Accounting Software

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND ACCOUNTING FRAUD

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Abstract
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.
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