Internal Audit Practices and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Companies in Rwanda. A Case of Bralirwa PLC

This study assessed the effect of internal audit practices on the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Rwanda, with focus on Bralirwa PLC. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of internal control system, establish the effect of financial reporting, assess the effect of independent assurance, and determine the effect of risk management on financial performance. The study used a descriptive and explanatory research design. The target population comprised 133 employees of Bralirwa PLC, and a sample of 100 respondents was obtained using Slovin's formula. Primary and secondary data were used, while questionnaires supported the collection of primary data. SPSS version 25 was used to generate descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression results. Pilot testing was conducted at Ingufu Gin Company, and the reliability results were above the recommended threshold. The regression findings revealed that internal control system had a positive and significant effect on financial performance (β = 0.269, beta = 0.292, t = 3.773, p = 0.000). Financial reporting also had a positive and significant effect (β = 0.238, beta = 0.264, t = 3.469, p = 0.001). Risk management had the strongest positive and significant effect (β = 0.433, beta = 0.494, t = 5.970, p = 0.000). Independent assurance had a significant negative effect (β = -0.195, beta = -0.177, t = -2.785, p = 0.007). The model explained 72.1% of variation in financial performance. The study concluded that internal audit practices significantly influence financial performance at Bralirwa PLC, with risk management being the strongest predictor. Keywords: Internal audit practices, financial performance, internal control system, financial reporting, independent assurance, risk management, Bralirwa PLC. Title: Internal Audit Practices and Financial Performance of Manufacturing Companies in Rwanda. A Case of Bralirwa PLC Author: Edithe Gikundiro, Dr. Osiemo Kengere International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 548-558 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 10-June-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20625152 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/internal-audit-practices-and-financial-performance-of-manufacturing-companies-in-rwanda-a-case-of-bralirwa-plc