Financial Statement Misstatements Research Articles

THE CHALLENGES IN AUDITING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT FAIR VALUE CONCEPT (FVC) IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES: THE CASE OF REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Some balance sheet items are the result of judgments, including fair value estimates, so the relevant evidence is very complicated to collect by auditors, thus the risk of misstatements in financial statements is inevitably greater. The research objective of this paper is to: a) highlight the problems encountered by auditors from developing countries when auditing FV accounting estimates; b) identify the challenges that auditors from Serbia face in auditing FV accounting estimates; c) consider the possibility of adequately responding to these audit challenges in Serbia. The research confirmed that the problems of auditors in Serbia in the audit of FV estimates are generated by inefficient capital markets, and that they are primarily in the field of FV assessment which are connected to the impossibility of applying the market model and higher volatility of FV financial statements, as well as those in the field of auditing techniques used in providing assurance on the objectivity of FV assessments in various business activities, which requires additional training of auditors. Thus, the research confirmed the similarity of the problems in Serbia with the problems in the auditing FV estimates in developing countries.

External auditors’ trust and perceived quality of interactions

The external auditor cooperates and communicates with the audit committee of a company to ensure effective external audit, including detection of material misstatements in financial statements. Trust is an important element to facilitate information exchange and cooperation. This exploratory research examines the impacts of external auditors’ trust in audit committee members’ competence, integrity and goodwill on perceived quality of their interactions. Through questionnaire survey, the data were collected from audit managers, senior managers, directors and partners in Hong Kong with a response rate of 27.2 percent. Partial least square structural equation modeling and principal component analysis were employed to test the proposed model. The results reveal that the external auditor’s competence trust and integrity trust in the audit committee members are two strong motivators, which improve their interactions with the audit committee. The findings also confirm that perceived quality of interactions during pre-engagement investigation mediates the impacts of competence trust and integrity trust on perceived quality during audit performance stage. The implication of the study is that audit committee members should display high levels of competence and integrity for better interactions with external auditors. These findings provide inspirations for board of directors, executives and policymakers to implement policies that enhance trust among actors to improve audit quality.

Perceptions Of Accounting Lecturers And Students On The Ethics Of Reporting (Case Study At Dili Timor- Leste High School)

This research was conducted at the Dili Tmor-Leste College, this study aims to determine the differences in the perceptions of Lecturers and Accounting students on the ethics of preparing financial statements as seen from Misstatements in financial statements, Disclosure of sensitive information, Cost benefits of disclosure of information and accountability for the use of financial statements. The population in this study was 268. Questionnaires were randomly distributed to both Lecturers and Students of the Accounting Department in Semester V and VII of Dili Timor Leste, with details of 112 for Accounting Students in semester V, VII and 48 for Lecturers of Dili Timor Leste. The data analysis technique used was qualitative data in this study, researchers carried out processing techniques and quantitative data analysis. The formula used is the t-test formula or t-test and paired sample t-test. Based on the results of the research analyzed, it can be concluded that: (1)The results of the calculation of the analysis of the T-test difference with the Independent Sample T-test obtained a probability value of 0.0544 > 0.05, then H1 is rejected, meaning there is no significant difference in the perceptions of lecturers and students on the ethics of preparing financial statements as seen from the Sala serving in financial reports between Accounting Students and University Lecturers in Dili Timor Leste. (2) The results of the calculation of the analysis of the T-test difference with the Independent Sample T-test obtained a probability value of 0.020 <0.05, then H2 is accepted, meaning that there is a significant difference in the perception of students and Dili Timor Leste College Lecturers on the ethics of preparing financial statements as seen from the disclosure sensitive information between Accounting Students and University Lecturers in Dili Timor Leste. (3) The results of the calculation of the analysis of the T-test difference with the Independent Sample T-test obtained a probability value of 0.0105 <0.05 then H3 is accepted meaning that there is a significant difference in student perceptions of the ethics of preparing financial statements as seen from the cost benefits of information disclosure between students Accounting and Lecturer at Dili Timor Leste.The results of the calculation of the analysis of the T-test difference with the Independent Sample T-test obtained a probability value of 0.0480 <0.05, then H4 is accepted, meaning that there is a significant difference in student perceptions of the ethics of preparing financial statements as seen from the accountability for the use of financial statements between students. Accounting and Lecturer at Dili Timor Leste.

