EFFECT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNIQUES ON FRAUD PREVENTION IN PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65922/rxmkg842Abstract
This study evaluates the effect of forensic accounting techniques on fraud prevention in public sector financial management in Northwestern Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, descriptive statistics results showed high mean scores across variables, with Fraud Risk Assessment (M = 4.30, SD = 0.61) emerging as the most relevant technique, while Digital Forensics (M = 3.95, SD = 0.81) was the least adopted. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between all forensic techniques and fraud prevention, with Fraud Risk Assessment (r = 0.665, p < 0.01) and Document Examination (r = 0.612, p < 0.01) showing the strongest associations. Regression results confirmed that the model significantly predicts fraud prevention (F(5,249) = 119.24, p < 0.001), explaining 63.2% of the variance (R2 = 0.632). Among predictors, Fraud Risk Assessment (β = 0.331, p < 0.001) had the greatest influence, followed by Data Analysis (β = 0.178, p = 0.001) and Litigation Support (β = 0.167, p < 0.001). Document Examination (β = 0.152, p = 0.003) and Digital Forensics (β = 0.121, p = 0.008) also contributed significantly, though comparatively weaker. The findings demonstrate that forensic accounting techniques collectively play a critical role in strengthening fraud prevention mechanisms in the Nigerian public sector, with risk-based approaches being particularly impactful.
Keywords: Forensic accounting, fraud prevention, risk assessment, data analysis, public sector financialmanagement,
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