Implications of recent reforms to auditor reporting requirements in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Mustafizur Rahaman ◽  
Parmod Chand
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Audit Report ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Requirements ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Auditor Reporting ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to address a topical and controversial issue, namely, the degree of conformity with the new auditor reporting requirements in Australia and the extent of variations in the reporting of key audit matters (KAMs) by Australian firms. Design/methodology/approach This paper compares the 64 elements identified in the applicable standards with the auditor’s report from the sampled companies to determine the degree to which the top 200 firms listed on the Australian Stock Exchange are complying with the requirements of the new audit report. This paper investigates KAM disclosures within and across industries. Findings The results indicate that there is a high degree of conformity with the new reporting framework, yet significant variations in the contents of the report, particularly in KAM disclosures. This paper observes that the number of KAMs and their extent of disclosure generally varies within industries. The types of KAMs presented vary both within and across industries. This paper further provides evidence that auditors have a tendency of not disclosing negative KAMs and tend to avoid negative wordings when describing KAMs. This paper also finds that there are significant differences in the placement of various types of KAMs in the audit report. Practical implications These findings have important policy implications for the standard-setters, regulators, auditors and users of financial reports on the adequacy of the new auditor reporting framework. Originality/value This study is one of the first to examine the degree of conformity with the new audit reporting model in Australia.

Auditors’ response to readability of financial statement notes

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-480
Author(s):  
Mahdi Salehi ◽  
Mahmoud Lari Dasht Bayaz ◽  
Shaban Mohammadi ◽  
Mohammad Seddigh Adibian ◽  
Seyed Hamed Fahimifard
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Audit Fees ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Audit Report ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Going Concern Opinion

PurposeThe main objective of the present study is to assess the potential impact of readability of financial statement notes on the auditor's report lag, audit fees and going concern opinion (GCO).Design/methodology/approachThe statistical population of this study includes all listed firms on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) for the period of 2012–2017. The systematic elimination method is used for sampling and multiple regression and EViews software are used for testing the hypothesis models.FindingsThe obtained results show that there is a significant and positive relationship between audit report lags and readability of financial statements. Moreover, it is also revealed that readability of financial statements is positively associated with audit fees. Furthermore, the findings suggest a negative correlation between readability indexes and issuing GCOs, denoting hard-to-read statements is considered as a risk factor by auditors. Finally, the observations of our robustness tests suggest that the association between audit report lag and readability of financial statements is robust.Originality/valueThis is the first conducted investigation concerning auditor's response to the readability of financial statement notes in TSE. The outcome of current paper may pave the way for revising and developing Iranian accounting standards in order to give a fairer and clearer picture of financial reports.

Audit-related attributes, regulatory reforms and timely disclosure

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Samaha ◽  
Hichem Khlif
Keyword(s):  
Audit Committee ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Audit Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Regulatory Reforms

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of audit-related attributes and regulatory reforms on timely disclosure as proxied by audit report lag (ARL) in an emerging market setting, namely, Egypt. Design/methodology/approach The paper used the balanced panel data of 372 firm-years observations of the most actively traded companies on the Egyptian Stock Exchange over the period from 2007 to 2010. The study measures the dependent variable of ARL as the number of days between the client’s fiscal year-end and the audit report. Findings Multivariate analysis indicates that audit committee activity (proxy for regulatory reforms) and external auditor type (proxy for audit-related attributes) contribute significantly to the reduction of ARL and increase disclosure timeliness. Furthermore, the paper found that ARL witnessed a slight decrease following the adoption of the new Egyptian Standards on Auditing (ESA). Finally, the paper’s findings show that industry types moderate the relationship between ARL and several audit-related variables and corporate governance attributes. Practical implications The results may have policy implications for both regulators and investors. For instance, policymakers in Egypt can enact new rules to reduce the Chief Executive Officer duality and establish the minimum required number of audit committee meetings to improve transparency level and, thus, increase disclosure timeliness. Besides, if future regulations aiming to increase disclosure timeliness are intended by Egyptian regulators, this paper’s findings suggest that this may have implications for the audit market because the Big Four audit firms will be more able to meet shorter audit delays. Originality/value The empirical evidence provided in this study further enhances the understanding of timely disclosure in Egypt which represents one of the leading emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa region.

scholarly journals Pengaruh Umur Perusahaan, Ukuran Perusahaan, Reputasi Auditor, Dan Pergantian Auditor

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2912-2928
Author(s):  
Ranti Dewi Fortuna ◽  
Efrizal Syofyan
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Company Size ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Audit Report ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Auditor Switching ◽  
Auditor Reputation

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of company age, company size, auditor reputation and auditor change on auditor switching. The data used in this study are annual and financial reports on manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in the 2014-2018 period. The method of sampling data using purposive sampling method based on certain criteria. Based on the sampling method, a sample of 230 companies was obtained. Testing the hypothesis in this study using multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that company size, auditor reputation and auditor switching had no effect on audit report lag and company age had a positive effect on audit report lag.

