THE ROLE OF ACCOUNTING IN POVERTY REDUCTION THROUGH TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

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.