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Auditors’ Independence, Audit Tenureship, Firm Characteristics and Audit Quality: Evidence from Nigeria

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  • Ruth Odin
  • David Jerry Oziegbe

Abstract

This study aims to empirically examine the effect of auditors’ independence, audit tenureship, firm characteristics on audit quality in Nigeria. The population of the study comprises a sample of ten (10) listed pharmaceutical companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The time period for the study covers audited financial statements of the companies from 2013-2019. The study focused on two explanatory variables: auditors’ independence and audit tenure, and two control variables: firm size and firm age. While the dependent variable audit quality was proxied by big four firms and non-big four firms. The secondary source of data was adopted in this study. The data collected were analyzed using the panel regression techniques. The results suggest that all of the explanatory and control variables have a positive and significant effect on audit quality. The study recommends that auditors’ independence is directly proportional to audit quality, thus audit firms should be independent in order to enhance audit quality. Auditor-client engagement should not exceed 3years in order to avoid familiarity threat. In addition, firms are advised to engage the services of one of the big audit firms since it results to improved audit quality. Younger firms should understudy older firms to learn from the experiences that they have acquired over the years that impact positively on audit quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruth Odin & David Jerry Oziegbe, 2022. "Auditors’ Independence, Audit Tenureship, Firm Characteristics and Audit Quality: Evidence from Nigeria," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 25(84), pages 54-68, December,.
    • Handle: RePEc:rej:journl:v:25:y:2022:i:84:p:54-68
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Segun Idowu Adeniyi & Ebipanipre Gabriel Mieseigha, 2013. "Audit Tenure: An Assessment of its Effects on Audit Quality in Nigeria," International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, vol. 3(3), pages 275-283, July.
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    4. Chee†Yeow Lim & Hun†Tong Tan, 2010. "Does Auditor Tenure Improve Audit Quality? Moderating Effects of Industry Specialization and Fee Dependence," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(3), pages 923-957, September.
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    6. DeAngelo, Linda Elizabeth, 1981. "Auditor size and audit quality," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 3(3), pages 183-199, December.
    7. Ahmet Türel & Nihat Tas & Mustafa Genç & Burcu Özden, 2017. "Audit Firm Tenure and Audit Quality Implied by Discretionary Accruals and Modified Opinions: Evidence from Turkey," Acta Universitatis Danubius. OEconomica, Danubius University of Galati, issue 13(1), pages 187-196, February.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    auditors independence; audit tenureship; audit quality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing

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