THE ROLE OF AN ACCOUNTANT IN THE POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMME OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (A CASE STUDY OF ENUGU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA).

ABSTRACT

          This project work was on the role of the accountant in poverty alleviation programme of the federal government with particular note on Enugu North local government area.

          The objectives of the study among others were: To determine the role of the Accountant in the poverty alleviation programme of Enugu North local government area.

          To determine whether the role of the accountant is of relevant in the planning of programmes and policies of the poverty alleviation programme in Enugu North local government area.

          In view of this an in depth literature, review was carried of related materials, journals, and text books, Beside, data were elicited through the use of Questionnaire and oral interview conducted.

          These data were analyzed and presented using statistical technique such as tables and percentages.  The data was used to test the three hypothesis formulated.

          Based on the data analyzed these findings were made:

It was discovered that the poverty alleviation programme was geared towards, providing food, security, reducing unemployment and increasing the standard of living of the citizens.

          Inspite of the rigorous effort by the three tiers government and the huge sum that has been spent so far, the impact is yet to be felt even in Enugu North Local Government Area.

          It was discovered that the local government authorities particularly the poverty alleviation committee have made contentious effort towards mobilization of savings by intermediating between those that have the needed resources (donors) and those that need then (grassroots).

          In the light of these findings recommendation were also made which include:

Enlightment campaign programme aimed at informing and educating the citizens and individuals domiciled within Enugu on the relevance benefit and right attitude towards poverty alleviation programme.

Periodic account audit should be carried out semi annually in other to determine the amount and the effect of funds disbursed courtesy of the poverty alleviation programme.

There should be proper integration and role definition with particular emphasis on the place of the accountant in other to guarantee maximum result which will invariably lead to a noticeable impact of the programme at the grass root lead.

          The researcher strongly believe that if the measures are taken it will help to create positive impact of poverty alleviation programme at the grass root level.

PROPOSAL

          My project research work is on the role of an accountant in the poverty alleviation programme of the federal government of Nigeria with particular reference in Enugu North Local Government Area.

          These are the areas that I will concentrate while carrying out my project research.

-         To determine whether the role of the accountant is of any relevant in the planning of programmes and policies of the poverty alleviation programme in Enugu North local government areas.

In the envisaged study, six hypotheses will be formulated to give direction of the study.

          Data for the study would be sourced from two main sources.

Primary data: Questionnaires and oral interviews will be used to collect information from the respondents.

Secondary data : Journals, magazine and other relevant materials relating to the area of my investigation will be review.

          This project will focus on the activities and the role which the accountant will play in the poverty alleviation programme of the federal government in Enugu North local government area.

          Extensive literature review will be carried out on direct literature and indirect literature on books, journals and past works.

          I will personally administer the questionnaire on the respondents comprising private individuals and the staff of the Enugu North local Government Area.

          The research instrument to be used in this study will be oral interview and questionnaire.  The questionnaire will be structural as to contain both close and open ended question.

          Simple tables, pie-charts and percentages will be used in treatment of data while chi-square will be used to test the hypothesis formulated.

          Finally, the study will hold immense benefit to the economic programmes of the federal government and its citizenry, the entire citizenry of Enugu North Local Government Area, the researcher and readers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page                                                                                ii

Dedication                                                                               iii

Acknowledgement                                                                             iv

Abstract                                                                                  v

Proposal                                                                                  vii

Table of contents                                                                     ix

CHAPTER ONE

1.0            Introduction                                                                            1

1.1     Purpose of the problem                                                 2

1.2            Statement of the problem                                                        4

1.3            Objectives of the study                                                  6

1.4            Research hypothesis                                                      7

1.5            Scope / limitation of the study                                       8

1.6            Significance of the study                                                         9

1.7            Definition of terms                                                                  10

CHAPTER TWO

2.0            Review of related literature                                            12

2.1     Nature and scope of accounting                                              12

2.2            Qualifications of an accountant                                               17

2.3            The functional role of an accountant                             21

2.4            Benefits                                                                          23

2.5            The poverty alleviation programme

of the federal government.                                             24

CHAPTER THREE

3.0            Research Methodology                                                  30

3.1     Sources of data                                                              30

3.2            Research instrument                                                      31

3.3            Population of study                                                       32

3.4            Sampling technique                                                       32

3.5            Determination of sample size                                         33

3.6            Validation of instrument                                                         34

3.7            Test statistics                                                                 35

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0            Introduction                                                                            36

4.1     Data presentation, analysis and interpretation              36

4.2            Test of hypothesis                                                                   46

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0            Introduction                                                                            51

5.1     Summary of findings                                                     51

5.2            Recommendation                                                           53

5.3            Conclusions                                                                             54

5.4     Suggestions for further studies                                                54

Appendix I Questionnaire                                             55

Appendix ii Bibliography                                                       63