The Role of Public Sector Accounting in Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Government

This paper appraised the role of public sector accounting in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. Aimed at finding out the significant relationship between public sector accounting and transparency, as well as the correlation between public sector accounting and accountability in governance, this paper was anchored on the Agency theory ant the Institutional theory. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and conducted systematic reviews of studies in the area. Findings from this paper reveals that Public sector accounting and transparency have a fundamental, two-way relationship - accounting provides the framework and information necessary for transparency, while transparency is a key objective that good accounting helps achieve. This relationship allows citizens to hold governments accountable for the use of public funds by providing clear, reliable financial information. Again, findings revealed that Public sector accounting and accountability in governance are fundamentally linked, as accounting provides the tools and information necessary to make governance accountable. A strong public sector accounting system is crucial for transparency, enabling citizens and stakeholders to hold the government responsible for the management of public resources. The paper concluded that Public sector accounting promotes transparency and accountability by providing clear, standardized financial reports that enable public scrutiny of how government funds are used. Through processes like financial reporting, auditing, and budgeting, it holds public officials responsible for their actions, builds public trust, and helps prevent corruption. Ultimately, effective public accounting is a cornerstone of good governance, allowing citizens to monitor government performance and ensure responsible resource management. Against the foregoing conclusion, it is therefore recommended that government should uphold their commitment to the OGP Action Plan. Government should also deepen the awareness creation on the Freedom of Information Act, to make government records accessible to the public.