Improve Audit Quality Research Articles

A Review of Literature to Derive Best Practices for Big-Data Audits in Saudi Context

In 2014, leading scholars in the field of big data auditing outlined a research agenda to explore these impacts, setting the foundation for further investigation. This paper explores the impact of big data on audit evidence, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s transition to a more diversified economy under Vision 2030. This paper also seeks to synthesize current research and establish best practices for auditors in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of adapting audit processes to a growing economy that increasingly generates vast amounts of data. In recent decades, auditing practices have undergone substantial transformation by broadening the scope of audit goals and incorporating diverse, non-traditional sources of evidence, such as unstructured data from social media or IoT devices. These new data sources, while increasing audit accuracy and depth, pose challenges regarding data reliability and integrity. Over the past decade, many of these research questions have been addressed, particularly in relation to how big data enhances auditors' abilities to detect fraud, improve audit quality, and provide more accurate risk assessments. By implementing AI algorithms and advanced analytics, auditors can gain deeper insights while also addressing key concerns such as data veracity, compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and the guidelines set by the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA). As Saudi Arabia's economy diversifies and becomes more data-driven, understanding and integrating big data into audit practices will be essential for maintaining high audit standards and supporting economic growth.

The Implementation of the KAM Reforms in Saudi Arabia: Stakeholder Perspectives on the Audit Expectations Gap

ABSTRACTThis exploratory study investigates the implementation of key audit matters (KAM) in audit reports under ISA701 to better understand how KAM disclosures may help narrow the audit expectations gap. The study draws on findings from semi‐structured interviews with 28 professional stakeholders from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study's aim was to explore the relationship between KAM disclosures and the audit expectations gap considering audit quality concerns. Our findings reveal that (i) financial statement users report that they better understand what the auditor does, which enhanced their confidence in the audit process; and (ii) at least some financial statement users report that KAM disclosures provide new information about companies' risks that management was not already providing. We further report that many interviewees (particularly Big Four external auditors) indicated that the KAM reforms did not enhance audit quality in KSA. Interestingly, a small number of non‐Big Four auditors believed that KAM disclosures have enhanced audit quality. The key message is that the KAM reforms did not necessarily improve audit quality but that they are perceived to have played a role in further narrowing the audit expectations gap and reducing the need for communication, thus creating market efficiencies.

Intelligent manufacturing, auditor selection and audit quality

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of intelligent manufacturing on audit quality and its underlying mechanism as well as the variation in this influence across different types of organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis research utilizes a difference-in-differences (DID) method to examine how enterprises that apply intelligent manufacturing choose auditors and impact their audit work. The study is based on 15,228 observations of Chinese-listed A-shares from 2011 to 2020.Findings(1) There is a strong correlation between intelligent manufacturing and audit quality. (2) This positive correlation is statistically significant only in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), those that have steady institutional investors and where the roles of the CEO and chairman are distinct. (3) Enterprises that have implemented intelligent manufacturing are more inclined to employ auditors who possess extensive industry expertise. The auditor's industry expertise plays a crucial role in ensuring audit quality. (4) The adoption of intelligent manufacturing also leads to higher audit fees and longer audit delay periods.Practical implicationsThis paper validates the beneficial impact of intelligent manufacturing on improving corporate governance. In addition, it is recommended that managers prioritize the involvement of skilled auditors with specialized knowledge in the industry to ensure the high audit quality and the transparency of information in intelligent manufacturing enterprises.Originality/valueThis study builds upon previous research that has shown the importance of artificial intelligence in enhancing audit procedures. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge by examining how enterprise intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS) enhance audit quality. Additionally, this study provides valuable information on how to improve audit quality in the field of intelligent manufacturing by strategically selecting auditors based on resource dependency theory.

