Encounters faced by the Audit Committee towards the Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in Zimbabwean Public Schools in Mwenezi District of Masvingo

The study explores the encounters of the Audit Committee in spearheading the implementation of IPSAS for monitoring and evaluation of financial documents, statements, and financial reporting in Mwenezi District public schools. An Interpretivist paradigm, and a case study research design was adopted by the study. Convenience sampling was used to select reviews in the study. Data was analyzed through document analysis that involved skimming and interpretation. Findings were coded for analysis. Interviews results were coded into related themes for analysis. Thematic analysis was employed in this study because of its flexibility. Interviews were used to triangulate data from documents and literature reviews. The study established that close cooperation between the Audit Committee, Auditors, and school structures helps to ensure a smooth transition to IPSAS and timely completion of financial statement reporting by the Audit Committee. It emerged from the study that the Audit Committee’s role is to continuously monitor and evaluate the implementation of IPSAS in public schools, do financial statement reporting, identify areas for improvement, and recommend adjustments and implementation progress. Through this approach, the Audit Committee can provide guidance, oversight, and support in the implementation of IPSAS in Zimbabwean public schools. The study concluded that the involvement of Audit Committee in finance management contributes to a smoother transition, improved financial reporting, enhanced accountability, and good governance practices across all the Public Schools in Zimbabwe.