Analysis of Finance and Accounting Measures to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic among Businesses in Rwanda during and in a Post COVID Environment

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has not affected the health system of the country; it has had a very big impact on the business operations. COVID-19 measures such as social distancing and lockdowns have had a huge impact on the business operation across the world. Many businesses have closed their doors and others are on the brink of closing. This study analyzes the finance and accounting to adopt to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the business. Material and Methods: The study adopted a quantitative approach. The study population comprised of professional 256 accountants working in different sectors. Data was collected from primary sources using a questionnaire that was emailed to respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The findings indicated various accounting and finance measures such as frequent assessment of the going concern and fair values of the assets, frequent preparation of financial reports, adopting a zero based budgeting and activity based costing, proper management of cash flows, re-visiting the capital investment plan, risk management and the management of the cash conversion cycle should be practiced by accountants and financial managers. The results further revealed a relationship between finance and accounting measures and business survival during and in the post COVID-19 pandemic environments. Originality: The study contributed to the existing literatures by indicating the accounting and financial measures that should be practiced by accountants and financial managers to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic during and in the post COVID environment.