An examination of Pacific nations ‘legislatures’ interactions with Supreme Audit Institutions and the impact on audit quality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report a study of public accountability within the political and economic structures that characterise Pacific nations. The authors examine audit quality with respect to Pacific Island nations’ governmental reporting to investigate ways to improve accountability in a region that is economically and environmentally challenged. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine whether audit quality in Pacific Island nations is associated with the practical arrangements of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), taking into account external factors. The “practical arrangements” include the independence of a SAI (regarding its staffing and funding) and also the requirement for it to report to the Executive. The financial setting in each jurisdiction has been seen to impact the quality of financial reporting and auditing. The authors examine mediating factors such as income, political stability and education that may also impact audit quality. This study uses publicly available databases as well as jurisdictional annual reports and the associated audit opinions and management letters (where available). Jurisdictional reports on public financial management were also analysed. Findings The authors find that public sector audit quality is low in many Pacific countries, concluding that public accountability is impaired. While the authors recommend changes to the practical arrangements that can improve audit quality, the mediating factors also impact audit quality. They argue that a renewed focus on financial capability could enhance public accountability in these nations, but there are limiting factors that are difficult to overcome. Practical implications There are problems in providing accountability for public sector activities in Pacific nations. The authors suggest that improvements to the appointment and funding of SAIs to enhance their independence will help to reduce these issues. Originality/value The authors present a framework for analysing SAIs’ practical arrangements and audit quality that includes variables that may mediate the effects of these practical arrangements. They apply the model to 20 Pacific jurisdictions, showing that the practical arrangements of a SAI directly impact audit quality. Nevertheless, there are instances where audit quality is poor despite good practical arrangements, implying that mediating factors also play a substantial role in determining audit quality of a SAI.

Study on Audit Risk Model Based on Data Mining Algorithm

With the widespread application of modern information technologies such as big data, enterprises have generated a large amount of data in their daily operations. The traditional audit methods have drawbacks such as high cost and high consumption, and can no longer meet the needs of audit work in the digital era. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt audit methods suitable for the digital era to improve audit quality and reduce enterprise Audit risk. For professional auditors in enterprises, it is very important to utilize emerging technologies such as data mining algorithms. The audited enterprise may tamper with its financial statements, and identifying high-quality audit data from massive amounts of data is a huge challenge. Compared to traditional audit methods, data mining algorithms can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of audit work. For example, the BP neural network, with its powerful nonlinear mapping ability, can capture complex relationships in data; Support vector machines classify data by finding the optimal hyperplane in high-dimensional space and have good generalization ability; random forest reduces overfitting and improves prediction accuracy by integrating multiple decision trees; Association rule algorithms can discover interesting relationships between data items, helping auditors identify potential fraudulent behavior or abnormal transactions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to accurately evaluate and reduce the audit risk of enterprises, and to build an audit risk model using computer data mining algorithms. This provides necessary reference and guidance for auditors to conduct data analysis and mine valuable data during the audit process of enterprises, thereby improving audit efficiency.

The Impact of Ethic and Competence on Audit Quality (Accountability as Moderating Variable)

Purpose: This study used accountability as a moderating variable to examine the impact of ethics and competence on audit quality. Methodology: The data used in this study were derived from a questionnaire survey distributed to respondents from October to December 2023. The respondents for this study were Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan (BPK) head office auditors at State Financial Auditor III. The respondents were selected using purposive sampling criteria. The final sample comprised 69 respondents. This study used the structural equation Modelling (SEM) approach with Smart Partial Least Square (PLS) software to analyze the data. Results: The findings show that ethics and competence positively affect audit quality. Accountability as a moderating variable strengthens the impact of ethics on audit quality. However, accountability does not influence the effect of competence on audit quality. Limitations: This research used a method of distributing questionnaires to several respondents online so that the questions from respondents regarding the questionnaires could not be confirmed directly. In addition, this study uses only two audit attributes as determinants of audit quality. Contribution: This research will provide an understanding of BPK stakeholders regarding the importance of ethics and competence for BPK auditors. Additionally, it is expected that they will not attempt to influence BPK auditors to commit ethical violations. Furthermore, this research is meritorious for BPK to investigate the factors that can encourage the accountability of auditors’ attitudes to improve audit quality.

Pengaruh Kompetensi Terhadap Kualitas Audit Dimoderasi Etika Auditor

This study aims to test the competence in influencing audit quality and auditor ethics in moderating the influence of competence on audit quality. This research was conducted at the East Java Provincial Inspectorate Office with a sample of 30 internal auditors. The data collection technique is by distributing questionnaires. The data analysis method in this study uses the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach using the WarpPls 8.0 analysis tool. The results of this study found that competence had a significant effect on audit quality. Auditor ethics can weaken the influence of competence on audit quality. These findings indicate that audit competence in carrying out audits is urgently needed to improve audit quality. Weakening auditor ethics can reduce the influence of competence on audit quality. This research provides important insights for internal auditors in conducting audits by improving the competence of auditors to carry out quality audits.

