A Study on the Perception of Account Officers Regarding the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) in Universities of Gujarat

Abstract

The digital shift in Indian governance brought the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to the forefront of university financial operations. Account officers sit at the crux of this transformation. Their daily routines dictate the financial health of educational institutions. This paper evaluates the perception of account officers in Gujarat universities regarding PFMS efficiency. It also aims to identify the operational challenges they face during routine financial disbursements. A descriptive research design shaped the methodology. Primary data was gathered from 150 account officers working across state and private universities in Gujarat. Random sampling ensured a fair representation of the workforce. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to extract meaningful patterns from the primary data. The findings reveal a split reality. PFMS significantly enhances transparency and reduces manual tracking errors. Tracking funds is faster. However, the system demands continuous technical training. System latency, interface complexities, and integration hurdles remain severe pain points. Addressing these technical gaps is essential for seamless financial governance in the higher education sector.