TITLE:
International Analysis of Public Sector Accounting and Fiscal Governance: A Systematic Literature Review
AUTHORS:
Samuel Antwi, Evans O. N. D. Ocansey, David Oppong
KEYWORDS:
Systematic Literature Review, Public Sector Accounting, Public Sector Accounting System, Reforms and Fiscal Governance
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.8,
August
7,
2025
ABSTRACT: A reliable public sector accounting system is essential for proper dissemination of accounting information to all manner of users to aid in decision making and accountability. Public Sector Accounting has evolved from the provision of information for decision making and accountability but has become a beacon for ensuring transparency, effective and efficient management and sustainability. This study employed PRISMA framework for the systematic literature review. There is theoretical relationship between public sector accounting reforms and fiscal governance outcomes but empirical evidences indicate notable variation between impact of these reforms in various countries and regions. Therefore, this systematic literature review seeks to analyse the factors that influence public sector accounting reforms their relationship with fiscal governance taking into account regional and institutional contexts. The research reviewed and analyzed papers on public sector accounting reforms and fiscal governance from Scopus, Google Scholar and Crosref databases published from 2000 to 2025. Public sector reforms, predominantly IPSAS adoption and accrual accounting, contribute positively to accountability, audit quality, and fiscal transparency. However, results are highly context-dependent and influenced by factors such as politics, regional facts, institutional capacity, and governance infrastructure. Strong internal controls, ICT integration, and moral leadership are linked to successful reform implementation; in contrast, political opposition, poor institutions, and symbolic compliance impede efficacy. Regional differences highlight the necessity of customized, situation-specific strategies. Overall, public sector accounting reforms are useful instruments, but in order to realize their full potential, they must be embedded into larger governance frameworks. The study extends literature on fiscal governance and public sector reforms and calling for multi-theoretical models that blend institutional, capacity, regional and political viewpoints.