Audit Clients Research Articles

Methodology of the remote audit efficiency

Remote audit is performed using information and communication technologies to collect, store, retrieve, process, analyse and transmit information. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote audits were carried out on a relatively small scale (for example, checking enterprises with hazardous production) or in case of unforeseen circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, regulators and households have been forced to switch to work remotely, based on existing and developing new technologies. This article analyses remote audits and their effectiveness. To do this, autors have been conducted 18 interviews with representatives of the audit profession (leading auditors, auditors) and audit clients. The result has been the identification of the main differences between the process of traditional and remote audit, difficulties and features. Based on existing methods for analysing the audits’ effectiveness, and using a balanced scorecard, we have developed a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of remote audits (including indicators that affect the effectiveness of only remote audits).

Client importance and unconditional conservatism in complex accounting estimates

In this paper, we examine the relation between client importance to Big 4 audit firm local offices and unconditional conservatism in complex accounting estimates; specifically, stock option volatility, pension expected asset rates of return, and pension discount rates. Changes in these estimates, which can appear small, can have material financial statement effects, have been used in earnings management schemes, and pose greater audit risk. We find that more important audit clients are associated with the use of more unconditionally conservative accounting estimates. These results are consistent with auditor reputation protection rather than important client economic dependence, and suggest client importance does not impair auditor independence with respect to complex accounting estimates.Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

Code of ethics quality and audit fees

Using a sample of U.S. firms from 2003 to 2018, we examine the effect of an audit client’s code of ethics quality on audit fees. We find that clients with a lower code of ethics quality pay significantly higher audit fees, suggesting that auditors perceive such clients as riskier and charge greater risk premiums. We also find that such clients have higher litigation risk and auditors spend greater effort when auditing such clients. Our study is among the first to demonstrate the role of a client’s code of ethics quality in audit pricing. Overall, our findings are consistent with codes of ethics being useful to auditors in assessing managers’ financial representations and providing value to firms.

Auditor distraction and audit quality

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how auditors would react when there are exogenous negative shocks to their client portfolios.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 31,256 firm-year observations (2001–2016), the authors investigate whether industry shocks to a subset of an auditor’s clients distract the auditor and affect the professional skepticism applied in the audits of other clients.FindingsThe authors find that clients of distracted auditors are more likely to meet or beat analyst consensus forecasts, suggesting that auditors’ professional skepticism is compromised by distractive events. The cross-sectional analyses reveal that the negative impact of the distractive events on audit quality is more pronounced when the distracted auditors audit less important clients, face lower third-party legal liabilities and experience higher growth. Using an alternative measure of audit quality, the additional analysis shows that clients of distracted auditors exhibit a higher probability of restating their earnings in subsequent years. Overall, the empirical evidence suggests that when distracted, auditors render lower quality audit.Originality/valueThe study complements recent work by Cassell et al. (2019), which shows that the 2008–2009 financial crisis affected the quality of the audits of nonbank clients of bank-specialized auditors. While Cassell et al. (2019) focus on one shock (financial crisis) to one industry (i.e. the financial services industry), the study examines more frequent shocks over a wide range of industries to identify the potential effects of distractive events, improving the generalizability of the findings to all industries and all auditors (specialist and nonspecialist) in nonrecession periods.

Effect of auditor rotation violation on audit opinions and audit fees: Evidence from China

In the setting of the Chinese auditing regime, we identify a sample of “rotation-violation” auditors who continue to serve clients after the mandated rotation period has expired, and find that the occurrence of auditor rotation violation is driven more by supply-side factors than by demand-side factors or market institutional factors. By controlling the endogeneity problem using a treatment effects model, we find that rotation-violation auditors significantly issue more favorable opinions and are paid higher fees. These results support our proposed auditor–client collusion argument that rotation-violation auditors issue favorable opinions to clients in return for fee premiums. Further, we find that the collusion effects of auditor rotation violation are decreased by the existence of government control, audit firm location, and the regional market development in the Chinese environment. Our findings draw regulators’ attention to the real effects and enforcement of audit partner rotation.

