Preparedness of School Heads to Manage Financial Resources in Public Secondary Schools in Kwimba District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania

Michael Musa Chai
Department of Education Foundations
St. Augustine University of Tanzania
Email: (chaimichael32@gmail.com) and (kokubela55@gmail.com)

Abstract: The study explored the preparedness of school heads to manage financial resource in public secondary school in Kwimba district, Mwanza Tanzania. The Budget Theory was applied in the study. The study employed mixed method approach through convergent parallel design and applied questionnaires and interview guide in data collection from 104 respondents in Kwimba District of Mwanza. The study found that heads of schools were not properly prepared to manage financial resources after being appointed to the position. These led them to rely only on experience to control finances and not technical knowledge. This contributed to misappropriation of school finances and lack of budgeting. Therefore, the study recommends that the government employs a number of strategies to improve financial management in schools such as: hiring qualified school accountants, train school heads, school heads to observe proper budgeting and be transparent in financial disbursement. School heads should involve teachers in financial decision making.