Antecedents of frontline manager handling relationship conflicts

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasir Tanveer ◽  
Qi Jiayin ◽  
Umair Akram ◽  
Anum Tariq
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Textile Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpersonal Conflicts ◽  
Relationship Conflicts ◽  
Conflict Handling ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Frontline Managers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Conflicts are inevitable in organizations and are a significant challenge for frontline managers (FLMs). This study aims to investigate the relationship between the leadership styles of FLMs and relationship conflicts (RLCs), with the indirect intervention of emotion regulation (ER) and five conflict-handling styles (CHSs). Design/methodology/approach Research data were obtained from 243 FLMs in the Pakistan textile industry. SPSS 23 and PROCESS macros software were used to test and verify hypotheses regarding leadership styles, ER, CHSs and RLC. The authors conducted 5,000 bootstrap replications to verify mediation. Findings Leadership styles are significantly associated with RLC. A high degree of ER can negatively moderate RLCs through transformational leadership (TFL) and transactional leadership (TCL) styles and positively moderate RLCs through a laissez-faire leadership (LZF) style. Among CHSs, a compromise style mediates the relationship between RLC and the TFL and LZF styles, and a domination style mediates the relationship between RLC and the TCL style. Practical implications FLMs should be trained to overcome workplace interpersonal conflicts. Appropriate cognizance of a conflict before it occurs is a requisite skill. FLMs must be able to use all five given CHSs. Originality/value This study identifies the association of leadership styles with CHSs and ER to manage RLC in a non-Western context. The study enhances understanding of the use of the ER factor with the different CHSs of FLMs.

Top ten South African companies’ disclosure of materiality determination process and material issues in integrated reports

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasja Steenkamp
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Performance ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Determination Process ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop guidelines of what award winning companies, leading practice in integrated reporting (IR) disclose in their integrated reports about material issues and their materiality determination processes. Also, to provide insight into what they disclose about their perception of materiality. Design/methodology/approach A content analysis was conducted to investigate what the top 10 South African companies of the 2015 Ernst and Young Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards disclosed in their 2014 and 2015 integrated reports about their materiality determination processes, material issues and what materiality means to them. Thematic analyses were conducted in developing guidelines. Findings All except one company applied the International Integrated Reporting Framework. The materiality determination processes, material issues and companies’ descriptions of materiality are diverse. Material issues most companies identified relate to employees, social and environmental issues, customers and sustainable performance. Practical implications The proposed guidelines will provide useful strategies for organisations embarking on the IR journey about what issues could be considered as material and therefore included in integrated reports. It also proposes activities companies can undertake to identify, evaluate and prioritise material issues and execute their materiality determination process. Originality/value This paper is the first to develop guidelines of material matters and materiality determination processes. It also adds to existing literature on IR practice and the application of materiality.

A paradigm shift in corporate social responsibility: India’s transition from mandatory regime to the COVID-19 era

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aparna Bhatia ◽  
Amandeep Dhawan
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Gradual Increase ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to examine the pattern of corporate social responsibility expenditure (CSRE) incurred by Indian companies after the inception of Companies Act 2013. It also highlights the resultant change brought in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) spends of the companies because of COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The CSR index provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs under Companies (CSR Policy) Rules 2014, is adopted to measure the extent of CSRE made by top 30 Indian companies listed on Bombay Stock Exchange. To study the pattern of CSRE in various domains mentioned in the CSR index, the study is conducted over four points of time. Three alternative years since the commencement of the Companies Act 2013 i.e. 2014–2015, 2016–2017 and 2018–2019 have been taken up. Additionally, the financial year 2019–2020 is included as it marks the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings The findings show that the CSRE made by companies is increasing every year over all points of time taken in the study. In addition to this, Indian companies have voluntarily contributed a substantial amount towards COVID-19 relief over and above the required mandatory limits. Practical implications The gradual increase in CSR contributions even above the mandated amount and voluntary contribution towards COVID-19 relief by Indian companies implies that the nature of CSR in India is still philanthropic. Originality/value The study contributes to the CSR literature after the implementation of the mandatory CSR provisions in India and in the wake of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 as so far there is no such study available in the extant literature.

