Accounting Information Systems and Governance Issues in Local Government Authorities in Tanzania

Abstract

Among the strategies identified by MKUKUTA to improve good governance in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania are those concerned with strengthening financial management, accounting, financial reporting, auditing and budgeting. The opinion is that strengthening those processes requires an effective accounting information system (AIS). Therefore this study had two aims; first to explore the role played by AIS in promoting accountability, participation, predictability and transparency; and second to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of AIS in fulfilling those roles. To achieve these objectives, the data analysed were collected from four LGAs through 23 interviews, 3 focus group discussions and documentary analysis. The findings show that AIS plays a minimum role in the achievement of good governance and the reasons for this are also identified. The study recommends that to achieve good governance, there is a need to design and install AIS that includes good governance components.