Audit committee attributes and financial performance of Saudi non-financial listed firms

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of the audit committee attributes in determining the financial performance of Saudi non-financial firms. The research sampled the data of 100 companies spanning from 2010 to 2019 obtained from the firms’ financial statements. The data generated were analysed using different panel data techniques (pooled OLS, fixed and random effects). This study emphasises that audit committee size and meetings negatively influence firms’ performance. However, audit committee independence and financial expertise indicate a strong and positive relationship with financial performance. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into how audit committee attributes affect profitability. Furthermore, this research may guide companies’ top management on restructuring the audit committee to improve corporate governance practices. Also, the results suggest that Saudi regulatory agencies should ensure that listed firms set up audit committees with more independent directors and financial experts. This requirement may help the firms mitigate information disparity between management and shareholders, thus, reducing agency conflicts and boosting firm performance. Consequently, this paper sheds light on the Saudi corporate environment, so investors may find this research helpful in making their investment decisions.