Determinants Of Audit Fees Research Articles

Is there a gender gap in audit fees in Spain? Explaining the variables involved in audit fees

Purpose The main objective of this study is to analyse the impact of auditor gender on audit fees, with a view to establishing whether there are any differences in audit price depending on the gender of the auditor. Motivation The existence of a gender gap in audit fees is a problem. In order to try to reduce this gap, it is necessary to understand the determinants of audit fees according to gender. Design/Methodology/Approach The sample under analysis is made up of 3217 unlisted Spanish companies. In order to fulfil our aim, an audit fee model is put forward, applying a multiple linear regression analysis differentiated by auditor gender. Main findings The results point to an absence of any statistically significant association between audit fees and auditor gender. In contrast to other countries within the same context, Spanish female audit partners do not generate higher audit fees than their male counterparts; there is no female audit fee premium as there seems to be in other countries such as Belgium, France, Finland, China or the USA. Practical implications Differences were found among the factors which determine audit fees; there tend to be fewer factors considered in audits signed by female auditors, with indicators related to the economic and financial situation of the company under audit excluded from the fees model. These results could be justified by differences between male and female auditors with respect to audit planning and efficiency. Novelty/Contribution This paper is a contribution to the literature on gender in auditing, and offers up evidence on the impact of auditor gender on audit fees within a specific context that has not been studied in any depth, namely the Spanish auditing market for unlisted companies.

Examining Audit Fee Determinants and Their Impact on Audit Quality

Examining Audit Fee Determinants and Their Impact on Audit Quality

Determinan Audit Fee (Studi pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang terdaftar di BEI Tahun 2018-2020)

This study aims to identify the determinants of audit fees in real estate companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period 2018-2020. Using a quantitative approach and linear regression analysis on secondary data from annual financial reports, it was found that among the four independent variables examined—going concern, corporate governance, company size, and audit firm size—only company size has a significant effect on audit fees. Company size influences audit fees due to greater operational complexity, audit risk, and the need for additional services. These findings support Agency Theory and have practical implications for large company management to manage risk and complexity to control audit costs, as well as for auditors and policymakers to consider company size when setting audit fees and formulating regulations.

Determinants of Audit Fees in Nigerian Consumer Goods Sector

The purpose of this study is to assess the determinants of audit fees among consumer goods companies publicly listed on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Secondary data of firm size, age and profitability (independent variables), and audit fee (dependent variable) from the chosen consumer goods firms in Nigeria's annual reports and accounts from 2012-2022. “Descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and Karl Pearson correlation); diagnostic statistics (variance inflation factor, Breusch Pagan-Cook test for heteroskedasticity, Ramsey RESET test); and inferential statistics (Chi square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test) were used to analyse the data;” and principal component analysis) and inferential statistics (ordinary least square). Generally, the results showed that firm size and profitability are the measure determinants of audit fees while firm age do not determines audit fees. It is therefore it was recommended that consumer goods companies need to enhance the size and profitability (return on assets).

Determinants of Internal Audit Quality and External Audit Fees

Internal audit a part of good corporate governance, one of its functions is to ensure that internal control runs well, apart from that, the existence of internal audit also expected to provide value added to the company. Quality internal audit plays a very important role in supporting the success and sustainability of a company. This research aims to examine the determinants of internal audit quality and further examine the role of internal audit quality on external audit fees. Primary data is used in this research, the collection method is through distributing questionnaires. Purposive sampling criteria were used in this research as a sample selection technique.and obtained a total of 43 samples. Data Analysis Method using Confirmatory Factor Analysis with PLS3. The object is the internal audit of companies that are members of the Japfa Group. The research results show that competence and objectivity are determinants of internal audit quality. Furthermore, internal audit quality has significant effect on external audit fees.

