Sarcouncil Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Management

Abstract: This study examines the persistent challenges in revenue and expenditure reporting and evaluates their implications for effective budget management within public sector institutions. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 120 financial personnel and departmental financial records to assess key variables including reporting accuracy, timeliness, documentation completeness, system integration, staff capacity, and governance mechanisms. Descriptive results reveal moderate performance in documentation and governance but significant weaknesses in system integration and reporting timeliness. Correlation and regression analyses confirm that governance mechanisms and integrated financial systems are the strongest predictors of budget management effectiveness, with governance emerging as the most influential variable. Visual analyses through a heatmap and scatter plot further reinforce the strong associations between integrated systems, governance practices, and budget performance. The findings highlight the need for structural reforms, digital transformation, and strengthened accountability frameworks to enhance reporting reliability and support strategic fiscal decision-making. This study contributes to the growing discourse on public financial management by demonstrating that improving reporting quality requires systemic, not merely procedural, interventions.