Audit Independence and Financial Reporting Quality: An Insight from Sub-Saharan African Stock Markets

Abstract

This study examines the possible effects of audit independence on financial reporting quality in the Sub-Sahara African Stock Markets. Using quantitative data obtained from the annual financial reports of 106 listed firms in the 6 sub-Saharan African stock markets of ten-year period (2012 to 2021). The Ex-post factor research design was considerably suitable for the study.The result shows that audit tenure has a positive impact and is significant in explaining financial reporting quality. The results further show that audit firm size has a positive impact but is insignificant in explaining financial reporting quality. Audit fees were found to have a positive and significant impact on. It is recommended that listed firms should increase audit tenure and policies on audit tenure should be revised. It is also recommended that firms should carefully assess the audit report of previous auditors when determining whether to appoint a new auditor. Lastly, Firms should increase the amount of fees paid to auditors to enhance their work while adhering to ethical principles with regard to audit fees. The focus on only firms listed on Stock Market of Sub Saharan African