Does common auditor have an impact on corporate tax avoidance? An investigation from the supply chain perspective

AbstractWe find that, at both the audit firm and partner level, having a common auditor in the supply chain has a significant positive association with the supplier company's degree of tax avoidance. Companies report a higher level of tax avoidance when they are audited by an industry‐expert or a tax expert common auditor, when the common audit partner is economically dependent on the supplier company, when the audit client is in a highly competitive industry, and when the company is subject to a high level of information asymmetry. Moreover, we find potential audit quality issues embedded in common audits in the supply chain.

Effect of audit client importance on earnings management of nigerian listed consumer goods firms

The primary focus of this study was to examine the influence of audit client importance on earnings management of Nigerian listed consumer goods firms. The study adopted a descriptive research design. From 2012 to 2019, data were collected from 13 consumer goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. Discretionary accrual was used to estimate earnings management.Descriptive statistics and random effects regression were used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that audit client importance (β=-0.1872) has a significant effect on the earnings management of Nigerian listed consumer goods firms. The study concluded that earnings management practices of Nigerian listed consumer goods firms are curtailed when the firms are of important clients to their auditors. The recommendation was that management of firms should enhance approaches that will improve their performance in terms of sales to remain important clients to their auditors.

The dark side of audit market competition

This paper examines the relation between audit market competition and audit quality. We use the staggered introduction of bullet trains in different Chinese cities as shocks to travel time between audit clients and prospective audit firms, which increases the threat of competition for incumbent audit firms. The inception of bullet train connectivity leads to a 4.5 percentage point (pp) increase in the probability of GAAP violations and a 1.7 pp decrease in the probability of modified audit opinions for clients headquartered in connected cities. Bullet train connectivity is also followed by a 1.6 pp decrease in income-decreasing audit adjustments but no change in income-increasing audit adjustments. The negative relation between bullet train connectivity and audit quality is 1) stronger when bullet trains put greater competitive pressure on incumbent auditors and 2) weaker when clients demand high audit quality. Our paper provides plausibly causal evidence that competition lowers audit quality.

The Importance of the ESG Factors and Their Potential Impact on an Audit of a Financial Statement

This review paper aims to determine the potential impact of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) factors on an audit of a financial statement. For this reason, a triangle of implications has been proposed, i.e., for: (1) audit clients whose business activity is reflected in a financial statement; (2) a financial statement; and (3) audit firms which perform an audit. The evidence represents a collection of a) scientific articles, b) publications offered by professional accounting bodies and consulting firms, and c) relevant standards and legal regulations. The paper finds that ESG has become a factor which must be considered, and the financial world will face multiple changes. For audit clients, the critical aspect will be ESG integration with a business model. Financial reporting will evolve under Exposure Drafts IFRS S1 and IFRS S2. A financial statement will require in-depth knowledge about existing accounting standards to reflect the financial implications of ESG-related products and transactions. Moreover, there is a distinction between “financial audit” and “ESG assurance” in audit and assurance services. However, some ESG-related risks and matters may be considered in the financial audit cycle. The paper’s findings are significant from the scientific research perspective as only a few studies contribute to ESG and auditing. The article also provides some practical implications that might be important for audit clients, firms, and regulators.

Applying ISA 240 for Fraud Detection and Resolution: Evidence from Indonesia and Ghana

ABSTRACT Prior studies in developed countries investigate the auditor's fraud detection process. However, it is unclear whether the results from developed countries apply in developing countries because no fraud detection research has been performed in this setting. The current study examines how auditors in two developing countries, Indonesia and Ghana, apply ISA 240 for fraud detection, including how auditors identify, investigate, and resolve potential fraud issues. We find that (1) senior managers originate most asset misappropriation frauds; (2) auditors in Indonesia and Ghana do not use information technology or internal control assessment for fraud investigation; (3) auditors modify the audit program once potential fraud is detected; and (4) auditors use a more contending than conceding negotiation strategy when resolving potential fraud issues, which often stop short of requiring audit clients to record all audit adjustments. Data Availability: Contact the authors. JEL Classifications: M42.