The Effects of Information Asymmetry on Audit Fees

Audit fees refer to the financial compensation received by accounting firms and auditors in return for the delivery of their professional services. These services encompass a range of operations, including the analysis of financial statements, evaluation of internal controls, and performance of numerous other tasks linked to auditing. Typically, organizations remunerate external audit firms for their services through fees, which can be either annual or based on the specific services rendered. The remuneration for audit services is commonly subject to variability, with adjustments made based on the particular audit engagement's scope and complexity. This paper delves into the correlation between information asymmetry and audit fees. The concept of information asymmetry arises when there is an unequal distribution of information between two parties involved in a transaction, leading to an imbalance in knowledge. This phenomenon has a notable influence on the determination of audit fees. This paper examines the theoretical underpinnings, empirical findings, and practical ramifications of the impact of information asymmetry on audit costs and the quality of audit services. The work analyzes the elements that contribute to information asymmetry by conducting a comprehensive review of current literature and empirical studies. Through this analysis, the study sheds light on the complex dynamics between information asymmetry, audit fees, and audit quality.

Determinants of audit fees in the consumer goods industry listed on the Indonesia stock exchange

This paper aims to demonstrate the effects of company size, public accounting firm size, independence of the board of commissioners, size of the board of commissioners, and company risk on audit fees. The population used in this study are companies in the consumer goods industry sub-sector listed on the IDX in 2019-2022. Sample withdrawal using a purposive sampling technique with certain criteria then the data was analyzed by multiple linear regression. It is clear from the result of the analysis that the independence of the board of commissioners and the size of the board of commissioners have a positive effect on audit fees. While other variables such as company size, public accounting firm size, and company risk do not affect audit fees.

Audit Fee Determinants in CEE Companies Before and During COVID-19

Abstract Audit fee serves not only as a compensation for external audit firms to ensure the accuracy and reliability of a company’s financial statements, but it also plays a role in the financial market, by simultaneously reflecting the accounting quality and overall standing of the auditee. This exploratory study aims to identify the factors determining the audit fees of Central and Eastern European companies taking into account periods before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate an upward trend in audit fees for CEE companies during COVID-19, with total assets of auditee and affiliation with Big Four auditors being positive determinants in both periods.

Pengaruh Kompleksitas Perusahaan, Leverage, & Kompensasi Terhadap Fee Audit Pada Perusahaan BUMN 2017-2021

Audit Fees are a reward the auditor receives from the client entity in connection with providing audit services. Public accountants are very important in balancing information asymmetry and conflict of interest. Payment of this audit fee is based on a contract between the company and a public accounting firm based on an engagement letter. With this audit fee, the auditor must fulfill his duties and responsibilities. The research problem formulation is whether there is a simultaneous and partial effect of company complexity, leverage, and compensation on audit fees. The primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of company complexity, leverage, and compensation on audit fees within state-owned companies that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period spanning from 2017 to 2021. The present study employs a quantitative research methodology. The population under investigation in this study comprises state-owned companies that were listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period of 2017-2021. A total of 13 companies were selected as research samples. The employed methodology utilizes panel data regression as the primary analytical technique. The employed data analysis techniques encompass the descriptive statistical test, classic assumption test, panel data regression model testing, and hypothesis testing. The findings of this study suggest that there is a simultaneous impact of company complexity, leverage, and compensation on audit fees. The presence of partial functions is associated with a detrimental impact of company complexity on audit fees. The utilization of leverage and the provision of compensation positively impact the determination of audit fees. It is anticipated that future researchers will possess the capacity to broaden the scope of their research objectives and incorporate additional variables beyond those initially considered. It is anticipated that corporations will furnish comprehensive information regarding the audit fee

Pengaruh Firm Size, Subsidiaries, Auditor Size, Loyalitas, dan External Audit Report Lag terhadap Audit Fee: Studi Empiris pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2018-2020

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the effect of firm size, subsidiaries, auditor size, loyalty, and external audit report lag on audit fees in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Methodology/approach: The population of this study are manufacturing companies listed on the IDX with an observation period of 2018-2020. The research sample consisted of 30 companies from 56 saturated samples determined by purposive sampling technique. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression with the help of the SPSS program. Results/findings: The results of the study concluded that partially firm size, auditor size, and loyalty variables affect the audit fee. Meanwhile, the variables of subsidiaries and external audit report lag have no effect on audit fees for manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Limitation: in manufacturing companies in the consumer goods industry sector only. The limitation of this research is that the research object is not extensive, only exists, so a small sample is obtained. Contribution: This research is useful as information material and for regulators' considerations to provide clearer regulations and explanations related to the determination of audit fees, so that the information obtained is transparent so that it makes it easier for investors to make decisions. It is hoped that with regulations and supervision regarding the amount of the audit fee, relevant information can be obtained.

