The research employed a descriptive-quantitative design, which utilized a survey questionnaire to gather data from 65 randomly selected graduates out of a total population of 169. The data collection was facilitated through Google Forms. Descriptive statistics, specifically frequency distribution, percentages and ranks were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that more than half of the respondents graduated as cum laude and magna cum laude and that more than half of them passed the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (LECPA). The primary motivation for pursuing the BSA degree was influenced by parents or relatives, and many graduates pursued further training and advanced studies for professional development. The respondents deemed the competencies acquired during their academic training to be highly relevant, especially in the areas of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The study also found out that majority of the BSAcc graduates were employed, predominantly holding permanent positions as accounting staff in the private sector, especially in consulting firms with monthly gross earnings ranging from Php 25,001 to Php 35,000. Notably, many respondents were not in their first jobs, their decision of changing job is influenced by salaries and benefits. The study highlights the necessity of continuous feedback from graduates to improve the BSAcc curriculum, aligning with industry requirements. This feedback is important for developing a more relevant and effective educational program that further enhances the employability and competencies of future graduates, which ensures they meet the evolving demands of the labor market.

Public Sector Governance and Service Delivery in Foreign Ministries: An Assessment of the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The paper presents findings of a study carried out to examine the effects of public sector governance on service delivery in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs- MoFA, Uganda. The primary objective of the study were to establish how public accountability and transparency mechanisms influence service delivery in Foreign Service. A cross-sectional research design, adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection and analysis was used. The findings revealed that public accountability and transparency are positively correlated with service delivery in the Foreign Service. The other finding is that the social and financial accountability systems in MoFA are weak. The paper concludes that there is urgent need to improve effective and sustainable service delivery in the Foreign Service. Accordingly, the paper recommends that MoFA should ensure that every Foreign Service officer is fully accountable for their actions at work; management should be just in all its actions regarding its officers; and MoFA should modernize its communication system. The paper identifies some areas of future investigation.

Penerapan Aplikasi ATLAS Terhadap Proses Penilaian Risiko (Studi Kasus pada KAP di Sidoarjo)

This research aims to determine the level of application of the ATLAS application to the risk assessment process at one of the Public Accounting Firms (KAP) in Sidoarjo. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques through observation and interviews with senior and junior auditors at one of the KAP in Sidoarjo. The results of this research are that the ATLAS application can be applied optimally and has an effect on the risk assessment process because this application can help auditors carry out the audit process in a more structured and orderly manner. Implementing the ATLAS application can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the risk assessment process at KAP, thus making the ATLAS application a useful tool for improving the quality of the risk assessment process at KAP. Apart from that, the ATLAS application can also help auditors provide more rational and objective audit opinions.

The Influence of the Implementation of Public Sector Accounting Models in Fraud Prevention Efforts in the Digital Era

This research aims to find and describe the characteristics of fraud that occurs in the public sector in the digital era to prevent fraud that occurs in the public sector. The research conducted is literature research sourced from articles that are in accordance with the research topic for further analysis. The results of the study show that the characteristics of fraud in the public sector that occur in the digital era include the use of misconceptions about the role of digital technology in the implementation of public accountant duties. The influence of the implementation of public sector accounting can prevent fraud in the public sector in the digital era if implemented by considering several factors that affect fraud, such as performance accountability, and implementing technical strategies, dual-paradigm approaches, and preventive strategies.

Principles of Good Governance: Operational Management Direct Expenditure and Tax Services in General Affairs Division Secretariat of Local People's Representative Council (DPRD) West Java Province, Indonesia

The implementation of good governance in the operational service management of direct spending and tax documents in the General Section of the Secretariat of the West Java Provincial People's Representative Council is very important to do. This aims to improve the quality of public services, transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of the use of public funds. This study aims to analyze the implementation of good governance principles in organizing the service of shopping documents and direct spending taxes in the General Section of the Secretariat of the West Java Provincial DPRD. The implementation of the principles of transparency, accountability, and community participation is believed to be able to encourage an increase in the quality of public services

The Influence of Audit Tenure, Audit Rotation, Public Accounting Firm Size, and Audit Opinion on Audit Quality (Study of Large Trading Companies Listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange)

The purpose of this study was to examine the Influence of audit tenure, audit rotation, size of the public accounting firm (KAP), and audit opinion on audit quality. This research data analysis method uses quantitative analysis techniques and purposive sampling, namely determining the research sample using 20 out of 47 samples of large trading companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) in the period 2020 to 2022. The method used is logistic regression. Data analysis to test the hypothesis was done by using multiple regression tests. The results of the logistic regression test show that (1) audit tenure has no significant influence on audit quality. (2) audit rotation has no significant influence on audit quality, (3) the size of the public accounting firm has no significant influence on audit quality. (4) audit opinion positively and significantly influences audit quality.

Better data for budgetary surveillance: EU law on statistics as key to unlocking the potential of public sector accounting

The quality of the data available for monitoring budgetary discipline of the Member States has been a hot topic within the European Union (EU) institutions and in the literature ever since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the inadequacy, not only of the data, but also of the policy instruments available for coordinating efforts and decision-making. In this paper, we attempt to unlock the potential of public sector accounting (PSA) for contributing to the improvement of EU surveillance mechanisms. We look beyond the idea of standardised accounting rules for the entire EU public sector (European Public Sector Accounting Standards) into a less controversial area of EU competence, and we explore the conditions for introducing reporting obligations based on PSA data as part of EU law on statistics. Points for practitioners The current succession of crises might create momentum for a change in EU fiscal policy-making. New instruments for the monitoring of the budgetary situation in the Member States could become necessary. The EU institutions cannot impose the European Public Sector Accounting Standards. However, a new standardised reporting instrument could become binding EU law if it would come in the shape of a statistical methodology. Basic principles of EU law guarantee that any new statistical reporting obligations are limited to what is necessary, proportionate and cost-effective.

Pengaruh Penerapan Standar Akuntansi Pemerintahan Berbasis Akrual & Sistem Pengendalian Internal Pemerintah Terhadap Kualitas Laporan Keuangan SKPD Di Pemerintah Kota

Management of state finances is carried out on an ongoing basis to ensure orderliness, efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability, as well as meeting demands for public accountability and submission of financial reports in accordance with regulations. Regional Governments are obliged to submit Regional Government Financial Reports (LKPD) as a form of transparency and accountability, which are assessed for credibility by the Financial Audit Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, with the quality of financial reports that are relevant, reliable, comparable and can be understood as a measure of good regional financial management. This research aims to test and analyze whether the quality of implementing Government Accounting Standards (SAP) and the Government Internal Control System (SPIP) has an effect on the quality of financial reports. This research uses an explanatory research method to understand known phenomena, with descriptive verification research to test causal relationships between variables through hypothesis testing. The implementation of Government Accounting Standards and the Government Internal Control System has a positive and significant effect on the quality of the Bandung City Government's financial reports partially, in accordance with the proposed hypothesis. The findings of this research are in line with previous research, which shows that good implementation of SAP and SPI improves the quality of local government financial reports