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Determinants of audit fees for French quoted firms

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Listed:
  • Nathalie Gonthier‐Besacier
  • Alain Schatt

Abstract

Purpose - This study seeks to contribute to the international literature by researching the factors influencing audit fees in France, where law requires a joint auditing process involving two separate auditors for firms that publish consolidated financial statements. Design/methodology/approach - Since, 2003, the disclosure of audit fees has been compulsory in France, but numerous firms decided to voluntarily disclose their audit fees for the year 2002. An attempt is made here to elucidate the amount spent on audit fees in 2002 in a sample of 127 French (non‐financial) firms. Findings - The main finding is that audit fees depend on firm size, firm risk, and the presence of two of the Big Four firms. When two Big Four firms audit company accounts, the fees charged (adjusted for company size) are significantly lower in comparison with those paid in the other cases. These results appear not to have been influenced by the share of fees paid by the companies to the main auditor. Originality/value - This study is original because the French law requires a joint auditing process involving two separate auditors.

Suggested Citation

  • Nathalie Gonthier‐Besacier & Alain Schatt, 2007. "Determinants of audit fees for French quoted firms," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 22(2), pages 139-160, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:majpps:02686900710718654
    DOI: 10.1108/02686900710718654
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. M. Ezzamel & D. Gwilliam & K. Holland, 1996. "Some Empirical Evidence from Publicly Quoted UK Companies on the Relationship Between the Pricing of Audit and Non-audit Services," Accounting and Business Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(1), pages 3-16.
    2. Charles Piot, 2004. "Effort d’audit et taille de l’entreprise:barème réglementaire et économies d’échelle dans le commissariat aux comptes des PME-PMI," Revue Finance Contrôle Stratégie, revues.org, vol. 7(1), pages 151-169, March.
    3. Simunic, Da, 1984. "Auditing, Consulting, And Auditor Independence," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(2), pages 679-702.
    4. Simunic, Da, 1980. "The Pricing Of Audit Services - Theory And Evidence," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(1), pages 161-190.
    5. Michael Firth, 1997. "The Provision of Non-audit Services and the Pricing of Audit Fees," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(3), pages 511-525.
    6. DeAngelo, Linda Elizabeth, 1981. "Auditor size and audit quality," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 3(3), pages 183-199, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Auditor's fees; France; Joint consultations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M40 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - General

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