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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 10, No. 1

Publication Date: January 25, 2023

DOI:10.14738/assrj.101.13744. Kanyamuna, V., & Sibalwa, G. (2023). An Investigation of Factors that Contribute to Qualified External Audit Reports at The

University of Zambia. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(1). 279-301.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

An Investigation of Factors that Contribute to Qualified

External Audit Reports at The University of Zambia

Vincent Kanyamuna

School of Humanities and Social Sciences,

Department of Development Studies

University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Geofrey Sibalwa

School of Medicine, Accounting Unit,

University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

ABSTRACT

This research sought to investigate factors that contribute to qualified external

audit reports at the University of Zambia (UNZA). The researchers used survey

questionnaires through the Survey Monkey software and the interview schedules

to collect data. There were 50 questionnaires distributed and 50 were received,

giving a response rate of 100%. The researchers used UNZA Management,

Accounting and Auditing staff as respondents. A descriptive study approach was

used. Consequently, there are a lot of factors that lead to qualified external audit

reports at UNZA. These include lack of supporting documents for expenses, lack of

bank confirmations, differences between the bank reconciliations and the trial

balance. Other factors are low level of professional competence and negative

attitude towards work, inadequate accounting staff and lack of motivation among

the subordinates. As a remedy, the research proposed recommendations which

could be used to mitigate the qualified external audit reports at the Institution.

These include adopting ICT systems and an accounting package that would be able

to produce all the necessary accounting and financial reports, to improve on

vouching, filing and record keeping for both financial and non-financial records.

Other recommendations are continuous training and mentoring of both accounting

and non-accounting staff, management to improve staff welfare by ensuring

adequate staffing levels as well as introducing incentives to keep staff motivated.

Keywords: Qualified external audit; internal audit, monitoring, UNZA, Zambia

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The University of Zambia (UNZA), the first Public University in the country, was established by

The University of Zambia Act No. 66 of 1965 and subsequently opened in 1966. The University

had an initial mandate of producing professional and trained human resource to meet the needs

of the rapidly growing economy that characterised the post-independence period. UNZA is a

post-independence creation whose major mandate was to produce the nation’s high level

human resource. The functions of the University have evolved over time from those stipulated

in the previous Acts to the current Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 which provides a legal

framework for the university education in Zambia and defines, broadly, the purposes of both

public and private universities [1].

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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 10, Issue 1, January-2023

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

The functions of the University are to provide higher education; create conditions for learners

to acquire qualifications and pursue excellence and promote the full realisation of the potential

of learners; create conditions for lifelong learning; prepare learners and academicians and

strengthen the effect of academic learning and scientific research so as to enhance social and

economic development; conduct research necessary and responsive to national needs; provide

facilities appropriate for the pursuit of learning and research and for the acquisition of higher

education that is responsive to the needs of the public; prepare specialist, expert, research and

managerial cadres to carry out intellectual and creative work to meet national needs; provide

optimal opportunities for learning and the creation of knowledge; and contribute to the

advancement of all forms of knowledge and scholarship in keeping with global standards of

academic quality [2]. Within this context, the major functions of the University of Zambia are

teaching, learning, and research as well as community service.

Teaching and learning are central to UNZA functions. The two functions are a cardinal part of

its mandate of providing education to appropriately qualified persons. From time immemorial

the quality of graduates from UNZA has stood the test of time. This is evidenced by the good

number of graduates who have been absorbed in the job market widely. This has benefitted

both public and private sectors locally and internationally. Due to the ever-changing

environment in the job market, demand for professional upgrading of individuals from private

and public sectors is increasing and UNZA is equal to the task to meet this demand [3].

Besides teaching and learning, UNZA is expected to provide an environment in which one is

able to discover, create and innovate. It is one of the University’s major responsibilities to create

knowledge through various research activities, the results of which are crucial in making

informed decisions and policies by industry, government and society at large. Research is also

expected to generate knowledge, which should provide the basis for teaching and learning. The

University supports various types of research, including postgraduate, commissioned and

responsive research in various areas which contribute immeasurably to national development

[4].

UNZA provides a variety of services to numerous stakeholders through consultancy, outreach

and extension activities. The stakeholders in consultancy services include the private sector,

non-governmental organisations, cooperating partners and the government. Outreach services

normally operate on partnership basis with communities which are responding to a particular

need [5]. Extension services are normally offered to the communities which require

introduction to or upgrading of, particular new knowledge and skills that enhance the

development endeavours in their environment.

Further, UNZA Council is responsible for the governance, control and administration of the

University. The Chancellor is appointed by the President of the Republic from among eminent

Zambian citizens, on recommendation by the Minister responsible for higher education. The

Senate is the Supreme Academic Authority of the University. The Chancellor presides at all

ceremonial gatherings of the University and confers all degrees, other academic titles and

distinctions of the University. The Principal Officers of the University are the Vice-Chancellor,

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Librarian, Bursar and Dean of Students. The Vice-Chancellor

and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor are appointed by the Minister responsible for Higher Education

while others are appointed by the University Council. Schools are headed by Deans while