THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ADOPTION ON ACCOUNTING PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING ACCURACY IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption on accounting practices and financial reporting accuracy in public institutions. The increasing reliance on ICT in financial management has raised critical questions about its role in improving efficiency, accuracy, and accountability in the public sector. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent of ICT adoption in accounting practices, and examine its effect on the timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting, A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from accountants, auditors, and financial officers in selected public institutions using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The findings revealed that ICT has been moderately adopted in public institutions, with accounting information systems, electronic auditing tools, and integrated financial management systems being the most widely used. ICT adoption was found to significantly enhance the timeliness and accuracy of financial reports, strengthen internal control mechanisms, and reduce cases of human error and financial fraud. However, challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited technical expertise, poor funding, and cybersecurity risks hinder effective utilization. The study concludes that ICT adoption is vital for transparent and reliable financial reporting in the public sector. It recommends strengthening ICT infrastructure, providing regular training, enforcing standardized systems, and adopting strong cybersecurity measures to ensure accountability and sustainable public financial management.