Audit Quality Under Remote Working Arrangement: The Role of Technology Competency

ABSTRACT Using comprehensive labor market data to measure client firms’ workforce technology competency, this study investigates how companies’ workforce technology competency may mitigate the deterioration of audit quality under the remote working arrangement following COVID-19. Our results suggest that after the COVID-19 outbreak, companies’ accrual quality has decreased, indicating a deterioration of audit quality. The negative impact of remote audits during COVID-19 on audit quality is less pronounced in companies with greater workforce technology competency. Our results are robust to various alternative measures, local versus nonlocal client analysis, and nonhigh-technology industry analysis. Our study provides important implications for regulatory bodies and industry professionals to understand the importance of technological human capital in improving audit quality in remote auditing contexts. Data Availability: Data are obtained from the sources specified in the paper. JEL Classifications: M15; M42.

Economic Consequences of AS 18: Related-Party Transactions with Principals versus Nonprincipals

ABSTRACT In 2014, the PCAOB adopted a new auditing standard, AS 18 Related Parties, with the intention of enhancing auditors’ performance in auditing related-party transactions (RPTs). Using hand-collected data, we find significant reductions in both firms’ restatement risk and their engagement in RPTs following the AS 18 adoption. Such reductions are especially pronounced for smaller firms and firms having RPTs with principals, in which related persons in the counterparty of RPTs are the primary beneficiaries, such as CEOs, board chairs, or primary shareholders. We also find that smaller firms having RPTs with principals tend to pay higher audit fees post-AS 18. Our study responds to the PCAOB’s call to assess the economic consequences of AS 18. The findings suggest that AS 18 is associated with improved audit quality and reductions in auditees’ opportunistic RPT activities. Data Availability: Data are available from public sources as cited in the article and from the authors upon request. JEL Classifications: M10; M40; M41; M42; M48.

Does Convergence with International Standards on Auditing Improve Audit Quality?

ABSTRACT Many countries have converged their domestic auditing standards with International Standards on Auditing (ISA). This study provides global empirical evidence on first-order determinants of audit quality by examining whether and how convergence affects audit quality through utilizing data on 41 jurisdictions and using a staggered difference-in-differences approach. We find that ISA convergence leads to higher audit quality on average. The positive effect is stronger for clients of domestic audit firms, in jurisdictions with stronger enforcement, and when the ISA convergence level is higher. Insights from textual features suggest that changes in principle-orientation, comparability, readability, and size (or length) of auditing standards are positively related to audit quality. Exploratory analyses of textual content using machine learning reveal that the emphases of ISA on going-concern assessment and legal compliance, fraud risk assessment and internal control evaluation, and related-party transactions and subsequent events contribute to enhanced audit quality. JEL Classifications: M40; M42; M48.

High-speed railways, audit partner changes across audit offices and audit quality: Evidence from China

The development of high-speed railways (HSRs) has significant regional economic and social implications. We study a micro externality of such development, namely the impact of HSRs on audit firms' human resource allocation and audit quality. Specifically, we investigate the relationship between the availability of HSRs and audit partner changes across audit offices in China which involves a simultaneous change in audit partner and audit office to reallocate human resources. We find that the advent of HSRs between clients and audit offices increases the likelihood of audit partner changes across audit offices especially for predecessor audit offices with severe human resource constraints due partly to the mandatory auditor rotation requirement. Such audit partner changes across audit offices most likely are reciprocal over time, occur within the optimal HSR transportation interval and can significantly improve audit quality in terms of reducing excessive financing reporting discretions, misstatements and regulatory sanctions, but exert no effect on audit fees. Our study has implications for audit firms’ human resource management in light of infrastructure improvements and for audit policy makers to evaluate the standards for audit partner rotations.

Relationship between corporate governance and audit quality in the industry sector: Moderating role of firm performance

This study explores the relevance of corporate governance mechanisms in determining audit quality, with a specific focus on the moderating role of firm performance in the Jordanian industrial sector. Audit quality is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting, making this analysis highly relevant for stakeholders aiming to strengthen corporate governance. The study sample included 64 manufacturing companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for the study period (2014–2022), with a total of 474 firm-year observations. The regression analysis is used to investigate the study hypotheses, including the key variables related to corporate governance, board performance, and audit quality. The findings show that company size has a significant positive effect on audit quality. There is no significant impact of CEO duality, independent directors, and ownership concentration on audit quality within the Jordanian industrial sector. The R² value of 0.067 indicates that approximately 6.7% of the variance in audit quality is explained by the study variables, while the F-value of 6.633, with a significance level of 0.00, suggests that the overall model is statistically significant, even though the explanatory power is relatively low. The study shows that company size is important to improve audit quality; other governance mechanisms may not have the same impact in the Jordanian industrial sector.

