Abstract:
the purpose of this study was to assess and examine practice and challenges of school finance
management in selected secondary schools of Guna Begemidr Woreda in south Gondar zone.
Descriptive survey design was used to investigate the practice and challenges of school finance
management in the secondary schools. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods were
used in order to answer the research questions. The study involved a total sample size of fifty
three respondents’ three principals, three vice-principals, two accountants, one school
supervisor, one education office head, twenty one PTA members, and, twenty two KTBs were
used as main source of data. All participants except WEOH were selected through census or
balloting and WEOH by using purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaires, interview and
document analysis were the data collection tools for the study. Questionnaires were conducted
with 48 participants and interview with 5 participants. The extents of descriptive statistical tools
such as frequency; percentages, mean and standard deviations were used. The study results
revealed the practice 0f school finance management activities like planning, controlling,
auditing and reporting were found to be very low. The stake holder’s participation in school
finance management was found low. There were different major challenges that proposed by the
respondents’ which hindered the practice of school finance management Such as Lack of skilled
manpower who training in financial management, Delay of budget to schools on time, Lack of
participation and transparency on school budget to stakeholders, Engagement of school
management on different duties and poor attention towards financial management; Lack training
to stakeholders on financially management system on timely basis and sustainable ways; The
working participation of untrained personnel currently in the financial activities; No planning
and performing the school activities together with stakeholders. Taking in to consideration the
above results, it is recommended that all concerned bodies, such as the Amara Regional
Education Bureau, Zonal Educational Departments and Guna Begemidr Woreda Education
Office being together should prepare enough work-shop and training for the school personnel
and for the concerned bodies in the field of financial management. Furthermore, it can be
encouraged to release the allocated schools budget on time, strengthening internal and external
auditing in order to reduce the problems of financial management in the government secondary
school
