Journal of Finance and Accounting

The Role of Actuarial Accounting in Achieving Financial Sustainability for the State Employees' Retirement Fund in Iraq

Ali Hussein Mahoush — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research aims to demonstrate the role of actuarial accounting in achieving financial sustainability for the pension fund. The weaknesses in the State Employees Retirement Fund's administrative structure and financial system, along with the increase in the number of employees, negatively affected the ability to meet retirees' dues. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to the study community, comprising professors of accounting and financial sciences from educational institutions of various specializations and specialized employees of the pension fund. The research yielded the following results: the application of actuarial accounting in the State Employees Retirement Fund in Iraq helps sustain the fund's resources to meet retirees' financial dues. Based on the results, the research recommended adhering to accounting principles to achieve financial sustainability for the pension fund.

The Risks of Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Their Impact on The Performance of Accounting Information Systems in Iraqi Banks: An Applied Study

Suhad Abdul Meer Kadhim, Shaima Muhammad Khattar — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to analyze the impact of AI risks on the performance of accounting information systems in Iraqi banks, given the rapid digital transformation of the financial sector. The study was based on a key question: the nature of the relationship between technical risks arising from the use of AI, such as limited transparency and oversight, software bugs, and security threats and the efficiency of accounting information systems in terms of accuracy, reliability, and speed. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, and data were collected via a 50-question questionnaire distributed across multiple axes. The questionnaire targeted a purposive sample of 100 employees distributed across five Iraqi banks. The data was analyzed using SPSS, and the study found a strong, statistically significant positive correlation between employees' perceptions of AI risks and improved accounting system performance. It also revealed statistically significant differences in risk perceptions based on gender, educational qualifications, and administrative department. The study also revealed that weak transparency and oversight represent a significant obstacle to integrated performance, even with the presence of advanced AI tools. The study recommended adopting a smart governance framework that keeps pace with technological advancements, while enhancing training and awareness among all employees about the risks of artificial intelligence, to ensure the safe and effective use of accounting information systems in the banking environment.

Effect of Credit on the Financial Performance of Saccos in Kilifi County

Fred Cmatete Wafula, Ronald Koech, Josephine Kilifi — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of credit on the financial performance of SACCOs in Kilifi County. The study employed a descriptive research design to gather information on the credit factors that affect the performance of SACCOs in Kilifi County. The target population of this study was 174 active registered SACCOS in Kilifi County. The target population typically comprises all individuals or units that meet the study's criteria. The study sample comprised 122 savings and credit cooperative societies, selected from the total SACCO population in Kilifi County. Data was collected using primary techniques. The questionnaires were also posted on Google Forms and sent to respondents, who could complete them directly from their phones and personal computers. At the advanced level, multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the independent variable (credit) and the dependent variable (financial performance). The study found that credit had a statistically significant impact on the financial performance of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) (t = 3.789, p = 0.000, < 0.05). Consequently, the present analysis rejects the null hypothesis, thereby establishing that credit has a substantial impact on the financial performance of SACCOs in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study results indicate that the financial performance of SACCOs in Kilifi County is significantly influenced by credit. The strong correlation between credit and financial performance suggests that as credit access increases, SACCOs' financial performance improves. Practitioners in the microfinance sector should focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing. Working together with policymakers, regulators, and other microfinance institutions can lead to more effective and efficient microfinance services. Practitioners should also incorporate social performance measurement metrics into their operations to assess the impact of their services on members' well-being. Responsible lending practices are highly recommended to prevent over-indebtedness among members and promote a sustainable lending portfolio. Practitioners should ensure that credit is extended to individuals who can reasonably afford it, avoiding the negative consequences of excessive debt.

Effect of Financial Literacy Training on the Financial Performance of Saccos in Kilifi County

Fred Cmatete Wafula, Ronald Koech, Josephine Kilifi — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of financial literacy training on the financial performance of SACCOs in Kilifi County. The study employed a descriptive research design to gather data on factors affecting the performance of SACCOs in Kilifi County. The target population of this study was 174 active registered SACCOS in Kilifi County. The target population typically comprises all individuals or units that meet the study's criteria. The study sample comprised 122 savings and credit cooperative societies, selected from the total SACCO population in Kilifi County. Data was collected using primary techniques. The report emphasizes the importance of financial literacy education for improving SACCOs' financial performance. An informed and financially literate membership has a positive impact on co-operative societies' financial performance, as evidenced by the positive coefficient on financial literacy training. This underscores the need for microfinance organizations and policymakers to prioritize financial education initiatives to equip SACCO members with the knowledge and skills required to make sound financial decisions, manage their resources effectively, and fully leverage microfinance services. For policymakers, it is crucial to strengthen the regulatory framework governing SACCOs. Emphasizing transparency, accountability, and effective governance practices will ensure the sound operation of SACCOs and protect the interests of their members and the financial system as a whole. Additionally, policymakers should prioritize implementing financial literacy programs for SACCO members to enhance their financial decision-making and use of microfinance services.

Effect of Debt Management on the Service Delivery Efficiency of County Governments in Kenya

John Kirika Kamau, Joshua Matanda, Florence Memba — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Effective fiscal management is critical to boosting public sector performance, particularly in developing nations. In Kenya, the 2010 Constitution ushered in a devolved system of governance, making fiscal management and efficient service delivery increasingly important. Research shows a strong delivery, underscoring the role of sound financial practices in improving public services. This study employed a descriptive research design encompassing all 47 Kenyan counties. Secondary data was extracted from audited financial statements covering fiscal years 2013/2014 to 2020/2021. The data were analyzed using Stata 27.0, incorporating descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies, measures of central tendency, and dispersion) and inferential techniques, including correlation, univariate regression, and diagnostic tests. Panel regression models were used to assess the influence of debt management on Kenya. Debt management had a positive and significant effect on the county's gross product and well-being. The results highlight that well-structured debt management strategies can lead to better economic outcomes, enabling countries to utilize borrowed funds more effectively for development projects and service delivery. This is particularly relevant in the context of Kenya's ongoing efforts to manage public debt sustainably, while financing essential infrastructure and social programs. The findings also suggest that as counties improve their debt management practices, they can expect not only to stabilize their financial health but also to foster greater economic growth and improve the welfare of their constituents.

Effect of Religiosity on Turnover Tax Compliance among Agribusiness Small and Medium Enterprises in Bungoma Town, Kenya

Kizito Wangila Masinde, Marion Nekesa, Muturi Kabete — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Kenya still suffers from underperformance in revenue collection, and over the years, our country has not met its revenue targets either. The revenue yield is still low. This is despite the government's significant investment in transforming the tax system through various policies. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of religiosity on turnover tax compliance among agribusiness Small and Medium Enterprises in Bungoma Town, Kenya. The theories that guided this study were the planned behaviour theory and the ability-to-pay theory. The study employed an explanatory research design with a sample size of 387 Small and Medium Enterprises in Bungoma Town. The researcher distributed the questionnaire to a sample of 387, and 325 respondents completed it, representing 84% of the targeted sample. Primary data was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics covered means and standard deviations, and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis. The study found that religiosity had a positive and significant effect on turnover tax compliance among agribusiness SMEs in Bungoma Town, Kenya (β = 0.183, p = 0.031). The government is recommended to incorporate religiosity into its tax compliance strategies by promoting ethical and moral aspects of taxation. This could involve engaging with religious leaders and institutions to underscore the moral obligation to pay taxes as a civic duty. Future studies may examine the influence of cultural factors on tax compliance with turnover taxes.