Abstract:
This study empirically examined the impact of creative accounting techniques on firm financial statement. Creative accounting was measured by asset structure (Using Cookie Jar Reserves), capital structure (Creative Acquisition Accounting), deposit liabilities (Manipulating Inventory), loan structure (Abuse of Materiality Concept). Exposit facto research design was adopted. Data were collected from Nigeria Security and Exchange Commission on listed deposit money banks in Nigeria from 2008-2018. Descriptive analysis and ordinary least square were adopted for analysis. Findings from the analysis revealed asset structure and equity capital are negatively and insignificantly related to return on asset; Loans and advances is positively and insignificantly related to its returns on assets while Total deposit liabilities is positively and insignificantly related to return on assets. However, it can be concluded that banks asset structure and management in Nigeria has been poor and their assets have not been effectively used to enhance their profitability. Based on the findings, the study recommends that, there is need to employ statutory auditor in reducing the effect of creative accounting techniques on the reliability of financial reporting. Again active corporate governance principles can be used to control the practices of creative accounting by using independent non-executive directors.
