The Influence of Technological Proficiency among School Accounting Officers in Managing School Funds: A Case Study of a Selected Secondary School in Dodoma City Council and Chamwino District in Tanzania

Flora Gervas & Yusuph Kambuga
College of Business Education (CBE), Tanzania
Email: floragswai@gmail.com

Abstract: The study investigated the influence of technological proficiency in enhancing the skills of school accounting officers in managing school funds within selected public secondary schools in the Dodoma Region, Tanzania. The study was guided by one research question: What role does technological proficiency play in influencing the competencies of school accounting officers in the effective management of school funds in selected public secondary schools in Tanzania? The study used a descriptive survey research design with purposive and simple random sampling methods. The data were collected from 129 respondents, including school cashiers and heads of schools, through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal a significant correlation between technological proficiency and effective financial management, with 80% of proficient officers capable of generating accurate financial reports. Conversely, only 25% of those lacking proficiency demonstrated similar skills. The study further stresses the importance of familiarising oneself with financial software tools and integrating systems like the Financial and Fiscal Accountability Reporting System (FFARS) in report writing and improving financial management. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, confirmed the positive impact of technology on financial management practices. The study concludes that enhancing technological skills among school accounting officers is important for ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient resource allocation in educational institutions.