Abstract:
This study evaluates the effectiveness of audit committees in detecting financial
fraud within the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA). With the
increasing prevalence of financial fraud in public institutions, effective oversight
mechanisms are paramount to ensure accountability and transparency. The
research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative surveys
and qualitative interviews to gather data from audit committee members and
relevant stakeholders within TARURA. Key findings indicate that the expertise of
audit committee members significantly influences their ability to detect financial
irregularities, while effective oversight of financial activities is crucial in
mitigating fraud risks. Furthermore, the study highlights the proactive role of audit
committees in preventing fraud through robust internal controls and regular audits.
By comparing the results with previous studies on audit committee effectiveness,
the research underscores the necessity for continuous training and capacity
building for audit committee members to enhance their competencies. The study
concludes with recommendations aimed at strengthening the audit committee's
role in fraud detection and promoting good governance practices within TARURA.
These findings contribute to the broader discourse on financial governance and
accountability in public institutions in Tanzania.