Assessment Audit: How Artificial Intelligence Affected Audit Quality of Sustainability Report Based on Auditors Perspective

This study aims to analyze audit assessment and the effects of artificial intelligence on the audit quality sustainability reports from the standpoint of auditors who provide audit opinions on audits that are conducted of sustainable financial reports. Certain audit tasks can now be automated by the audit profession thanks to technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics can be used to analyze huge data, one of the technological innovations that need more study than conventional data. The number of 85 auditors of Accountant Public Firms in Medan completed questionnaires that were used in this study to gather data. Following the collection of data from respondents, quantitative descriptive methodologies were used to analyze the data. The audit profession may improve the quality of audits by promoting the use of AI and big data analytics and by supporting auditors in developing their skills to stay current with new technologies. AI can improve audit quality, reduce costs, and eventually replace human workers. People are still required in the audit process, though, as AI cannot make decisions when it comes to providing audit opinions on financial reports. As a result, its contribution to the audit process is minimal. Therefore, it is hoped that this study will shed light on the potential applications of AI in the auditing process.

The Influence of APIP Capabilities in Optimizing Financial Audit Efficiency: Optimal Accountability

Abstract This study aims to analyze the influence of the capabilities of the Government Internal Supervisory Apparatus (APIP) in optimizing the efficiency of financial audits and reducing audit findings to achieve optimal accountability. The study was conducted by collecting annual report documents from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri). A quantitative approach was used in this study, with data analysis involving 3,252 observations from various government agencies in Indonesia. The data collected included APIP capabilities, financial audit efficiency, and the number of audit findings. The mediating variable used in this study is the follow-up on audit recommendations. The results show that APIP capabilities have a significant impact on the efficiency of financial audits. Increasing APIP capabilities has been proven to significantly enhance audit follow-ups and reduce the number of audit findings. Additionally, the variables of organizational age and geographic factors also significantly affect audit efficiency and the number of audit findings, indicating that these factors are important in achieving better financial accountability. Conversely, the size of the agency negatively affects audit follow-ups and positively affects the number of audit findings. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing APIP competencies and capabilities as a primary strategy in improving the efficiency and accountability of financial audits in the public sector. This study provides significant contributions to the development of internal supervisory policies and the improvement of financial audit quality in Indonesia, as well as encouraging efforts to enhance public sector accountability. Keyword: apip capabilities; financial audit efficiency; audit findings; accountability

Pengaruh Pengetahuan Audit dan Pengalaman Audit Terhadap Kualitas Audit pada Inspektorat Provinsi Gorontalo

This research aims to determine the influence of audit knowledge and audit experience on audit quality at the Gorontalo Province Inspectorate. The data used in this research is primary data sourced from 53 Gorontalo Province Inspectorate Respondents. This research uses Structur Equation Modeling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) analysis. The results of this research show that 1). Audit Knowledge has a positive and insignificant effect on Audit Quality at the Gorontalo Province Inspectorate. This means that every increase in Audit Knowledge cannot improve Audit Quality. This cannot be explained in real terms. 2). Audit experience has a positive and significant effect on Audit Quality at the Gorontalo Province Inspectorate. This means that every increase in Audit Experience can improve Audit Quality. This can be explained in real terms.

BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND AUDIT QUALITY OF LISTED CONSUMER GOODS FIRMS IN NIGERIA

The study investigates the effects of board characteristics on the audit quality of publicly traded listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria from 2013 to 2022. An ex-post facto research approach was used in this study. For data analysis, the panel regression technique was used in the study. The study's findings revealed that board independence and board financial expertise have a positive and significant effect on the audit quality of Nigerian listed consumer goods companies. However, board gender diversity had a negative and insignificant effect on the audit quality of Nigerian-listed consumer goods companies. The study concludes that boards with more independent members who are not influenced by management may improve the audit process efficacy. To improve audit quality, listed consumer goods firms should focus on retaining board independence and guaranteeing the presence of directors with significant financial experience. While the relationship between board gender diversity and audit quality is still uncertain, it is critical to promote diversity and inclusivity on corporate boards in order to build a more robust governance structure. Continuous monitoring and research in this area will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between gender diversity and audit quality.

