J.P. OTAKEFE

This study examined the effect of accounting technology on fraud prevention and detection in organizations. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between accounting software, cybersecurity measures, automated internal controls, and ICT training on the prevention and detection of accounting fraud. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to accounting and audit professionals across various sectors, including banking, insurance, and oil and gas industries in Nigeria. A total of 360 valid responses were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the aid of EViews 13 statistical software. The findings revealed that accounting software has a significant positive effect on fraud prevention and detection, indicating that the use of modern accounting tools such as automated reconciliations and audit trails enhances transparency and accountability in financial reporting. Cybersecurity measures, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, were also found to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and fraudulent manipulation of accounting data. Similarly, automated internal controls significantly improved the detection of irregular transactions and reduced the incidence of fraudulent activities. Moreover, ICT training among employees was shown to significantly strengthen organizational capacity to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to potential accounting fraud. The study concludes that the adoption of accounting technologies and continuous ICT skill development are crucial to enhancing fraud prevention and detection mechanisms in organizations. It recommends that organizations should invest more in modern accounting software, implement robust cybersecurity frameworks, and conduct regular ICT-based fraud awareness training for employees. This will not only improve financial integrity but also strengthen the overall internal control environment for sustainable organizational performance.

This study investigates the impact of board characteristics- board size, board gender diversity, board independence, and board compensation- on firm financial performance among non-financial and non-oil and gas firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Using panel data from 78 firms over the period 2020 to 2024, the study employs descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression techniques to analyze these relationships. The findings reveal that board gender diversity positively and significantly influences firm financial performance, while board size negatively affects performance. Net profit showed inconsistent effects, and board independence and compensation were not statistically significant predictors. The study recommends promoting gender diversity and optimizing board size to enhance firm performance. These results contribute to understanding corporate governance’s role in improving financial outcomes in the Nigerian business environment and provide guidance for regulators, firms, and stakeholders aiming to strengthen board effectiveness