Audit Quality Research Articles

Audit firm informatization and audit quality during COVID-19

PurposeCOVID-19 has forced audit firms to change the way they operate. One change has been to rely more on information technology (IT) and IT human capital to overcome COVID-19-related challenges. We refer to audit firms’ use of these two resources as audit firm informatization (AFI). It is important to understand whether AFI helps audit firms address challenges created by the pandemic. Thus, this study examines the impact of AFI on audit quality during the COVID-19 pandemic in China with a focus on IT human capital.Design/methodology/approachWe use a mixed-methods approach. First, we perform multivariate regression analyses on archival data. Specifically, we investigate the relationship between IT human capital and audit quality and the two mechanisms (i.e. improved efficiency and reduced audit risk) underlying the relationship. We also investigate how this relationship is moderated by features of clients, audit firms and individual auditors. Then we use interviews to corroborate the results of our regression analyses.FindingsOur analyses of archival data show that IT human capital positively affects audit quality through improved efficiency and reduced audit risk and that this positive impact is more pronounced for clients in non-manufacturing industries, those with a more opaque information environment, audit firms with greater industry coverage and individual auditors with less experience. Our interview data indicate that audit firms with more advanced AFI and a higher level of IT human capital in particular are less disrupted by the pandemic and are better able to use IT to address challenges associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, the results confirm that improved efficiency and reduced audit risk are the mechanisms through which AFI enhances audit quality. Finally, we identify issues associated with the use of IT.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate how IT human capital (and by extension AFI) influences audit quality in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings should be of interest to practitioners and setters of auditing standards.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF DIGITAL AUDITING: A LOOK BEYOND THE YEAR 2020

Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and blockchain, have significantly changed the auditing landscape. This study aims to explore the impact of these technologies on audit practices in the future, focussing on the challenges and opportunities auditors face. Using a qualitative approach, the study involved in-depth interviews, case studies, and participatory observations of several companies adopting digital technology in their audits. The study results show that applying digital technology can increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in the audit process. AI and big data enable faster and more comprehensive data analysis, while blockchain improves the reliability and integrity of audited data. However, the study also reveals significant challenges, such as a lack of technology skills among auditors, concerns related to data security and privacy, and potential changes in the role of auditors that could affect audit quality. On the other hand, the digital era also opens opportunities for auditors to engage in multidisciplinary collaboration and develop new competencies relevant to modern technology. However, to make the most of these opportunities, auditors need to maintain strong ethical principles and comply with applicable regulations.

Information System Audit Experience and Accountability to Internal Audit Quality

The purpose of this research to determine the experience of information system audits and accountability for audit quality at the Inspectorate Bandung. Data expected to be a solution quality of internal audits. Obtained through a survey by distributing questionnaires. According to the issue, they do not have competent experience and accountability in carrying out quality audits. Have 30 samples out of 60 observed in population field. Using descriptive and verification methods. Statistical data processing SPSS. The results show that: (1) Information systems audit experience has no direct effect on audit quality and (2) Accountability has a direct effect on internal audit quality.

The Effect of Auditing Team Work Related Stress on Audit Quality

The Effect of Auditing Team Work Related Stress on Audit Quality

PENGARUH KOMITE AUDIT, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN DAN FEE AUDIT TERHADAP KUALITAS AUDIT PADA PERUSAHAAN SUB SEKTOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE YANG TERDAFTAR PADA BURSA EFEK INDONESIA TAHUN 2017-2022

This research aims to find out and provide empirical evidence regarding the influence of the audit committee, company size and audit fees on audit quality. The population in this research is manufacturing companies operating in the Food and Beverage Sub Sector Companies Listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange 2017-2022. the influence is partial or simultaneous. This research uses a quantitative approach and uses associative methods. The samples used were 10 samples of companies which used secondary data obtained from the Company's Financial Reports. The method used is statistical testing which includes logistic regression testing, hypothesis testing and coefficient of determination. The research results show that the audit committee partially has no effect on audit quality using the eviews version 9 and Microsoft Excel applications. The research results show that partially the audit committee has no effect on audit quality, partially company size has no effect on audit quality, partially audit fees have an effect on audit quality, simultaneously, audit committee, company size and audit fees have an effect on audit quality