What Factors Influence the Determination of Audit Fees

The purpose of this study is to test the influence of variables that are factors in determining the value of audit fees in food and beverage sub-sector manufacturing companies listed on the IDX for the 2017-2021. This study focuses on four independent variables, company complexity, internal audit, profitability, and company risk, and one dependent variable, audit fee. The collected data was further processed using purposive sampling techniques, resulting in a population of 12 companies or as many as 300 samples. Then, these data were processed with IBM SPSS software version 25, and it was found that the complexity of the company had a positive and significant effect on the audit fee, the internal audit had a negative and significant effect on the audit fee, and the company's profitability and risk did not affect the audit fee.

Determining audit fees: evidence from the Egyptian stock market

PurposeThis paper aims to empirically examine the determinants affecting audit fees in the Egyptian context concerning different organizational forms and governance mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts financial and non-financial data from 62 Egyptian firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange from 2015 to 2020. The proposed audit fees model is developed by adopting panel data analysis to examine the effect of auditee, auditor and engagement attributes on audit fees. The validity of the proposed equation for determining audit fees on an annual basis was established by applying the fixed effect model results for the year 2020.FindingsThe results revealed that the most significant determinants that affect audit fees are liquidity, audit committee independence, audit report lag and the status of the audit firm. Audit fees of 95.7% are determined by these factors. The validation test proved that the proposed model was more accurate and closer to the estimated data at nearly 90.2%.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper would send early signals to audit firms, stakeholders and regulators regarding the determinants of audit fees, and provide an objective standard for fee-setting to be used by stock market regulators and professional bodies, in determining a minimum amount of audit fees that ensure a reasonable level of audit quality.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, this paper empirically examines the determinants of audit fees in an emerging market like Egypt and presents evidence for a period of six years.

The determinants of audit fees in the alternative investment market (Aim) in the UK: Evidence on the impact of risk, corporate governance and auditor size

This study examines the determinants of audit fees for companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in the United Kingdom (UK), which is the secondary market of the London Stock Exchange for small and medium sized companies. AIM companies are expected to present different audit pricing challenges compared to fully listed firms. From an audit demand perspective, AIM companies exhibit different risk and governance characteristics while, from a supply perspective, the AIM is characterized by greater auditor choice than typically found in main markets. We find that audit fees in the AIM are negatively influenced by client liquidity and the length of listing. We also find that higher levels of audit committee disclosures are associated with higher fees, although there is no evidence that individual audit committee characteristics influence audit fees. After controlling for self-selection bias, we find that Big 4 auditors charge higher fees and this premium is especially pronounced for smaller firms. Our findings contribute to the audit pricing literature by illustrating that the determinants of audit fees depends on the institutional setting in which companies operate as well as highlighting the importance of specific risk measures and auditor size in the determination of audit fees for AIM companies.

Audit fee determinants in small municipalities: Further evidence from Connecticut small towns

Guided by a call for research on small entities using innovative methodologies, this study is the first to analyse small municipality audit fees on a per capita basis. The research utilises a complete dataset of all 92 Connecticut municipalities that meet the study criteria and does not rely on samples or survey results. The measure of per capita was utilised to account for differences between town populations allowing for a more accurate comparison of audit fees and audit fee determinants across municipalities of differing populations. Consistent with the premise that auditee characteristics are an important consideration in audit fees, we find that when examining audit fees on a per capita basis in the subset of small municipalities: (1) smaller towns pay considerably more for audit services than larger towns, (2) towns with an ethics committee oversight function and best practices financial reporting practices have lower per capita audit fees than those that do not and (3) audit firm size, audit firm tenure and existence of audit/finance committee oversight have no significant impact on per capita audit fees. The results of this study help fill a void in the audit literature by providing insights into audit fee determinants in small municipalities by considering the added feature of a per capita analysis. The authors also sought to provide additional information for consideration in the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) efforts to streamline standards for auditing of less complex entities.