Fair value hierarchy, bargaining power, and audit pricing across audit firms’ client portfolios

AbstractThis study explores how the presence of Level 2 and/or 3 fair value assets (FVA_23) influences audit pricing across small and large clients for Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 audit firms. Through analysis of 7918 firm‐year observations, we investigate whether companies with FVA_23 incur higher audit fees than companies without FVA_23 and the differences between how Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 firms price risk for large and small companies. Our theoretical basis is product differentiation and economic importance, which suggest competing influences on audit fees based on firm and company size. We are the first to analyze the effect of FVA_23 on audit fees with the United States sample including all industries during a stabilized regulatory period, and we are the first to explore the effect of FVA_23 on audit pricing across small and large audit clients for Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 firms. We find companies with FVA_23 incur higher audit fees than companies without FVA_23. More specifically, we find small and large companies realize different audit fees compared to companies of similar size without FVA_23. Additionally, Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 firms price audits with FVA_23 differently than audits without FVA_23. Furthermore, Big‐4 and non‐Big‐4 audit pricing is influenced by FVA_23 differently based on company size.

Effect of Audit Client Importance on Earnings Management of Nigerian Quoted Consumer Goods Firms

Effect of Audit Client Importance on Earnings Management of Nigerian Quoted Consumer Goods Firms

Continuous Fraud Assessment within the External Auditing

Abstract This paper is dealing with the first pioneering steps to introduce continuous fraud risk assessment tools and techniques in the medium size audit clients in Montenegro. Based on the available experience and audit evidence data gathered in the period 2019 to 2021 statutory audits of medium size enterprise the clients were open and perceptive to adopt simple techniques of the continuous fraud assessment by applying the MS Excel templates. The beforementioned approach is improving the quality of internal control, lowering the levels of asset’s misappropriation, improving the quality of financial and non-financial reporting, regulatory compliance and significantly preventing illegal acts within the enterprise.

Impact of Pandemic Financial Crisis to the Going Concern Audit Opinion Factors

This study aims to further analyze the relationship between the characteristics, client relationship characteristics and environmental factors of auditors in issuing going concern audit opinions during pandemic financial crisis. By analyzing the effect of audit client tenure, litigation risk, and audit firm size on going-concern audit opinion and financial crisis due to COVID-19 as moderation. This study uses secondary data, financial statements and independent auditor reports of mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in period 2017-2020. The analytical method used is logistic regression. The results showed that the audit client tenure of public accountants and audit firm size had a significant negative effect on the issuance of going-concern audit opinions, while litigation risk had a significant positive effect on the issuance of going-concern audit opinions. Then the financial crisis due to Covid-19 had a significant positive effect on going-concern audit opinion but did not moderate the effect of audit client tenure, litigation risk, and audit firm size on going-concern audit opinion.

The emergence of audit data analytics in existing audit spaces: findings from three technologically advanced audit and assurance service markets

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory study is to better understand the interactions between external auditors, their audit clients and audit regulators when considering the supply of and demand for high-level audit technology. The authors examine the developed markets of Australia, New Zealand and the UK to better understand: how high-level audit technology has started to become embedded into existing audit spaces and any emerging issues this technology has created for the audit profession.Design/methodology/approachThrough the theoretical lens of the socio-technical (ST) systems of innovation theory, the present study involved semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders in Australia and New Zealand from 2019 to 2020 and 21 stakeholders in the UK from 2016 to 2018.FindingsAdvancements are revitalizing the technologies of not only the external auditors and their firms but also of their audit clients. Although the audit model is changing, external auditors are reported to be reluctant to fully engage with new audit technologies. In this setting, the authors find audit rules are yet to become embedded in the objects or practices of ST systems and that keeping up with the pace of change for regulators and standard setters is a major challenge.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study raise call for regulators to be more up to speed with these new technological changes, as audit standards need to be amended accordingly. Although the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board deliberates, both clients and auditors need to lobby for specific audit data analytics regulations.Originality/valueThe present study provides perspectives about new audit practices that emerge due to high-level technological advancements and then embed themselves into existing audit spaces. The authors draw on several different stakeholder groups, not just the Big Four firms. The ST systems theoretical lens we adopt better helps us understand how audit firms at the organisational level are adapting to these new technological changes in existing audit spaces.

