⚠ Official Notice: www.ijisrt.com is the official website of the International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT) Journal for research paper submission and publication. Please beware of fake or duplicate websites using the IJISRT name.



Internal Control Components and Quality of Financial Reporting in Mirco Finance Institution in Cameroon: A Case Study of Selected Rainbow Cam Credit Union in Bamenda


Authors : Ngwa Amin Migue; Abubakar Kasum

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 9 - September


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2ap28a7v

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26sep851

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : The general objective of this study was to assess the effect of internal control systems on the quality of financial reporting of Micro Finance Institution (using five selected Rainbow Cooperative Credit Unions in Bamenda,) in North West Region of Cameroon. Despite their importance in promoting financial inclusion, many MFIs continue to face challenges of inaccurate reporting, fraud, and regulatory non-compliance, which may be due to weaknesses in internal controls. Guided by the COSO framework, the study examined the effect of control environment, risk assessment, control activities, monitoring activities, and information and communication on financial reporting quality. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 200 staff members using structured questionnaires and semistructured interviews, supplemented by documentary analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Keywords : Internal Control Systems, Financial Reporting Quality, COSO Framework, Information and Communication, Monitoring Activities, Rainbow CAM Credit Union.

References :

  1. Abiola, I., & Oyewole, O. S. (2020). Internal control system and financial reporting quality in Nigeria. Journal of Accounting and Taxation, 12(3), 89–101.
  2. Achieng, L., & Muturi, W. (2021). Challenges of internal controls in East African microfinance institutions. International Journal of Finance and Banking, 8(1), 78–95.
  3. Ahmed, S., & Manab, N. A. (2019). The effect of internal control on financial reporting quality in microfinance institutions. Journal of Accounting and Finance, 19(2), 45–62.
  4. Akerele, O., & Omole, I. (2021). Internal control weaknesses and financial reporting quality in Nigerian microfinance banks. African Journal of Accounting, 15(3), 112–130.
  5. Alawa, J. (2023). Monitoring mechanisms and reporting quality in cooperatives. African Journal of Cooperative Development, 5(1), 101–115.
  6. Bello, M., & Mohammed, A. (2022). Automated internal controls and financial reporting quality in microfinance institutions. Journal of Financial Technology, 8(2), 112–130.
  7. Buertey, S., & Amidu, M. (2021). Control activities and financial reporting outcomes in Ghanaian MFIs. Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, 11(3), 210–228.
  8. COBAC. (2022). Supervisory report on credit unions in Cameroon. Commission Bancaire de l’Afrique Centrale.
  9. COBAC. (2023). Compliance and internal control guidelines for microfinance institutions. Commission Bancaire de l’Afrique Centrale.
  10. Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. (2013). Internal control—Integrated framework.
  11. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
  12. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
  13. Danso, K., & Osei, B. (2023). Risk assessment practices and reporting reliability in Ghanaian microfinance. International Journal of Business Studies, 12(1), 55–70.
  14. Donkor, J., & Asare, K. (2021). Monitoring and financial accountability in Ghanaian MFIs. African Journal of Accounting Research, 15(2), 98–115.
  15. Enweremibe, C., & Morah, U. (2025). Risk assessment and financial reporting transparency in Nigerian microfinance institutions. Journal of Financial Regulation, 12(1), 34–52.
  16. Gamage, P., Lock, D., & Fernando, A. (2022). Internal control systems and financial reporting in microfinance institutions. Journal of Applied Accounting Research, 23(3), 401–418.
  17. Gujarati, D. N., & Porter, D. C. (2020). Basic econometrics (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
  18. Kabuye, F., et al. (2021). Internal control systems and financial reporting quality in Ugandan SACCOs. African Journal of Business Management, 15(4), 89–104.
  19. Kothari, C. R. (2022). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (5th ed.). New Age International.
  20. KPMG. (2021). Global banking and internal control survey 2021. KPMG International.
  21. Lawrence, P. R., & Lorsch, J. W. (1967). Organization and environment: Managing differentiation and integration. Harvard University Press.
  22. Moses, T. (2023). Risk assessment and reliability of financial reporting in cooperatives. Journal of Cooperative Finance, 6(2), 121–136.
  23. Mugisha, P., & Atwine, D. (2022). Monitoring mechanisms and reporting quality: Evidence from Uganda. East African Journal of Business and Economics, 4(3), 45–59.
  24. Muhame, J. (2024). Internal controls and financial transparency in SACCOs. African Journal of Management Research, 10(2), 88–104.
  25. Mukah, S. (2020). Internal controls and financial reporting in Cameroonian MFIs. Cameroon Journal of Accounting Research, 7(2), 55–72.
  26. Njie, P. (2021). Challenges of financial reporting in North West Region credit unions. Journal of African Finance, 9(1), 23–41.
  27. Njume, A. (2024). Internal audit and financial performance of MFIs in Cameroon. African Development Review, 36(2), 145–162.
  28. Nkundabanyanga, S. K., et al. (2019). Stakeholder accountability and financial reporting quality. Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, 9(4), 512–535.
  29. Ofori, D., & Laryea, E. (2019). Board oversight and financial reporting quality in Ghanaian banks. Journal of African Business, 20(4), 456–478.
  30. Okafor, F., & Agbugba, I. (2023). Risk assessment and reporting quality in cooperative societies. Journal of Finance and Risk Management, 15(2), 200–215.
  31. Olumoh, M. (2024). The role of control activities in preventing financial misreporting. Journal of Business and Finance in Africa, 11(2), 67–82.
  32. Pickett, S. H. (2005). The essential handbook of internal auditing. John Wiley & Sons.
  33. Pignatel, I., & Tchakoute Tchuigoua, H. (2020). Microfinance institutions and International Financial Reporting Standards: The role of transparency. Research in International Business and Finance, 52, 101204.
  34. PricewaterhouseCoopers. (2021). Wirecard collapse: Lessons on internal control failures.
  35. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students (8th ed.). Pearson.
  36. Tchakoute Tchuigoua, H. (2024). Internal control quality and earnings management in microfinance institutions. International Journal of Banking, Accounting and Finance, 15(3), 357–380.
  37. Twinematsiko, E. (2025). Communication and monitoring in Ugandan SACCOs. East African Journal of Finance, 11(1), 67–89.
  38. Woodward, J. (1958). Management and technology. H.M. Stationery Office.
  39. World Bank. (2022). Microfinance sector resilience during COVID-19. World Bank Group.
  40. Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Sage Publications.

The general objective of this study was to assess the effect of internal control systems on the quality of financial reporting of Micro Finance Institution (using five selected Rainbow Cooperative Credit Unions in Bamenda,) in North West Region of Cameroon. Despite their importance in promoting financial inclusion, many MFIs continue to face challenges of inaccurate reporting, fraud, and regulatory non-compliance, which may be due to weaknesses in internal controls. Guided by the COSO framework, the study examined the effect of control environment, risk assessment, control activities, monitoring activities, and information and communication on financial reporting quality. The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 200 staff members using structured questionnaires and semistructured interviews, supplemented by documentary analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Keywords : Internal Control Systems, Financial Reporting Quality, COSO Framework, Information and Communication, Monitoring Activities, Rainbow CAM Credit Union.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - October - 2026

SUBMIT YOUR PAPER CALL FOR PAPERS
Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe