European Journal of Accounting, Finance and Investment

Ipsas Compliance And Financial Reporting Quality Of Ministries, Departments And Agencies In Rivers State

Dr. CHIKWE-TASIE Nwobuisi Chukwumeka

Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Technology, Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni Rivers State

Keywords: IPSAS compliance, Financial reporting quality, Faithful representation, Public sector accounting, Rivers State MDAs

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Abstract

This study examines the effect of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) compliance on financial reporting quality in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Rivers State, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on faithful representation. A survey research design was adopted, focusing on a population of 310 accounting and finance personnel across all MDAs in Rivers State. Using a stratified random sampling technique, a sample of 65 respondents was selected to ensure proportional representation and reduce sampling bias. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire designed on a five-point Likert scale. IPSAS compliance was operationalized using three proxies: IPSAS Compliance Index, Disclosure Adequacy Ratio, and Number of IPSAS Departures Reported, while financial reporting quality was measured using attributes of faithful representation. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize respondents’ perceptions and multiple regression analysis to examine the effect of IPSAS compliance on financial reporting quality. The regression results indicate that the IPSAS Compliance Index has a positive and statistically significant effect on faithful representation, suggesting that improved compliance with IPSAS recognition, measurement, and presentation requirements enhances the reliability and completeness of public sector financial reports. Similarly, the Disclosure Adequacy Ratio exhibits a positive and significant relationship with faithful representation, underscoring the importance of adequate disclosures in improving transparency and credibility of financial information. Conversely, the Number of IPSAS Departures Reported shows a negative but statistically insignificant effect, reflecting the persistence of partial IPSAS implementation and continued reliance on cash-basis accounting among Rivers State MDAs. Overall, the model explains a substantial proportion of the variation in faithful representation, confirming that IPSAS compliance is a key determinant of financial reporting quality in the public sector, although its effectiveness is constrained by inconsistent application across MDAs. The study concludes that full and consistent IPSAS implementation is essential for strengthening accountability and decision-usefulness of public sector financial reports.

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