Differential spillover effects of different non-audit fees on audit report lag

PurposeRegulators treat all non-audit services the same by using a broad-brush approach which is reflected in the study of total non-audit fees in the same analyses or different non-audit fees in isolation by prior studies. To know whether the non-audit services have different effects and hence, should be regulated separately, this paper compares their effects on audit report lag and examines whether they follow the implied hierarchy of the Securities and Exchange Commission.Design/methodology/approachThe effects of audit-related non-audit fees, tax fees and other non-audit fees are compared in an audit report lag model to determine whether they are the same statistically. Supporting tests for audit quality use discretionary accruals and the reporting of a small profit or small positive change in profit.FindingsThis paper finds that different non-audit fees do not have the same effects on report lag and partial support for the implied hierarchy of the Commission. Specifically, for large accelerated filers, audit-related fees and tax fees have the same negative effects on report lag but other non-audit fees are unrelated to report lag. Tests of audit quality suggest that auditors do not compromise audit quality.Research limitations/implicationsDifferent non-audit services are unique in their spillover effects and deserve individual attention. Audit practitioners could be more comfortable in providing audit-related non-audit or tax services for audit clients since these services could facilitate audit work without compromising independence. On the other hand, they should be cautious about the provision of other non-audit services because the services do not enhance the efficiency of audit work and without such a benefit to audit clients, the provision may create issues of perceived independence.Practical implicationsInsight is limited by the types of disclosure of non-audit fees available and the lack of internal measures of audit efficiency.Originality/valueThe results provide deeper insight into the knowledge spillover theory and prior studies which implicitly assume all non-audit services having the same effect. The results suggest that the services should be regulated each on its own but not in a bundle. Last, this paper provides the first evidence that audit-related non-audit fees reduce report lag.

The politics of profit production

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the process of producing a reported profit number to understand how different actors overcome the tensions arising from the often conflicting value frames that apply in different situations during this process and how the actors can benefit from the ensuing friction.Design/methodology/approachThe tensions found in the profit production process are theorized in terms of dissonance (Stark, 2009), emphasizing how multiple voices, drawing on different value frames, contribute to the search for a profit number. The authors study this by means of a case study of a large listed company in the construction industry, where, because of how judgment pervades the profit production process, the search for profit is particularly exposed.FindingsThe authors find three important value frames – caution, control and compliance – which managers, accountants and auditors draw on in the profit production process, depending on the situation they find themselves in. With this finding, the authors contribute to the previous research on financial reporting and management work and the production of profits by demonstrating how the relationships between the involved actors – primarily the auditor–client relationship – can be characterized by principled and constructive rivalry in which competing value frames can coexist alongside each other and how the dissonance created in these situations can produce generative and productive friction.Originality/valuePrevious research has mostly focused on profit measurement, taking the existence of a “true” profit number for granted. The auditor–client negotiation literature typically suggests that actors endeavor to solve situations in a zero-sum game where different value frames are present. This paper, drawing on an incipient theoretical approach to accounting research which emphasizes multivocality and perspective, contributes to the nascent research on financial accounting and management work in general and the profit production process in particular. With empirical illustrations of the dissonance found in this process, this paper suggests that tensions resulting from dissonance (Stark, 2009) may be a resource in situations like the profit production process.