Target Keuangan, Kondisi Industri, Perubahan Auditor, Dan Perubahan Direksi Terhadap Salah Saji Material Pada Laporan Keuangan

This study aims to investigate how financial targets, industry conditions, changes in auditors and changes in the Board of Directors can affect the occurrence of misstatements in financial statements. By using a research sample of 16 state-owned companies other than banks in 2015 to 2019, this study tested empirically using a multiple regression model. The test results prove that financial targets and changes in the auditor have a significant positive effect on material misstatements in financial statements, but industry conditions have a significant negative effect on material misstatements in financial statements. Meanwhile, changes in directors have no significant effect on material misstatements in the financial statements. These results have implications for the practice of determining the materiality number against the background of the tendency of changes in the pattern of material misstatements in the financial statements under certain conditions.

Restating Internal Control Reports Following Financial Statement Restatements: Determinants and Consequences*

ABSTRACTAfter restating their financial statements, companies may voluntarily restate their previously issued internal control (IC) reports for the financial statement (FS) misstatement periods, changing them from “effective” to “ineffective.” This paper examines the determinants and consequences of IC restatements, which have been of concern to financial statement users. When announcing these IC restatements, companies often provide a detailed explanation of the IC problems and a discussion of their plans to remediate these problems. We find that companies with less severe IC problems that can be remediated more quickly are more likely to restate their IC reports. Moreover, these results are driven by companies with a higher need for external financing, suggesting that IC restaters voluntarily restate their IC reports in order to inform investors about their less severe IC material weaknesses and their plans to improve IC quality. Finally, we find that, relative to other FS restatement companies, IC restaters have a lower likelihood of CFO turnover and auditor resignation following the FS restatement. Taken together, our results suggest that voluntary IC restatements are used by IC restaters as a means to separate themselves from other FS restatement companies with more severe control problems and slower remediation plans. Our findings also indicate that studies investigating IC quality and related disclosures need to distinguish between IC restaters and other FS restatement companies because of the different characteristics and consequences between the two groups.

Shaping an audit strategy based on mapping and spectral risk analysis

Subject. This article deals with the practice of forming an audit strategy in conditions of uncertainty of parameterization of probability and significance of risks of material misstatement of financial statements. Objectives. The article aims to substantiate a risk-based audit strategy construction using the risk heat map tool and determining the necessary and sufficient actions of the auditor in response to the assessed risks. Methods. For the study, we used a content analysis, systematization, classification, and the abstract-logical and data visualization graphical methods. Results. Based on the content analysis of the revised ISAs that regulate audit risk, the article clarifies the aspects of risk identification, assessment, and fixing, the parameters of positioning and visualization of risk factors depending on their likelihood and significance. The article introduces a scenario mechanism for sufficient appropriate actions of the auditor in response to specific risk factor characteristics. It develops and presents a method of spectral analysis of a complex of assessed risk factors of material misstatement of reporting in order to build up an audit strategy. Conclusions and Relevance. The developed models of the audit risk heat map and the generalized map of the spectral risk analysis are the most rational tools for the formation of a scientifically based audit strategy with emphasis on the high-risk areas. The results of this article can be used in the practical activities of auditors and audit organizations, as well as internal auditors seeking to plan control measures using digital methods most effectively.

Financial Stability dan Misstatement Laporan Keuangan dengan Opportunity Fraud sebagai Variabel Moderating

The research aims to obtain empirical evidence of the influence of Financial Stability on Misstatement of Financial Statements and to determine the ability of Opportunity Fraud to moderate the influence of Financial Stability on Misstatement of Financial Statements. This research was conducted at the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) which has corporate financial data, especially manufacturing companies. The method of determining the sample using a purposive sampling technique. The number of samples in this study were 308 observational data. The analysis technique used is Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The results showed that Financial stability had a positive effect on the misstatement of financial statements of manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2018 and Opportunity Fraud weakened the influence of Financial Stability on the Misstatement of Financial Statements of manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015 - 2018.
 Keywords: Experience; Competence; Independence; Audit Fees; Quality Audits.

