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Demand for and Assessment of Audit Quality in Private Companies

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Esplin
  • Karim Jamal
  • Shyam Sunder

Abstract

Financial statement audits are mandated in most countries, thus making it difficult to distinguish between auditing driven by private incentives versus that driven by regulation. Who would ask for an audit, and how would its quality be assessed in the absence of regulation? Many private companies in Canada get their financial statements audited even though the law does not require it. In this field study, we conduct interviews to discover reasons for demanding an audit, and criteria used to assess their quality. Our study reveals that both internal stakeholders (management, boards, and employees) as well as external stakeholders (customers, banks, and private equity firms) request audits. Users evaluate audit quality based on a variety of criteria such as the auditor's accounting expertise, the absence of errors, the fees involved, risk assessments offered, allocation of effort, internal control, and general business advice. Implications for audit regulations are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Esplin & Karim Jamal & Shyam Sunder, 2018. "Demand for and Assessment of Audit Quality in Private Companies," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 54(3), pages 319-352, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:abacus:v:54:y:2018:i:3:p:319-352
    DOI: 10.1111/abac.12138
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    3. Kuo, Nan-Ting & Lee, Cheng-Few, 2024. "Social trust and the choices to provide audited financial statements by private firms in emerging markets," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 56(2).
    4. Hallman, Nicholas J. & Kartapanis, Antonis & Schmidt, Jaime J., 2022. "How do auditors respond to competition? Evidence from the bidding process," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 73(2).

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