The The Auditing Analytical Procedures at the Beginning and Completion Phases of Engagement Toeing Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This study examines external auditors lived experiences on the use of the analytical procedure (AP), drawing on interpretative perspective. Interviews of 14 experts conducted with auditors of Big4 firms and the archival data from the International Standards for Auditing (ISA) constitutes the data corpus. What we lose with the apparent number of the interviewee, we gain from the stream of knowledge of the auditors. Methodologically wise, discourse analysis was applied for data analysis. Results showed that in the imagination of the auditors, the use of AP enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit. However, in the day-to-day practice, due to weaknesses in the preparation and review processes, professionals do not find pleasure in it since AP is executed to meet standards. So, drawing on New Institutional Sociology theory, a search for legitimacy justifies this end. Findings raise a concern on what practitioners ought to focus on for evidence gathering. This study advances upon the disposition of the audit work, the real need for the imposition of audit procedures by regulatory bodies, and exposure of the theme in academia. Overall, considering that on this topic, quantitative studies are mostly studied, the originality of this research spans the discourse analysis toeing interpretative perspective.