The Impact of International Accounting and Auditing Standards on the Quality of Financial Reporting

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to measure the impact of applying international standards for financial reporting and auditing on the quality of financial reports for a sample of Iraqi joint-stock companies. Methodology: The study goal is achieved by developing a special form to examine financial reports in addition to a special form to examine the reports of auditors and the extent of compliance with the adopted international standards. To achieve the research objectives, a content analysis method was used for the financial reports of a sample consisting of 18 companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange distributed across 8 different sectors of activity. Results: Our findings reveal that most of these companies do not adopt international accounting standards and financial reporting, except for the banking sector. Additionally, statutory auditors do not follow international auditing standards, except for those auditing companies that apply international financial reporting standards. Conclusion: The non-compliance to International Accounting and Auditing Standardsfor the most of listed companies could affect negatively the quality and reliability of financial information provided by them.