Releasing Earnings when the Audit is Less Complete: Implications for Audit Quality and the Auditor/Client Relationship

SYNOPSIS This study examines the effect of audit completeness at the annual earnings announcement date on audit quality and auditor/client retention decisions. The vast majority of companies now release earnings before the year-end audit is complete while, historically, companies would release earnings on or after the date of audit completion. Management's decision to release earnings when the audit is less complete can adversely impact audit quality and has negative implications for the overall auditor/client dynamic. We find that audits that are less complete at the earnings announcement date are associated with a higher likelihood of financial statement misstatements in audit areas that are typically performed toward the end of audit fieldwork. We also find a higher likelihood of auditor turnover during the following year. Taken together, the results suggest lower financial reporting/audit quality and higher auditor turnover for companies that release earnings when the audit is less complete. Data Availability: The data used are publicly available from the sources cited in the text.

Does financial reporting quality vary across firm life cycle?

AbstractThis study provides empirical evidence that across firm life cycle there is considerable variation in financial reporting quality. Specifically, the focus is on matching quality captured by the contemporaneous correlation between revenues and expenses and on the likelihood of material misstatements in financial statements. On balance, we observe an inverted U‐shaped pattern of financial reporting quality, that is, lower quality during the introduction, growth, and decline stages, compared to the mature stage of firm life cycle. First, we find poor matching of expenses with revenues in the introduction, growth, and decline stages. This implies conservative or aggressive recognition of expenses, leading to less informative earnings, and hence lower financial reporting quality. Then, we examine the likelihood of material misstatements, measured by weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, financial statement restatements, Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) accounting and auditing enforcement releases (AAER), and financial statement divergence (FSD) scores. We find clear indications that firms in the introduction, growth, and decline stages are significantly more likely to have misstatements in their financial statements compared to firms in the mature stage. Overall, the findings of this study enhance our understanding of the role of life‐cycle stages in causing variation in financial reporting quality.

The model evaluating the propensity of the auditee's management to risk

Subject. We identify what determines the risk propensity of those charged with financial reporting through surveying, so as the results could be subsequently applied in assessing the risk of material misstatement of financial reporting due to fraud. Objectives. We herein outline the methodological framework for conducting risk assessment procedures with respect to material misstatements due to fraud as part of financial reporting audits. Thus, we set an econometric model to empirically evaluate the probable risk propensity of a person charged with financial reporting. Methods. We applied the logistic regression model identified through empirical data of the survey we conducted among 515 employees of audited entities. Results. For purposes of research, we specified and identified the econometric model of a binary choice. The higher risk propensity was observed among people above 45, those having mediocre or low income, one profession, working for large production enterprises. Conclusions. What makes the technique advantageous is its low labor-intensity and higher efficiency of risk assessment procedures as part of audits. Based on the model, forecasts will help evaluate the propensity of the audited entity's management to the business risk. The findings can be used for analytical procedures in assessing the risk of material misstatements in financial statements due to fraud as part of audits, referring to its as the expected result. If the acceptability of a divergence between the expected and factual values is subsequently evaluated, this will help assess the risk of material misstatement in the audited entity's financial statements and determine whether additional auditing procedures are needed.

Studying the specifics of manipulation of financial statements in organizations of the construction sector

Subject. We identify the signs of manipulating the financial statements in the construction sector organizations. Objectives. We focus on developing the analytical procedures to detect the signs of financial statements manipulation, namely, the so-called window dressing. Methods. The methodological basis rests on general scientific principles and methods of research, like abstraction, generalization of approaches of domestic and foreign authors to the detection of manipulation of reporting, and statistical methods of information processing. Results. We developed a classification of methods for manipulation of unsound improvement of financial statements, assessed the likelihood of misstatement of financial statements, identified the elements of poor quality items, proposed a method to detect the manipulation of reporting, based on the comparison of substandard financial statement items with reliable items and/or non-financial indicators. We tested the methodology on the data of enterprises, operating in the construction sector. Conclusions. The study found that a likely manipulator is, usually, a micro-enterprise or a small company that does not have a credit limit, has significant relative performance of assets and liabilities of low quality, while showing high productivity and high return on assets at the average level of capital/labor ratio, and characterized by low investment and financial activity.

