DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

This study examined the relationship between management accounting practices and strategic decision making in organisations in Nigeria. The main objective was to determine how management accounting tools such as budgeting and budgetary control, standard costing, variance analysis, activity-based costing, and cost-volume-profit analysis influence strategic decision making in Nigerian firms. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to selected organisations in Edo State. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, and the data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The findings revealed that management accounting practices significantly influence strategic decision making, particularly in areas such as cost control, planning, and performance evaluation. The study concluded that effective application of management accounting tools enhances strategic decision making and organisational performance. It recommended that firms in Nigeria should strengthen their management accounting systems and continuously train managers in the use of modern accounting tools to support strategic decisions.

Motivated by the important role Intellectual capital plays in firms' performance, this study investigates the role of intellectual capital on the performance of Food, Beverage, and Tobacco (FBT) companies in Nigeria. The study relied on Secondary data covering 2012-2022, which were sourced from the yearly audited reports of the FBT corporations. The analytical method employed for the study is the pooled ordinary least squares (Pooled OLS) estimator. The empirical results revealed that capital employed efficiency and human capital efficiency are negatively related to financial performance, albeit only human capital efficiency is significantly related. Structural capital efficiency is positively
and significantly related to financial performance. The interactive terms of capital employed efficiency, human capital efficiency and structural capital efficiency are positively and significantly related to financial performance. Based on the findings, the
study concluded that the combination of intellectual capital components is a major driver of the performance of FBT companies in Nigeria. Consequently, this study recommended that FBT firms should give greater emphasis to the interaction of the major components of IC because of its ability to influence their financial performance positively

This study examines the pivotal role of accounting in the framework of poverty reduction programs, emphasizing the critical dimensions of transparency and accountability in Nigeria. Through the distribution and analysis of 100 structured questionnaires, data were collected from a diverse group of stakeholders, including accountants, financial officers, program managers, and representatives from non-governmental and community-based organizations involved in poverty alleviation initiatives. The research adopts both descriptive and regression analysis methods, aligning the results with the study's primary objectives. Findings underscore that effective accounting practices significantly enhance financial transparency and accountability, which in turn contribute to more efficient resource management in poverty reduction schemes. Transparency in financial reporting fosters trust between stakeholders and promotes the prudent utilization of funds, ensuring they reach the intended beneficiaries. Simultaneously, accountability mechanisms—including adherence to clear policies, external audits, and stakeholder involvement—are demonstrated to mitigate corruption, enhance program oversight, and improve overall outcomes. Moreover, the study reveals a robust positive correlation between poverty reduction and the independent variables—accounting practices, transparency, and accountability. Statistical analyses confirm the significance of these factors, with 82.2% of variance in poverty reduction explained by the regression model. This highlights the intertwined relationship between these dimensions and their collective contribution to sustainable poverty alleviation.

The broad objective of this study is to examine the nexus between an entity’s intellectual capital and financial performance. The study is a qualitative study which made use data gotten from carefully designed one hundred and seventy-four questionnaires distributed to respondents of a staffs of a hospital in Beninmetropolis. The one hundred and twenty responses in data form were analysed using the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. The findings of the study show a direct and inconsequential relationship between social capital and company performance, the result also shows a positive as well as a significant nexus between human capital and company performance, the result reveal a positive and insignificant association between human asset and company performance. Finally, OLS output shows a direct and strong nexus between relational assets and company financial performance.

This study examined the impact of audit committee characteristics on the financial performance of selected Nigerian consumer goods firms. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of audit committee independence, gender diversity, size, and meeting frequencyon financial performance, measured by Return on Assets (ROA). A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing secondary data extracted from the audited annual report soft wenty publicly listed consumer goods companies over five years from 2019 to 2023, yielding a total of 100 observations. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel least squares regression were employed to analyze the data, while diagnostic tests including the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) and the Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey heteroskedasticity test were conducted to ensure the robustness of the model. The results revealed that audit committee characteristics—independence, gender diversity, size, and meeting frequency had nostatistically significant effect on financial performance in the sampled firms. The findings suggest that while audit committees play a crucial role in corporate governance, their attributes alone may not determine firm profitability. The study recommends that firms complement audit committee effectiveness with broader governance practices, enhance the quality and engagement of committee members, and integrate committees into strategic decision-making. Future research is encouraged to explore additional governance mechanisms and contextual factors that may influence financial performance across different sectors in Nigeria.

