Evaluating the Impact of Digital Accounting Technologies on Strategic Cost Management in Public Sector Organizations: A Case Study of Benin–Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA)

This study examined the impact of digital accounting technologies on strategic cost management in the Benin–Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA). A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 100 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics. The findings revealed a moderate but increasing level of adoption of digital accounting technologies in BORBDA. The study also established that digital accounting systems significantly enhance cost planning, efficiency, decision-making, and resource allocation. However, challenges such as poor ICT infrastructure, power supply instability, and inadequate staff training hinder effective implementation. This study concludes that the adoption of digital accounting technologies in the Benin–Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) is moderately high and has significantly improved strategic cost management practices. The study further recommend that; The management of BORBDA needs to step up its investment in the current ICT infrastructure to enable smooth running of digital accounting systems; Accounting and finance personnel should be regularly trained and capacity-built to increase their digital skills and efficiency of the systems; The organization ought to have stable and continuous power supply, which could be through alternative energy sources to minimize system disruptions; There has to be effective change management strategies to lessen staff resistance and to promote wholesale usage of digital accounting technologies; The government and management support must be enhanced by providing sufficient funding, policy support, and regular system upgrades to enhance the overall effectiveness of digital accounting.