Internal control systems (ICS) and detection and prevention of financial fraud; case study: National Water and Sewerage Corporation Central Region

Abstract

This study was about the role of internal control systems (ICS) in the detection and prevention of financial fraud in organizations and was specially conducted in NWSC areas in the central region in the areas of Entebbe, Jinja and Masaka. The specific objectives of the study are to establish the role of: Control environment, control activities and monitoring in the detection and prevention of financial fraud and to establish the types of financial fraud committed in the areas. For the purpose of this study, qualitative approach and case study design was adopted. A sample of 98 was selected from a study population of 130. They were mainly selected using purposive sampling techniques and participated in the interview and filling of questionnaires. The study establishes that board members from the head office were reviewing activities of the areas periodically especially in Masaka, audit committees were conducting audit, transactions were authorized/approved and ongoing monitoring was taking place. The study established the types of financial fraud committed as being: forgery and bribery and these were being committed by the field staff notably the plumbers, billing staff. There was no revelation about cases of paying less, but to some extent evidence emerged of cases though not common of embezzlement like the case in Kajjansi Entebbe area, inflating figures while making purchases especially of connection materials. Recommendations were made which majorly pointed out what should be done to enable the existing ICS detect and prevent financial fraud in the NWSC areas in the central region. Suggested areas of further research are: to study the components of ICS not covered in this research, carrying out study in other organizations other that NWSC and a detailed study of the role of human resource policies and procedures in the detection and prevention of financial fraud.