DETERMINANTS OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING SKILLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR MINISTRY OF FINANCE NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the determinants of forensic accounting skills; Legal and Regulatory Framework, Ethical Codes of Conducts, Experience and Mentorship and Technological Adoption in The Public Sector Ministry of Finance North Western Nigeria. a survey was conducted in 6 different departments. Data was collected using the primary source by issuing out 30 questionnaires filled and returned by the respondents; 14 forensic accountants, 10 auditors and 6 accountants. The data was then sorted and analyzed using the regression method of data analysis. The first analysis showed there was a positive relationship between the two variables because it showed a positive 0.376, the P-value was 0.013 which is lower than the alpha figure selected for the study (0.05) therefore this indicates that the null hypothesis should be rejected. The second variable tested was the impact forensic accounting skills have on ethical standards and codes of conduct, here it also showed a positive relationship between the two variables with a positive 0.318, the P- value was 0.040 also lower than the alpha, so null hypothesis is to be rejected. The third variable tested was the impact forensic accounting skills have on technological adoption, the analysis also showed that there is a positive relationship between the two variables with a positive 0.358, the P-value was 0.024 also lower than alpha as such null hypothesis is to be rejected. The last variable tested was the impact forensic accounting skills have on experience and mentorship. The analysis also showed that there is a positive relationship between the two variables with a positive 0.322, the P-value was 0.036 also lower than the alpha, so null hypothesis is to be rejected. It was concluded that, Skills of forensic accounting is a very important, possessing those skills is essential in uncovering any fraud or mismanagement in the public sector. Forensic accounting skill have a very important impact on the legal and regulatory framework of the public sector, technological adoption, ethical standards and codes of conduct, experience and mentorship. It is recommended that, Accountants, Auditors and forensic accountants should be equipped with those skills to enable them detect fraud, errors, uncover and prevent mis appropriation of fund. Investigate fraud and corruption more efficiently in the public sector Ministry of Finance North western Nigeria.