Effect of Mobile Accounting Applications on Record-Keeping Efficiency of Nigerian Microenterprises

Microenterprises in developing economies, particularly Nigeria, frequently face challenges with inefficient record-keeping, hindering their growth and access to finance. This study investigates the effect of mobile accounting applications on the record-keeping quality of Nigerian microenterprises, focusing on the roles of app usability, training, internet connectivity, and cost. The research is anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, positing that these factors significantly influence record-keeping quality. A survey research design was adopted, collecting data from 294 owners/managers of microenterprises utilizing mobile accounting applications in Southwest Nigeria through a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The findings reveal that all four independent variables, app usability, training, internet connectivity, and cost, are significant positive predictors of recordkeeping quality. App usability emerged as the most influential factor (β=0.346, p<0.001), indicating that ease of use and satisfaction with the application are crucial. Training was identified as the second strongest predictor (β=0.301, p<0.001), underscoring the importance of structured knowledge transfer. Internet connectivity (β=0.244, p<0.001) and cost (β=0.190, p<0.001) also significantly predicted record-keeping quality. The regression model explained a substantial 72.4% of the variance in record-keeping quality (R2=0.724). This study concludes that while mobile accounting applications offer immense potential, their effectiveness in improving recordkeeping among Nigerian microenterprises is contingent upon user-centric design, adequate training, reliable internet infrastructure, and affordable solutions. The results reinforce the theoretical frameworks, highlighting the need for a holistic approach that integrates technological features with supportive environmental and organizational conditions to empower microenterprises. Recommendations include focusing on intuitive app design, providing tailored training, ensuring reliable internet access, and offering cost-effective application solutions.