ASSESSING THE ROLE OF SELECTED ACCOUNTING TOOLS AND SOFTWARE IN FRAUD DETECTION AND PREVENTION: PERCEIVED IMPACTS ON THE ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES OF MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMEs) IN LUCENA CITY

The study aimed to assess the digital software MSME uses in their accounting works as well as the features of the software it has and how it helps them detect and prevent fraud in accounting procedures. Additionally, this study aimed to show as well not only the comforting prospects but also scenarios being encountered while using the software and the measurement of strategies they use to address and prevent issues, drawbacks, and barriers in accounting procedures. It also analyzed the common reasons for an enterprise to use a specific software and the significant differences between the strategies applied by MSMEs based on their background characteristics. Findings of the study reveal that many MSMEs in Lucena City are using MS Excel as their accounting tool. However, others use their own preferences of accounting software based on the needs of the business.