The Role of Auditor Ethics in Moderating the Effect of Auditor Competence, Independence, and Audit Fees on Audit Quality (Case Study at Malang Public Accounting Firm)

The Role of Auditor Ethics in Moderating the Effect of Auditor Competence, Independence, and Audit Fees on Audit Quality (Case Study at Malang Public Accounting Firm)

The value relevance of accounting information on amman stock exchange: the moderating role of audit quality

The value relevance of accounting information on amman stock exchange: the moderating role of audit quality

Applying The Six Sigma Methodology To Enhance Accounting Information Quality And Boost Tax Revenue- An Applied Study

The purpose of the research was to boost tax revenues and enhance the accuracy of accounting information by implementing the SIX SIGMA technique. In order to gather primary data from the study sample, which consisted of (148) personnel in the quality and internal audit departments or the representatives of them in the Iraqi General Tax Authority, a questionnaire with (148) items was created. The study came to several conclusions, chief among them being that Six Sigma standards—which include senior leadership commitment and support, feedback and measurement, continuous improvement, processes and systems, and human resources—have a major influence on enhancing the degree of accounting information quality and collecting tax revenue (internal audit activities management, risk management evaluation, planning and carrying out the audit procedure, and sharing the findings) at a significant level (0.05). The report advised focusing on the Six Sigma idea and showcasing its potential for reducing mistakes, enhancing the caliber of accounting data, and boosting tax revenues.

Leader versus lagger: How the timing of financial reports affects audit quality and investment efficiency

AbstractThis paper examines how relative timing affects the quality of financial reports in a staggered reporting system in which some firms report earlier than others. We show that the audit quality of the leading firm exceeds that of the lagger. Investment efficiency also differs systematically across firms, depending on the relative reporting timing as well as the audit market structure. Audit regulations mitigate the misalignment of interests between auditors and investors but limit the effect of information spillovers. We characterize the socially optimal auditing standards and show how and why imposing minimum audit quality requirements complements and/or substitutes for adjusting auditors' legal liability. Overall, we show that a staggered reporting system dominates a simultaneous reporting system in enhancing audit quality and investment efficiency through regulation.

The Effect of External Audit Quality, Related Party Transactions, Political Connec-tions, Esg Performance and Independent Assurance on Sustainability Reports on Firm Value

This research is based on the importance of companies knowing the factors that can affect the value of the firm in accordance with the development of the times so that the company can continue to survive in success in the long term. This study combines factors related to the company's non-financial performance, including sustainability performance such as ESG performance and the use of independent assurance in sustainability reports as well as other non-financial performance such as the quality of external audits, related party transactions, and political connections to determine the influence of these factors on the firm's value. The method used in this study is a panel data regression analysis method using e-views 9 with a sample of companies in the energy and basic materials sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2021-2023. The results of this study show that the quality of external audits, related party transactions, political connections, environmental performance (ESG_Environment), social performance to employees (ESG_Social Employees) and the use of independent assurance in sustainability reports have no effect on firm value while, social performance to the community (ESG_Social Community) and governance performance (ESG_Governance) have a positive effect on firm value.

THE INFLUENCE OF AUDIT DELAY, SIZE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, AUDIT OPINION, AND MANAGEMENT CHANGE ON AUDITOR SWITCHING

This study explores the impact of audit delay, the size of public accounting firms, audit opinions, and management changes on auditor switching among companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The research aims to identify the key factors that influence a company's decision to switch auditors. Using logistic regression analysis and secondary data from financial reports, the study introduces a unique approach by simultaneously analyzing four independent variables, which is rarely done in prior studies. The results reveal that audit delay and management changes significantly affect auditor switching, while the size of public accounting firms and audit opinions do not have a significant impact. The findings suggest that operational and managerial factors play a more critical role in auditor switching decisions compared to financial factors. Theoretically, the study supports the relevance of agency theory in explaining auditor switching, particularly in addressing conflicts of interest between management and shareholders. Practically, these results provide valuable insights for company management when deciding to switch auditors and highlight the importance for regulators to implement policies that enhance transparency and audit quality, strengthening corporate governance practices in Indonesia.

