ACCOUNTING IN THE NIGERIA PUBLIC SECTOR, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

ABSTRACT

In order to successfully accomplish the purpose for this research study, on the role of the Nigeria accountant question were formulated and a questionnaire comprising statement drawn from the research questions were prepared as well from the following problems are be setting public sector. Appointment of unqualified accountants to act as account supervisor, negative attitude of most accountants to wards account ability resulting to inadequate keeping of financial and accounting records are stipulated by the financial regulations and treasuring circulars.

Accounting in the Nigeria public sector, problem and prospects is the project topic and a case study of selected government establishment in Okpe local government Area of Delta state, the research involve five (5) chapters.

In chapter, it entails the introduction/ background of study, statement of problem, purpose of the study, significance of study, scope and limitation of the study and research question.

Chapter two involved the literature review, who is an accountant, accountant is defined, book-keeping and account differentiated, government accounting defined, objectives of accounting in the public sector, legal basis, the nature of Nigeria public sector accounting government and some identified problems of the Nigeria public sector accounting.

Chapter four, involved data analysis, data presentation of demographic characteristics, assessment of accounting system of the public sector, testing of research questions and major findings.

Chapter five, involved the summary, recommendation and conclusion more so suggestion for the area of further research.

The research various recommendation as remedies if fully implemented, will enhance government accounting system and records and ensure prudence in the conduct of government financial transaction.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1     INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Accounting has often been described as the language of business and accounting profession as the back bone of organization. This is because accounting besides duties plays the role of custodian of the finances of such organization and also serves as the vehicle for employing these funds in such ventures as to promote survival and growth. But accounting is a dynamic profession. Like language it is not static it grows, embracing additional roles in its development trail. The accounting profession, as it affects the public sector of the economy, provides figures and information on the past performance of  this sector for planning for the future. Government budgets depends on information supplied through accounting

It is a thing of joy that an accounting body in Nigerian, the institute of chartered accountant s of Nigerian (ICAN), and the association of National, Accountants of Nigerian (ANAN), has lately accredited two institutions as recognized training centre for the purpose of training accountants solely for the public sector. Today a new scheme, the accounting technicians scheme (ATS).

The Nigerian college of accounting, Joy has been designed to train and develop the manpower required for the public sector.