Accountability Process Analysis in the TSA Policy Implementation, the Perception on the Public Sector Financial Performance in Nigeria

The study investigates government influence on the public sector with an accountability perspective, unfolding the accountability processes that underpin financial performance. Accountability is a legal and moral demand for honesty by the public sector in compliance with government financial policies and regulations to meet stakeholder expectations. Data collection was through the qualitative method; the instrument was a semi-structured interview, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Ekiti State was selected as the case study; the unit of analysis is the Accountant-General office; other offices for broad data collection are the Ministry of Finance, the Auditor-General office, and the General Administration office of the government, and the respondents were experienced public servants in the state. The study revealed three processes of accountability: government intervention and revision of competencies; designing a channel of discussion on the mandate given to government agencies; and lastly, voluntary public reporting. Furthermore, financial accountability was lacking prior to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) financial policy implemented by the government. The TSA policy enhanced financial accountability and thus had a positive impact on the public sector's financial performance. It is recommended that public institutions of government regularly create a system to maintain accountability for governmental financial performance. Keywords: Accountability, Public Sector, Financial Performance, Treasury Single Account, Policy, and Government DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/14-17-01 Publication date: September 30 th 2023