Audit fee determinants in mining sector companies: factors specific to clients, auditors and engagement

Audit fee determinants in mining sector companies: factors specific to clients, auditors and engagement

Citation analysis of audit fee determinants literature

Citation analysis of audit fee determinants literature

Government contracts and audit fees

Topics concerning government contracts have recently attracted much attention from researchers and the public because of the US government's significant spending on goods and services. In this study, we investigate whether audit fees are associated with audit clients' government contracts. We find that firms with a higher proportion of government sales to total sales pay higher audit fees than other firms. Our further analysis shows the audit premium is driven mainly by the federal government and local government contracts. We also show that local government contracts have a larger effect than federal government contracts on the determination of audit fees. Taken together, our findings enhance our understanding of a potential determinant of audit fees and imply that auditors may view firms with and without government contracts differently.

Audit fees, audit report lag and abnormal tone: evidence from China

PurposeThis study aims to provide evidence on the association between abnormal tone and audit fees, as well as between abnormal tone and audit report lag.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a fixed-effects model to examine the relationship between abnormal positive tone and audit engagement (audit fees and audit report lag). Following Blanco et al., the authors used propensity score matching to examine the robustness of the findings.FindingsAbnormal positive tone affects the audit process. An abnormal positive tone in annual reports is associated with greater audit effort and higher audit fees.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the determinants of audit fees and audit lag by analyzing the impact of an abnormal positive tone on audit engagement. The literature analyzing the determinants of audit engagement often focuses on the quality of non-textual information. This study analyzes the impact of the quality of textual information (measured by abnormal tone) on audit engagement, which provides evidence of the association between textual disclosure and audit.

Reimbursement Costs of Auditing Financial Assets Measured by Fair Value Model in Jordanian Financial Firms’ Annual Reports

This paper investigates the impact of financial assets measured by the fair value (F.V.) model, proxied by held-for-trading (H.F.T.), available-for-sale (A.F.S.), and the fair value option (F.V.O.), on reimbursement costs charged by external auditors in the context of the Jordanian finance industry. The study applied fixed-effects regression with a sample of 2408 firm-year observations of Jordanian firms from 2005 to 2018. The regression results confirmed that higher H.F.T. and A.F.S. of fair-valued assets were the primary cause of high audit fees; however, the F.V.O. had no significant impact. The impact of the F.V. model on audit reimbursement expenses has received little scholarly attention even in developing countries. The current study introduces an updated audit-fee model and new empirical evidence to provide more insights into this relationship and bridge a gap in the auditing literature. As a result, it investigates the impact of each fair-valued financial asset category on audit pricing for the first time. This research is unique in that it uses the F.V. model to investigate the association between each item of fair-valued financial assets and audit fees. The findings of this research provide current empirical information on the implication of the F.V. model in Jordan. The results contribute by guiding audit fee determinants in the context of Jordan, where there is no specific limit for audit fees determined by the government. The outcomes guide regulatory authorities in monitoring and regulating the audit profession and regulating the audit of F.V. model practices.

Research and Development Expenditure, Audit Fees, and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: Evidence from Chinese Listed Firms*

AbstractThis study of Chinese listed firms from 2008 to 2018 shows that research and development (R&D) expenditure is associated with increased audit fees. However, corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure can attenuate this fee increase, especially in firms with an opaque information environment, high risks, and non‐high‐ and new‐technology enterprises. These findings are robust to the use of proxies and instrumental variables, propensity score matching, and controlling for firm fixed effects and CSR performance. This study contributes to the understanding of the economic consequences of R&D activities, determinants of audit fees, and CSR disclosure.