The Effect of Audit Quality on The Financial Performance of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the influence of audit quality on the financial performance of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. It successfully identified a significant and positive relationship between audit quality, represented by audit fees and audit firm specialization, and the performance of the sampled banks measured using ROA (Return on Assets) and EPS (Earnings per Share). The research collected annual data from 2009 to 2021, sourced from the annual reports and accounts of non-financial quoted companies in Nigeria. To address potential endogeneity issues, the study employed feasible generalized least square regression, aligning with the results of diagnostic tests. The analysis outcomes indicated that audit fees had a positive and statistically significant impact on the return on assets and earnings per share of the sampled banks. Similarly, audit specialization exhibited a positive and significant influence on both return on assets and earnings per share. Consequently, the study confirmed a noteworthy positive relationship between audit quality and the performance of Nigerian listed Deposit Money Banks. In light of these findings, the study recommends that regulatory authorities in the sector encourage banks to engage specialized audit firms.