Risk Governance Unlocks Islamic Banks’ Dual Performance Goals

This study investigates the moderating effect of risk governance structures on the relationship between risk management—covering insolvency, financing, and operational risks—and the financial and social performance of Islamic banks in Indonesia. Using dynamic panel data regression, the analysis draws on annual report data from 11 Islamic commercial banks over the period from 2012 to 2021. The findings show that certain risk governance structures, such as the size and independence of the audit committee, the expertise of its members, the frequency of meetings, and the quality of external audits, significantly enhance the effectiveness of risk management in improving both financial and social outcomes. Moreover, unique Islamic banking structures, such as the size of the Shariah Supervisory Board and the frequency of its meetings, further strengthen these effects. These results highlight the importance of robust governance in optimizing risk management and improving the overall performance of Islamic banks, with implications for regulatory bodies and Islamic financial institutions aiming to improve governance frameworks.

Greenwashing and financial performance of firms: the moderating role of internal audit quality and digital technologies

Greenwashing and financial performance of firms: the moderating role of internal audit quality and digital technologies

Effect Of Competency and Professional Skepticism On Audit Quality (Empirical Study at Public Accountant Office Bandung)

Abstract. The study aims to determine the effect of competency and professional skepticism on audit quality in Public Accountant Offices (KAP) in Bandung. This study uses a quantitative research method. The sample in this study consists of 35 respondents from 48 questionnaires distributed to auditors working at Public Accountant Offices (KAP) in Bandung. Data analysis in this study uses multiple linear regression models with IBM SPSS (Statistical Program for Social Science) software version 29.0. The results of this study indicate that the competency and professional skepticism variables simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on audit quality. Partially, the competency variable has a positive and significant effect on audit quality, while professional skepticism does not have a significant effect on audit quality. The Adjusted R Square value is 0.553 or 55.3%, while the remaining 44.7% is explained by other variables aside from the independent variables in this study.

Auditor mood and audit quality: evidence from music sentiment measure

PurposeExtant studies propose music sentiment as a novel measure of individuals’ sentiment. These studies argue that individuals’ choice of music reflects their emotional condition in real time and influences their cognitive ability, making it a powerful tool for assessing their mood. This study aims to use music sentiment as a proxy for auditors’ mood and explore its impact on audit quality.Design/methodology/approachA sample of the US firms from 2017 to 2020 is used in the study. The authors apply the ordinary least squares regressions and the logit regressions to the audit quality models. The authors use absolute discretionary accruals and the propensity to meet or beat earnings forecasts as proxies for audit quality and calculate a stream-weighted average sentiment measure for Spotify’s Top-200 songs of each day during the audit period of a client firm to capture the sentiment of auditors.FindingsThe authors find that music sentiment is positively associated with audit quality. The result is consistent with the mood maintenance hypothesis, which suggests that a positive mood can induce auditors to be more careful in risky situations. Furthermore, the result is robust to various sensitivity analyses.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the scarce literature that focuses on auditors’ emotional state and highlights the importance of monitoring auditor mindset during the audit period.

The development of the European Union auditing research over the past decade: a systematic literature review and future research opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of research development on auditing in the European Union over the past decade and suggest future research directions. Design/methodology/approach Following the PRISMA protocol, the authors systematically reviewed the relevant literature and conducted a qualitative content analysis of 107 studies on auditing in the European Union published between 2012 and 2023. Findings The results indicate increased auditing literature in the European Union from 2012 to August 2023. Around 40% of the papers were focused on six nations: Germany, Spain, Italy, the UK, Sweden and France. Additionally, 35.5% of papers have been published in three major journals: Accounting in Europe, International Journal of Auditing and the European Accounting Review. Moreover, 82.24% of papers used quantitative methods, with a few using qualitative or mixed methods. Also, most of the studies in the sample endorsed the European Union’s auditing reforms, which included implementing a cap on nonaudit fees and enhancing the independence of audit committees. Contrary to this viewpoint, multiple studies have expressed disagreement with enforcing a total prohibition on nonaudit services, as certain services can enhance auditing quality. Similarly, other studies have contested the necessity of mandatory auditor rotation every 10 years, citing the significant additional expenses associated with this practice. Finally, further studies supported the European Union’s decision to make the joint audit voluntary, as it is related to high audit fees and low audit quality. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this research primarily stem from the authors’ choices in selecting the database and defining the criteria for searching the studied papers. Practical implications This paper offers valuable insights into the future research prospects in the European Union’s auditing field. Hence, this analysis can be helpful for researchers and practitioners in developing this field based on future research recommendations and the identified themes. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first study to systematically review the developments of the European Union auditing literature over the past decade.

