Role Of Internal Auditors In Fraud Prevention And Detection In Government Establishments: A Case Study Of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

ABSTRACT

The study examines the role of internal auditors in fraud prevention and detection in government establishments. The purpose of the study is to evaluate mechanisms for fraud prevention and detection, to examine the relevance of internal control in preventing and detecting fraudulent activities in government establishments and to also identify technical skills and cornpetencies required of auditors in fraud prevention and detection. Information for the study was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Data collected were appropriately analysed. Chi -square was used to test the study hypotheses. From the study it was found that internal auditors have a significant role in fraud prevention and detection, it was also discovered that prevention and detection of fraud by internal auditors influences the performance of the organizations and that internal control system has significant  relevance in fraud prevention and detection in government establishments. The study also revealed that fraud prevention and detection require technical skills and competericies in government establishments. Based on the findings the recommendations are that the continuous nature of internal auditing should be sustained, there should he no favours in appointments SO as to avoid employing inexperienced and unqualified staff, government establishments should be encouraged to employ effective supervision to achieve adherence to work standards and avoid mistakes, they should also allow for systematic reviews, use of internal control mechanisms like bookkeeping and visualization in fraud detection and prevention.