Do Director Networks Matter for Financial Reporting Quality? Evidence from Audit Committee Connectedness and Restatements

This study examines the effect of audit committee connectedness through director networks on financial reporting quality, specifically the misstatement of annual financial statements. Using network analysis, we examine multiple dimensions of connectedness and find that after controlling for operating performance and corporate governance characteristics, firms with well-connected audit committees are less likely to misstate annual financial statements. In addition, our study demonstrates that audit committee connectedness through director networks moderates the negative effect of board interlocks to misstating firms on financial reporting quality. We conduct several tests to address identification concerns and find similar results. Our findings suggest that firms with better-connected audit committees are less likely to adopt reporting practices that reduce financial reporting quality. This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Debt Covenant Restriction, Financial Misreporting, and Auditor Monitoring*

ABSTRACTTheory suggests that financial report‐based debt covenants engender incentives for the manager to relax covenant constraints through accounting choices in order to avoid costly covenant violations. Prior studies directly testing this hypothesis in the context of financial misreporting fail to find consistent evidence. Using a more refined measure of debt covenant restriction, we find that debt covenant restriction is positively associated with the probability of financial statement misstatements. This positive association is driven by performance covenants rather than capital covenants and is more consistent with the manager striving to avoid a “false‐positive” violation than to delay the violation. Our results also imply that managers resort to both income‐increasing and non–income‐increasing misreporting to relieve covenant constraints and rely more on the latter when faced with greater earnings management constraints. Additionally, the auditor charges higher audit fees to firms with more binding covenants even outside the violation state, and audit fees increase with constraints relative to both performance and capital covenants, reflecting greater financial reporting risk and bankruptcy risk, respectively. Within capital covenants, we find some evidence of even higher audit fees for tighter intangible‐inclusive versus intangible‐exclusive capital covenants. Lastly, our evidence suggests that the positive association between covenant constraints and misreporting is attenuated when the auditor has more experience with debt covenants, has greater bargaining power over the client, or faces greater litigation risk.

Office-Client Balance and Metro Area Audit Market Competition

SUMMARYWe propose a new audit supplier competition construct, the Office-Client Balance (OCB), which consists of the relative abundance of competing audit offices and audit clients in a metropolitan (metro) area. From this construct, we derive a metro level audit competition proxy reflecting surpluses or shortfalls of total metro audit office numbers relative to the national metro OCB norm: the OCB_TOT. Consistent with the predictions of Porter's Five Forces theory, we find that OCB_TOT is associated with lower fees, more auditor turnover, and more (less) office exits (entrances) in metro audit markets. These findings validate OCB_TOT as a proxy for audit market competition. Our results indicate that greater metro level competition among auditors (more positive OCB_TOT) is associated with higher audit quality, proxied by fewer financial statement misstatements. Several additional analyses suggest that OCB_TOT is useful in explaining clients' choices of local (versus remote) audit offices and Big 4 (versus non-Big 4) offices.Data Availability: Data used in this study are available from public sources.JEL Classifications: G18; L10; M42.

Designing a Risk-Based Review Plan for Accrual Based Local Government Financial Reports

<p><em>The application of Accrual-Based Government Accounting Standards (SAP) since 2015 still causes problems including misstatement in Local Government Financial Reports (LKPD). The role of the Inspectorate in minimizing these problems is manifested in conducting a review of LKPD. Preliminary research shows that the implementation of LKPD review in Bandung District has not been effective in detecting financial statement misstatements. This study aims to evaluate and design a risk-based review plan on accrual-based LKPD at the Bandung District Inspectorate, and also expected to be a guideline for Regional Government Inspectorates in planning LKPD reviews to generate government financial reports in accordance with SAP. This study uses a case study approach with qualitative methods. The results of the study show that the LKPD review planning at the Bandung District Inspectorate has been carried out according to regulations and IIA standards, but there are weaknesses at the stage of entity's understanding and risk identification. </em><em>The</em><em> </em><em>design of review procedures that have not implemented a risk-based approach also has an impact </em><em>on an ineffective review, therefore in this study a risk-based LKPD review plan was designed. The output of this review plan will contain testing procedures in accordance with the risk areas of the financial statements. </em></p>

Shareholder Dissatisfaction and Subsequent Audit Outcomes

SYNOPSIS This study examines the association between shareholder dissatisfaction, as proxied using auditor ratification voting, and subsequent auditor effort and audit quality. We document that increases in shareholder dissatisfaction are associated with (1) higher audit fees and longer audit report lags, and (2) lower abnormal accruals and reduced likelihood of financial statement misstatements, in the subsequent period. These findings inform the debate about auditor ratification voting, as governance activists and some regulators argue to increase the role of shareholders in auditor selection despite opposition from some firms and the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission. We provide empirical evidence that increases in shareholder dissatisfaction with the auditor are associated with increases in subsequent auditor effort and audit quality. This suggests that shareholder action (even nonbinding) may potentially influence subsequent audit outcomes.

