The effects of mobile audit tools on internal audit practices: Reflections from selected private companies in Tanzania

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.1.24

Authors

Keywords:

Audit Effectiveness, Digitalization, Mobile Audit Tools, Private Companies, SEM

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of mobile audit tools on internal audit practices at private companies in Tanzania. It adopted the Diffusion of Innovation theory. The study also used an explanatory research design and a quantitative approach. Data were collected from a sample of 73 internal auditors at Assad Associates and Adolph Associates using structured questionnaires with a 5-point Likert scale. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants with direct experience in auditing technologies. The collected data were processed and analysed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in SPSS v26 and Smart PLS 4, enabling the study to examine both basic trends and complex relationships between mobile auditing tools and internal audit effectiveness. The study’s findings indicate that mobile auditing tools significantly enhance audit effectiveness by improving clarity, timeliness, accuracy, flexibility, and overall efficiency. The study concludes that integrating mobile technologies is essential for modernizing internal audit functions. Thus, the study recommends that private companies prioritize the adoption and use of mobile auditing tools and provide targeted training for auditors to strengthen audit reliability, transparency, and overall organizational accountability.

Dimensions

Adegoke, O., & Olawale, A. (2019). Mobile auditing tools and their impact on internal audit practices in Nigeria's financial sector. African Journal of Finance and Auditing, 7(1), 87-102.

Betti, N., Sarens, G., & Poncin, I. (2021). Effects of digitalisation of organisations on internal audit activities and practices. Managerial Auditing Journal, 36(6), 872-888. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-08-2020-2792 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-08-2020-2792

Christ, M. H., Eulerich, M., Krane, R., & Wood, D. A. (2021). New frontiers for internal audit research. Accounting Perspectives, 20(4), 449-475. https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3838.12272 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3838.12272

Eulerich, M., Masli, A., Pickerd, J., & Wood, D. A. (2022). The impact of audit technology on audit task outcomes: Evidence for technology-based audit techniques. The Canadian Academic Accounting Association, 40(2), 891-1012.

https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12847 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1911-3846.12847

Institute of Internal Auditors. (2021). African pulse of internal audit report. Institute of Internal Auditors.

Kaminski, J. (2011). Diffusion of innovation theory. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, 6(8), 6. https://cjni.net/journal/?p=1444

Kim, Y., & Crowston, K. (2011). Technology adoption and use theory review for studying scientists' continued use of cyber-infrastructure. Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 48, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1002/meet.2011.14504801197 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/meet.2011.14504801197

Njeza, Z., Chalu, H., & Kitindi, E. (2024). The influence of the internal audit function practices on corporate governance: The case of state-owned enterprises in Tanzania. Business Management Review, 26(2), 56-59.

https://doi.org/10.56279/bmrj.v26i2.7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56279/bmrj.v26i2.7

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.

Rozario, A. M., & Vasarhelyi, M. A. (2018). Auditing with smart contracts. The Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, 15(1), 47-55. https://doi.org/10.4192/1577-8517-v18_1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4192/1577-8517-v18_1

Salum, A., & Matoka, C. (2021). Effect of automated auditing on public organizational performance in Tanzania: The case of the Auditor General's Office. Business Management Review, 9(2), 36-39.

Shishiwa, J. K., & Said, H. R. (2020). Internal audit as a tool for promoting good management in the public sectors in Tanzania: A case study of AUWSA, Arusha, Tanzania. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology, 5(4), 40-49.

Sihaloho, S., Purba, C. E. Y., & Muda, I. (2025). Digital audit: Technological innovation and its impact on audit quality. Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial dan Humaniora, 5(1), 182-190. https://doi.org/10.56799/peshum.v5i1.12354 DOI: https://doi.org/10.56799/peshum.v5i1.12354

Taber, K. S. (2018). The use of Cronbach's alpha when developing and reporting research instruments in science education. Research in Science Education, 48, 1273-1296. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-016-9602-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-016-9602-2

Published

2026-01-24

How to Cite

Sitima, F. W. (2026). The effects of mobile audit tools on internal audit practices: Reflections from selected private companies in Tanzania. African Journal of Empirical Research, 7(1), 275–281. https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.1.24