Service quality, customer sentiment and online ratings of beach hotels: an analysis of moderating factors

PurposeThis study investigates the service quality dimensions of hotel resorts in renowned beach destinations of Thailand. It also explores the relationship between review text sentiment expressed in online platforms and the satisfaction ratings provided for those reviews.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a two-step analysis approach: first, supervised and unsupervised machine learning via support vector machine (SVM) and latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) are used to identify service quality dimensions, and second, SmartPLS with PROCESS macro is applied to analyze the moderating roles of quality signals and reviewer’s experience on the relationship between sentiment and satisfaction rating. The dataset comprises 102,179 online reviews from TripAdvisor, focusing on 187 selected hotels rated from 3 to 5 stars.FindingsEight service quality dimensions were identified, including leisure activities, tangibles and surroundings, reliability, responsiveness, service process, food, empathy and ambience. The study underscores that the service process stands as the sole dimension exhibiting negative sentiment. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a robust positive association between sentiment of review texts and satisfaction, and reviewers’ experience and brand affiliation influenced the relationship between customer sentiment and satisfaction.Practical implicationsHotel managers should focus efforts on maintaining tangible aspects while enhancing existing service quality level of other dimensions, particularly those related to intangible elements. Independent hotels might implement quality audit to ensure that service quality gaps are monitored.Originality/valueThis study contributes an examination of the moderating roles of quality signals and reviewer’s experience on the relationship between review sentiment and satisfaction rating in online reviews.

Does multifactorial inspiratory muscle training improve postural stability and quality of life of patients with diabetes in Pakistan? A randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of multifactorial inspiratory muscle training (IMT) combined with Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) on balance and quality of life (QoL) in patients with diabetes.MethodsPretest–post-test randomised controlled trial.SettingRehabilitation...

Do Bank Governance Mechanisms and Financial Report Lag Affect Audit Quality?

ABSTRACT In the aftermath of banking failures in Africa, the survival of firms has thus been placed with the application of good corporate governance practice and the oversight role of internal and external auditors. This study examines whether audit quality is related to corporate board of directors and financial reporting timeliness in the context of developing countries. Using sample data from 21 universal banks in Ghana and 31 commercial banks in Kenya for the periods 2010 to 2019. The study employs the Generalized Least Square(GLS), using fixed effect to estimate the relationships. The empirical results document that board size, average 9, and board independence, 59% on average, increase audit quality in Africa. However, the relationship between board gender and audit quality is not significant. Financial report lag is not significant to audit quality in Africa. However, financial report lag in Kenya is negative and significant to quality audit. Our findings recommend that commercial banks in Africa should implement policies that would increase the size of their boards and the number of independent directors to enhance maximum benefits from good corporate governance practices.

Does environmental information disclosure regulation improve environmental governance? Evidence from China

This study examines the effectiveness of Chinese environmental information disclosure (EID) regulations. We find that EID regulations improve firms' EID quality (i.e., exist information effect) and foster firms' green behavior (i.e., exist green effect). Mechanism analysis shows that due to lower audit risks, heavy-polluting firms are charged lower audit fees after the implementation of EID regulations; and due to less managerial myopia, heavy-polluting firms significantly increase green investment and green innovation following EID regulations. Additional heterogeneity analysis shows that these information and green effects can be strengthened by institutional environment factors, such as media coverage, audit quality and political cost.