School principals have been urged to recruit competent bursars and accountants with up-to-date skills to effectively manage financial operations in learning institutions.
Speaking during the Murang’a KESSHA chapter meeting in Mombasa on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Murang’a Auditor of Schools Mary Waweru said the evolving auditing standards demand officers who are well-trained and fully conversant with modern financial systems.
Waweru noted that schools have transitioned from IPSAS cash to IPSAS accruals, a more technical and detailed reporting framework requiring higher professional competence.
“We have moved from IPSAS cash to International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) accruals, which are more complex. So while hiring bursars and accountants, schools should ensure they have at least CPA qualifications,” she said.
She emphasised that having skilled financial personnel will enhance accountability, improve compliance with regulations, and minimise audit queries in schools.
Waweru lamented that some schools still employ bursars who lack the capacity to prepare financial statements, forcing institutions to outsource the service.
She warned that this practice weakens accountability and undermines the purpose of having in-house financial officers.
She added that when financial statements are prepared externally, bursars are often unable to respond to audit queries during reviews because they are unfamiliar with the details.
“I have noted that most of our bursars don’t prepare these financial statements themselves simply because someone else did it on their behalf,” she said.
Waweru called on school boards to prioritise competence during recruitment to ensure financial officers can fully execute their duties and uphold transparency in school finances.
The Auditor further urged bursars to stop outsourcing financial statement preparation and instead seek guidance from internal auditors, who are better placed to support them within the school system.
Waweru also raised concern over the growing habit of some schools copying budget and procurement plans from other institutions without making necessary updates, warning that such shortcuts compromise accountability and proper financial planning.
She emphasised that school heads must ensure budgets are prepared early and submitted before the August 31 deadline to avoid a last-minute rush and errors.
Waweru noted that budgeting is a legal requirement and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
She further called on school heads to organise regular training for bursars to strengthen their financial management skills and enhance compliance in school operations.
Murang’a KESSHA chair Stanley Gitu urged fellow senior school heads to take the advice seriously, noting that bursars play an integral role in the effective running of learning institutions.
He said the financial health of a school depends heavily on the competence and integrity of those entrusted with managing public funds.
Gitu emphasised that school resources must be handled professionally to avoid mismanagement, audit queries, and disruptions in learning activities.
“We must take financial management seriously. Bursars play a big and crucial role; they are the backbone of our institutions’ accountability and stability,” Gitu said.
He reminded school heads that proper financial systems not only ensure compliance but also build confidence among parents, stakeholders, and government agencies.
He also appealed to principals to work closely with their bursars by creating an environment that encourages continuous learning and professional growth.
According to him, the school heads should support bursars to attend workshops, refresher courses, and training on emerging financial procedures.
READ ALSO: Principals asked to strengthen leadership and stress management skills
Gitu added that transparent financial management strengthens the credibility of schools and enhances accountability in the use of public funds.
He urged school leaders to embrace a culture of openness, regular financial reviews, and timely reporting as part of broader efforts to improve education standards.
Understanding IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards)
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Full Meaning | IPSAS stands for International Public Sector Accounting Standards. |
| Purpose | To improve transparency, accountability, and financial reporting in public sector institutions. |
| Who Uses It | Governments, public institutions (schools, counties), and international organizations. |
| Issued By | The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board. |
| Main Objective | Ensure accurate reporting of how public funds are collected, managed, and spent. |
| Types of IPSAS | 1. Cash Basis – records only when cash is received or paid. 2. Accrual Basis – records income and expenses when they occur, even if cash is not yet exchanged. |
| IPSAS Cash Basis | Simpler system; used when institutions track only actual cash inflows and outflows. |
| IPSAS Accrual Basis | More advanced; includes assets, liabilities, debts, receivables, and future obligations. |
| Why Shift to Accrual? | Provides a complete financial picture, improves planning, and enhances accountability. |
| Impact on Schools | Requires trained bursars/accountants, proper record keeping, and preparation of detailed financial statements. |
| Benefits | Better budgeting, reduced fraud, improved audits, and stronger financial control. |
| Challenges | Requires skilled personnel, training, system upgrades, and more complex reporting processes. |
By Shaban Omar
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