This study examines the relationship between sustainability disclosure and the timeliness of financial reporting among listed firms in Nigeria. In the modern corporate landscape, stakeholders demand transparency regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)impacts alongside traditional financial performance. However, Nigerian firms face challenges such as weak enforcement and institutional gaps, leading to delays in reporting and inadequate disclosures. The primary objective of this study is to assess the extent of sustainability disclosure, evaluate compliance with regulatory timelines, and determine if a significant relationship exists between these two variables. The study adopts a descriptive and ex-post facto research design, focusing on companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Data are sourced from the annual reports and accounts of selected firms. The study tests three hypotheses centered on 101 the significance of disclosure levels and the correlation between sustainability reporting and reporting speed. Preliminary observations suggest that while awareness is growing, many firms still provide limited sustainability information and often exceed regulatory deadlines. The findings of this27 study will be of significant value to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and potential investors by highlighting areas for improved monitoring and enforcement. The study concludes that enhancing the quality and timeliness of disclosures is critical for boosting investor confidence and promoting corporate accountability in the Nigerian emerging market. Keywords: Sustainability Disclosure, Financial Reporting Timeliness, ESG Reporting, Corporate Governance, Nigerian Exchange Group, Transparency.

This study examined the relationship between board characteristics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) among selected Nigerian firms. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of board size, board diversity, board independence and board expertise on CSR performance, while firm size and return on assets (ROA) were included as control variables. Secondary data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression. The descriptive results showed moderate CSR engagement among the firms. The correlation analysis revealed that CSR is positively associated with board characteristics, company size, and profitability. Diagnostic tests confirmed that the regression model satisfied major assumptions, including normality, absence of multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity. The regression results further indicated that board size has a positive and statistically significant effect on CSR, suggesting that larger boards facilitate stronger commitment to CSR initiatives. Although board diversity, board independence and board expertise also showed positive relationships with CSR, they were not statistically significant. Additionally, both ROA and company size were significant predictors of CSR, implying that more profitable and larger firms are more socially responsible.

This study examined auditing as a strategic approach to ensuring accountability and transparency in Nigerian firms. The research specifically assessed the effects of audit frequency, audit quality, and audit independence on accountability and transparency among ten (10) listed service firms on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) between 2019 and 2024. Secondary data were extracted from the firms’ annual reports, while the analysis was conducted using EViews 13 through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel least squares regression techniques. The descriptive results revealed a relatively high level of accountability and transparency among the sampled firms, with moderate variations in audit practices. The correlation analysis showed strong positive associations between all auditing variables and accountability and transparency, suggesting that improvements in audit mechanisms enhance corporate openness. The regression analysis indicated that audit frequency (β = 0.0276, p = 0.016) and audit quality (β = 0.0629, p = 0.000) have significant positive effects on accountability and transparency, while audit independence (β = 0.0121, p = 0.052) had a positive but statistically insignificant influence. The overall model had an R-squared value of 0.799, indicating that approximately 79.9% of the variations in accountability and transparency were explained by the three audit variables.

This research investigates how internal auditing systems influence the performance of educational regulatory institutions, with specific reference to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were distributed to audit staff within SUBEB. The study population comprised all employees of SUBEB across Edo State, while the sample size consisted of 67 staff members from the bursary department’s accounting section in Oredo. Findings revealed a strong and significant correlation between internal audit planning and the faithful presentation of financial statements. Results also showed that internal auditing practices positively influence both the timeliness and the relevance of financial audit reports. Specifically, 60.3% of respondents affirmed that internal auditing enhances the relevance of financial audit reports, 29.6% were undecided, while 10.1% disagreed. The study concludes that effective internal auditing systems enhance the credibility and reliability of financial statements produced by educational regulatory bodies. It recommends that management should ensure bursary units comply with statutory requirements, organizational policies, and established standards, with periodic audits serving as enforcement mechanisms.

This study examined the impact of accounting expertise and auditing procedures on the sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State, Nigeria. The purpose was to determine how accounting knowledge, professional auditing practices, and the adoption of standard financial systems influence SME performance, operational ef iciency, and long-term survival.
The study employed a structured questionnaire administered to 100 SME owners, managers, and accounting personnel selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data and determine the relationship between accounting expertise, auditing procedures, and SME sustainability.
Findings revealed that accounting expertise has a significant positive ef ect on SME financial performance (p < 0.05), while auditing procedures significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability (p < 0.05). Despite these benefits, many SMEs still face challenges such as inadequate expertise, high cost of professional services, poor record- keeping culture, and weak regulatory enforcement. The study recommends regular training for SME operators, promotion of af ordable auditing services, increased awareness of accounting standards, and the adoption of digital accounting systems to support transparency and longterm business growth