FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNIQUES AND FINANCIAL CRIMES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR OF NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study focused on the effect of forensic accounting techniques and financial crimes in the public sector of Nigeria. A conceptual framework research model was developed to envelope the seven specific objectives, research questions, and hypotheses. The simple random sampling technique was adopted and six (6) departments to obtain 350 respondents. A 5-point likert-scale questionnaire was administered to respondents, of which 334 copies of the questionnaire were returned useful, obtaining a 98 percent response rate. The study adopted descriptive statistics; Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation to answer the research questions, simple regression was used to test the individual hypotheses, multiple regression was used to test the combined effect of the dependent variables and stepwise regression schemes was used to test the moderating effect of corporate culture on the relationship between forensic accounting techniques and financial crimes. To establish that components of forensic accounting, significantly effect on financial crimes through investigative accounting and litigation support service. Findings, the study divulged that, corporate culture moderates the effect of forensic accounting techniques and financial crimes. Therefore, the study concludes that, forensic accounting techniques significantly influence financial crime in the public sector and recommends amongst other that, the public sectors in Nigeria should integrate forensic accounting techniques that calls attention to investigative accounting and litigation support service to enable them attain sustainable financial crimes detection and handling.