An assessment of financial management practices by secondary school heads in Zvimba district

Abstract

This study made an assessment of the financial management practices in secondary schools in Zvimba district. School effectiveness in secondary schools has been impacted by the existence of or financial management practices by educational leaders. Poor monitoring, non-compliance with school rules as well as misappropriation of funds is a huge impediment to best financial management practices. The study employed a qualitative research approach that allowed the complete understanding of the financial management practices in secondary schools in Zvimba district. The study population included school heads and teachers that were recruited using purposive sampling and convenience sampling respectively. The study sample involved 15 respondents. A case study research design was employed in which 3 schools were selected. Data was gathered using interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The researcher used thematic data analyse to analyse the data that was gathered in this study. The study obtained that school heads are highly involved in financial management practices as was revealed by more than 72% of the respondents. The findings showed that school heads are involved highly in the management of school finances. The study found out that 67% (majority) of the respondents identified the following factors; lack of adequate knowledge about financial management, poor monitoring and control of school funds, unavailability of strong financial policies in schools and corruption. The study suggested that financial management practices can be improved through increased monitoring and supervisions, working with strategic 3-5 year plans, empowering the SDC and provision of in-service training for both teachers and school heads. The study recommended that strict measures and penalties should be imposed on those school heads who are involved in financial malpractices to prevent the occurrence of malpractices.