How Does Artificial Intelligence Shape Audit Firms?

Does artificial intelligence (AI) displace auditors? We exploit the staggered hiring of AI employees at audit office locations across the United States as a proxy for the use of AI at local audit offices. The main findings are as follows. First, relative to audit offices that do not yet hire AI employees, those that do hire AI employees have a 4.3% increase in the number of auditor jobs, particularly among junior and midlevel auditors. Second, using AI is associated with an increased demand for soft skills (e.g., cognitive skills) in auditor jobs. Third, audit offices that use AI have more accurate going concern and internal control opinions. Semistructured interviews of 11 seasoned audit partners confirm that investment in AI is centralized at the national level, but the decision to deploy it often resides at the local audit office level. Notably, none of the partners believe that AI has replaced or will replace human auditors. Overall, our study—comprising both empirical and qualitative data—suggests that using AI does not replace auditors, but rather changes the skills required for these jobs and improves audit quality. This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting. Funding: K. K. F. Law’s research is supported by the Start-Up Grant from Nanyang Technological University and the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore, under its Academic Research Fund Tier 1 [Grant RG128/20]. M. Shen’s research is supported by the Start-Up Grant from the National University of Singapore [Grant A-0003914-00-00] and the MOE under its Academic Research Fund Tier 1 [Grant A-8000098-00-00]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.04040 .

The Effect of Auditor Competence and Independence on Audit Quality at AYZ Company

The aim of this research is to see how auditor competence and independence affect audit quality. The background to this research is the importance of audit quality for stakeholders and the role of auditor competence and independence in improving audit quality. Data was collected through auditor reviews from various Public Accounting Firms (KAP). The research results show that the auditor's expertise and independence contribute significantly and positively to audit quality. In addition, the relationship between expertise and independence was also found to strengthen audit quality. This research shows that improving auditor education, training and experience and maintaining auditor independence are critical to producing high-quality audits.

Do major public emergencies affect audit quality? —Evidence from China

ABSTRACT Taking Chinese listed firms from 2019 to 2021 as research samples, we examine the impact of major public emergencies on audit quality using COVID-19 as exogenous shock. Distinguishing the location of audit clients and that of auditors, we find that if major public emergency occurs in the city of audit clients during the period of annual report audit, audit quality will be significantly reduced. If emergency occurs in auditor’s city, audit quality has improved instead of declining. Through the heterogeneity test, we find that the information level of audit clients has a double effect. When public emergencies in audit clients’ locality have a negative impact on audit quality, the information level of clients can alleviate the negative impact. However, when emergencies occur in auditor’s locality, the higher information level of the client may lower audit quality. However, whether public emergence occurs in the city of clients or auditors, auditing firms’ information technology level and more information technology personnel in auditors’ team are conducive to improve audit quality. The research has enriched the relevant research on audit quality in the context of public emergencies, and provided a theoretical basis for the urgency of digital transformation of accounting and auditing industry.

PELAKSANAAN STANDAR OPERASIONAL PROSEDUR AUDIT, TANTANGAN HINGGA PELUANG AUDITOR DALAM MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS AUDIT PASCA COVID-19

In the current post-Covid-19 era that we are facing, auditors are confronted with a series of challenges. Changes in the business environment, shifts in risks, and alterations in how companies operate have affected the way audits are conducted. This research aims to investigate how the implementation of audit standard operating procedures, challenges, and opportunities faced by auditors contribute to improving audit quality post-Covid-19. Qualitative research methods are utilized in this article to explore and analyze various perspectives, concepts, and findings present in relevant literature. The data sources include primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained from interviews conducted by the author with informants directly (face-to-face), while secondary data is derived from documents and previous research via Google Scholar, which can complement primary data and provide an overview in achieving the research objectives. The results indicate that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted various aspects of the implementation of audit standard operating procedures, presenting challenges and opportunities for auditors to enhance audit quality post-Covid-19. The pandemic's impact on the business and financial landscape cannot be ignored, and auditors must be prepared to navigate these changes wisely. By understanding and responding to challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities, the auditing profession can continue to contribute to trust and transparency in corporate financial reporting in the future. In essence, audit quality will remain a cornerstone in safeguarding the integrity of financial markets post-Covid-19.