The coherence of the auditor-client relationship quality and auditor tenure with client’s perceptions on added-value in SME audits: a sociological perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is gaining more insight into the impact of the strength of the auditor–client relationship on the client’s perceptions about added-value of the auditor service including the role of auditor tenure.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on both archival data (auditor tenure) and interview data (strength of the auditor–client relationship and client’s perceptions on added-value). The data comprise 497 small- and medium-sized entity (SME) audit engagements in The Netherlands.FindingsThis study finds evidence of a positive relationship between the strength of the auditor–client relationship and client’s perceptions on added-value. The data do not suggest a main effect of auditor tenure on client’s perceptions on added-value. This study finds evidence that auditor tenure, combined with the strength of the auditor–client relationship, has a strong positive influence on the perceived added-value. Therefore, this study argues that a longer tenure turns out to positively influence the auditor’s client-specific knowledge. The findings are relevant to auditing research by extending the scope of application of social exchange theory (SET) to SME settings, and by suggesting that the auditor–client relationship may capture more an audit quality dimension than auditor tenure. Findings are also relevant for audit practitioners in showing the contribution of a strong auditor–client relationship to client satisfaction in terms of perceived added-value. Standard setters may consider the results of this study in proper designing a specific auditing standard for smaller, less complex entities.Originality/valueThis study fits into a development in auditing research where auditing is viewed as a service. Prior studies in this area were mainly build on marketing concepts (e.g. Grönroos 2007). This study uses a sociological lens, particularly building on SET. In particular, this study focuses on the impact of relationship quality on perceived added value. Using this perspective sheds light on the importance of interactions between auditors and their clients. Both the product (audit opinion) and the process of collecting sufficient appropriate audit evidence in interaction with the client are important. This relationship perspective may serve as an explanation to why long auditor tenure can turn out to improve audit quality. Future research may build on this sociological perspective and particularly examine what conditions need to be present to realize benefits of the relationship approach and when a more transactional approach is more suitable.

Busy auditors, financial reporting timeliness and quality

We investigate whether audit partners with multiple clients are able to complete their audits in a timely fashion, an important but largely unexplored area of academic research. One view is that having multiple clients increases the knowledge and experience of the audit partner resulting in a more efficient and therefore, quicker audit. On the other hand, having multiple clients may over-burden an audit partner resulting in a slower audit process and longer completion times. We find that audit partners with multiple clients take longer to complete their annual audit. More importantly, we also find that companies with busy auditors who take longer to complete their audits also have poorer levels of financial reporting quality. Additionally, in terms of consequences for busy auditors, firms with lengthy audit report lag switched their auditors the next year suggesting that busy audit partners may lose clients if their workload is excessive and they are not able to maintain audit quality. Our results are robust to alternative measures for both audit report lag and audit partner busyness and a range of endogeneity tests. We also undertake simultaneous quantile regression to assess changes in audit report lag depending on the number of audit clients per partner where we find preliminary evidence of a knowledge spill-over effect. Consequently, our results have implications for companies, audit firms, regulators and other key stakeholders.

The Power of Words: An Empirical Analysis of the Communicative Value of Extended Auditor Reports

We examine the communicative value of extended auditor reports in the United Kingdom (UK), where ISA 700 (UK and Ireland) requires auditors to disclose the risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on the audit – key audit matters (KAM). By using methods from computational linguistics, we find that different proxies for communicative value (i.e., readability, evaluative content, visual aids, and specificity) improve in post-ISA 700 periods. Cross-sectional tests show that the improvement differs across audit firms and audit clients as well as KAM disclosure characteristics. Finally, broadly consistent with concurrent studies, we find no evidence that several proxies for communicative value are informative to investors. However, we find initial evidence that a more specific description of KAM is significantly and positively associated with capital market reactions, suggesting that investors value precise information. Overall, this study directly responds to the call for more research on how KAM are worded.