Pengaruh Asimetri Informasi Dan Ketaatan Aturan Akuntansi Terhadap Kecenderungan Kecurangan Akuntansi Di Pemerintahan Kota Payakumbuh

Accounting fraud occurred in the form of misstatement of financial statements, abuse of authority by rejecting information by accounting management in the government. This study aims to determine the effect of asymmetric information and compliance with accounting rules on accounting fraud in the Payakumbuh city government. The sample of 124 respondents was determined by proportional stratified random sampling consisting of direct or indirect Echelon II, III and IV accounting managers. Data were analyzed using multiple regression formulas with the help of the SPSS application for windows. This study concludes that information asymmetry and significant positive influence means increasing the likelihood of fraud. Whereas adherence to accounting rules does not affect accounting fraud due to lack of rewards and penalties for accounting managers from implementing the established rules.

The Similarities and Differences between Earnings Management and Fraud

Objective: The main objective of this article is to indicate differences between earnings management and fraud.Research Design & Methods: The research methods applied are based on a critical analysis of the literature on the subject, both in Polish and English, a comparative analysis of legal acts and inductive reasoning.Findings: Earnings management involves intentional and lawful actions undertaken by an entity’s management, aimed at changing the figures it reports, particularly earnings, in order to present the desired picture of the entity’s financial standing and economic position, as well as its achievements in financial statements for the purpose of misleading financial statement users or obtaining benefits guaranteed in managerial contracts. This is achieved by applying accounting judgment and estimates, changing these estimates, choosing specific methods from among the acceptable accounting methods allowed by the applicable accounting regulations, structuring of economic transactions or undertaking actual activities.Implications / Recommendations: Earnings management should not be identified with fraud, as earnings are managed within the framework of legal regulations in the field of accounting and taking account of solutions adopted in the accounting policy of a given entity. However, any abuse in this field, whether it involves departing from or violating the accounting principles or standards, may lead to intentional misstatements in financial statements – that is, fraud in its broad sense.Contribution: Inspiring further development of research on earnings management from the viewpoint of determinants or tools applied.

How Do Managers Delay the Revelation of Bad News? Evidence from a Coordinated Strategy using Accrual Choices and Management Forecasts

We provide evidence that some managers delay the revelation of bad news using a coordinated strategy involving both reported accruals and earnings forecasts. Specifically, we observe a correlated bias in contemporaneous accruals and management forecasts when both indicate higher, but not lower, future performance. Furthermore, this bias occurs in periods preceded by poor economic performance, where incentives to delay revealing the full extent of the bad news are greater. The joint use of inflated accruals and optimistic management forecasts is associated with optimism in analysts’ subsequent forecasts and with a decline in stock prices over the following year, suggesting that managers successfully delay the revelation of bad news using this strategy. Finally, evidence from financial statement misstatements (identified through subsequent restatements) is consistent with sample firm managers jointly issuing optimistic guidance and manipulating accruals using means outside of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

PENGARUH PENGALAMAN KERJA, GENDER DAN PENGETAHUAN MENDETEKSI FRAUD TERHADAP AUDIT JUDGMENT ( PENDAPAT PROFESIONAL AUDITOR )

According to the results of research that has been conducted in KAP East Jakarta are 1. Work experience, gender, and knowledge of detecting fraud have a positive effect on audit judgment because the auditor in conducting audit judgment is seen from experience that matches the criteria and must be professional. 2. The auditor's experience has a positive influence on audit judgment because an experienced auditor will be able to hone sensitivity in information, fraud and misstatement of financial statements, which are related to making Judgment, the experience an auditor has by making the auditor learn from past mistakes in order to be able make better judgment. 3. Based on research that has been done shows that gender has no effect on audit judgment. This means that if gender is increasingly dominated it will not affect the level of understanding of audit judgment. 4. Based on research saying that the knowledge of detecting fraud has a significant effect on audit judgment, which means that the greater the knowledge of an auditor in detecting fraud, then an auditor will make it easier for auditors to examine financial statements