This study was to assess the significance external auditor‟s in the examination of financial statement of first Bank of Nigeria Plc., Enugu. The banking sector in Nigeria and elsewhere in recent times have become so diversified, challenging, highly competitive and has been characterized by persistent, fraud, errors and misappropriation of funds in the bank, the impact of which has undoubtedly shaken the whole economy of the nation. For this work to be effectively and efficiently carried out the use of primary and secondary methods was adopted for the collection of data, where in primary data, the researcher designed and advanced questionnaires to first Bank Enugu for collection of primary data while secondary data was gotten from textbooks, journals, manuals lecture notes, etc. the data collected from the questionnaire was analyzed in tables with simple percentage and interpreted for the understanding of the study the formulated hypothesis were tested using Z – test formula. The result of the study shows that, external auditors examination of first banks financial statement or records aids in checking and monitoring as well as stopping frauds errors, misappropriation of funds in the Banks. Recommendations were made to the management of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Abuja.
TABLE OF CONTENTSApproval Page i
Dedication ii
Acknowledgments iii
Abstract iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 3
1.3 Objectives of the Study 4
1.4 Research Questions 4
1.5 Research Hypotheses 5
1.6 Significance of the Study 6
1.7 Scope/ Limitations of the Study 6
1.8 Definition of Terms 7
Reference 10
2.0 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 11
2.1 The Concept of Auditing 11
2.2 Extent of an Auditors investigation Responsibilities
of Audit organizations 17
2.3 Responsibilities of Audit Organizations 18
2.4 Evaluating the Significance of an External Auditors 19
2.5 External auditors Role in Detecting Fraud 20
2.5.1 Types of Fraud 22
2.5.2 Weakness in the Internal Control System and
Lack of Co-operation by Client Staff 32
2.5.3 Lack of Monitoring System in the Organization 35
2.5.4 Unexplained Discrepancies in Accounts 35
2.5.5 Tolerance of Accounting Errors and Differences 36
2.5.6 Document of Unique Reliance on the Staff 37
2.2.7 Chaotic Accounting System 37
2.6 External Auditors Role in Ensuring the
Keeping of Proper Accounts 38
2.7 The Significance of External Auditors in Reporting to
the Shareholders (Public Limited Companies) 39
Reference 41
3.0 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 42
3.1 Research Design 42
3.2 Sources of Data 42
3.3 Research Instrument 44
3.4 Reliability/Validity of Research Instrument 45
3.5 Population 46
3.6 Sample Size and Sample Techniques 46
3.7 Administration of Research Instrument 50
3.8 Method of Data Analysis 50
3.8 Decision criterion for Validation of Hypothesis 51
4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis 52
4.2 Testing of Hypothesis 65
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5.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS 72
5.1 Summary of Findings 72
5.2 Conclusion 73
5.3 Recommendations 74
Bibliography 76
Appendix 78
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It is obvious that enormous resources of money and material are being utilized by corporate organizations. In recent years the numbers and monetary values of public sector activities have increased substantially. This increase in activities have brought within an added demand for accountability.
Auditing is one of the elements of accountability. Shareholders and government are responsible for ensuring that appropriate audit are made and reports therefore acted upon. Financial auditing contributes to public account ability since it provide independent report or whether the financial information represent a true and fair view of the organization‟s financial stand, the internal controls and the compliances with laws and regulation.
