Digital financial innovation and management accounting in autonomous universities: adoption, readiness and governance

This was a systematic review study on Digital Financial Innovation (DFI) adoption in autonomous universities through an integrative framework combining Institutional Theory, Organizational Readiness and UTAUT. The study analyzed institutional pressures, readiness conditions and user acceptance factors through a PRISMA-guided review of 20 Scopus Q1 empirical studies (2022-2025). Methods involved structured data collection and pattern discovery within three phases. Under this study, IT Governance maturity and financial resilience for transformation were assessed. Results showed digital systems use for budgeting and decision support surpassed factors like trust and perceived legitimacy. Furthermore, through documentary analysis of Indonesia’s autonomous university governance system policies, findings suggest weaknesses in accountability, fragmented controls and manual systems will likely diminished trust. The study suggests an alignment between governance, readiness and trust are strengthening management accounting improvement, whereas inconsistencies hinder adoption. By combining SLR and regulatory evidence, this study advances theoretical and policy implications for autonomous university to avoid symbolic compliance and achieve digital finance transformation. In Practical this study provides insights for leaders and policymakers.