“Give it a Try”: experiences of black, Asian and minority ethnic young men in a prison-based offender personality disorder service

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-26
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hunter ◽  
Eleanor Craig ◽  
Jake Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Within the current offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway in the UK, black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations are underrepresented. Fewer BAME offenders are engaging with services despite being proportionately identified for inclusion and referred on to the pathway. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study explored the experiences of 11 BAME men engaged in a prison-based OPD service for young offenders to identify the highlights and challenges of engagement within the service and to what extent they experienced a sense of inclusion/belonging. Findings Thematic analysis was used to identify three overarching themes and sub-themes. Why am I going to be an Outcast? describes the barriers to engagement encountered by the participants; and Give it a Try and Nothing but Respect describe the process of overcoming these barriers. Barriers revolved around the experiences of judgement, alienation and hopelessness. These were overcome through peer encouragement, developing relationships with staff and freedom to regulate levels of engagement. Practical implications Practice and policy implications are considered to support similar services in addressing the barriers to engagement faced by BAME individuals. Areas for future research are also recommended. Originality/value Currently, no research has directly explored the under-representation of young BAME offenders with emerging personality disorder in the OPD pathway. The findings provided an insight into some of the difficulties these young BAME offenders faced when accessing this service, alongside aspects which maintained their engagement.

Can databases facilitate accountability? The case of Australian mercury accounting via the National Pollutant Inventory

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Hafij Ullah ◽  
James Hazelton ◽  
Peter F Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Accounting ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Corporate Accountability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reporting Requirements ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
Global Agreement ◽  
Qualitative Characteristics ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper furthers research into the potential contribution of pollutant databases for corporate accountability. We evaluate the quality of corporate and government mercury reporting via the Australian National Pollutant Inventory (NPI), which underpins Australia's reporting under the Minamata Convention, a global agreement to reduce mercury pollution.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative characteristics of accounting information are used as a theoretical frame to analyse ten interviews with thirteen interviewees as well as 54 submissions to the 2018 governmental enquiry into the NPI.FindingsWhile Australian mercury accounting using the NPI is likely sufficient to meet the expected Minamata reporting requirements (especially in comparison to developing countries), we find significant limitations in relation to comparability, accuracy, timeliness and completeness. These limitations primarily relate to government (as opposed to industry) deficiencies, caused by insufficient funding. The findings suggest that multiple factors are required to realise the potential of pollutant databases for corporate accountability, including appropriate rules, ideological commitment and resourcingPractical implicationsThe provision of additional funding would enable the NPI to be considerably improved (for mercury as well as other pollutants), particularly in relation to the measurement and reporting of emissions from diffuse sources.Originality/valueWhilst there have been prior reviews of the NPI, none have focused on mercury, whilst conversely prior studies which have discussed mercury information have not focused on the NPI. In addition, no prior NPI studies have utilised interviews nor have engaged directly with NPI regulators. There has been little prior engagement with pollutant databases in social and environmental accounting (SEA) research.

Exploring the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 822-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Le Roux ◽  
Marius Pretorius
Keyword(s):  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Listed Company ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to explore the nexus between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the nexus by obtaining in-depth insight from the sensemaking of those in practice. Design/methodology/approach A single exploratory case study design strategy was applied to a leading stock exchange listed company in the property industry in South Africa. Rich qualitative data were gathered by applying multiple data gathering techniques to a diverse group of employees within the case company. Findings This empirical study contributes a metaphor of a cog and chain and nine themes that elucidate employee sensemaking at the nexus. Integrated reporting was found to drive sustainability embeddedness and foster changes within the organisation. The themes offer in-depth insight into how employees made sense of integrated reporting as a driver for sustainability embeddedness. Research limitations/implications The findings emerged from a single case study that operated in a mandatory disclosure context and are therefore not generalisable. The findings reflect the intended outcomes of integrated reporting and further research to explore the unintended outcomes and challenges associated with integrated reporting is suggested. Practical implications The study contributes to a growing practice based agenda by offering a better understanding of how integrated reporting and sustainability are conceptualised and adopted in practice. Social implications The findings offer organisations’ guidance on integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness adoption which can have vast implications for society and the environment. Originality/value The study responds to gaps in the literature and calls for studies to explore the intersection between integrated reporting and sustainability embeddedness by engaging those in practice.

Integrated reporting, financial reporting quality and cost of debt

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Badrul Muttakin ◽  
Dessalegn Mihret ◽  
Tesfaye Taddese Lemma ◽  
Arifur Khan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Financial Reporting Quality ◽  
Cost Of Debt ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Debt Market

Purpose Although proponents of integrated reporting (IR) advocate that this emerging practice has the potential to transform corporate reporting, the eventuation of this expectation would depend on the incentive IR provides to firms. This study aims to examine whether IR is associated with cost of debt and whether IR moderates the relationship between financial reporting quality and cost of debt. Design/methodology/approach Based on insights drawn from information asymmetry and agency theories, the authors develop models that link IR and financial reporting quality with a firm’s cost of debt. The authors analyze 847 firm-year observations drawn from non-financial firms traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, for the period between 2009 and 2015. Findings The authors find that firms that provide integrated reports tend to have a lower cost of debt than those do not provide IR. The authors also find an inverse association between financial reporting quality and cost of debt, and that integrated reports accentuate this association. The findings suggest that the debt market perceives value in the information presented in integrated reports beyond what is furnished in financial reports. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to document evidence suggesting that the debt market perceives value in the information presented in integrated reports, beyond what is furnished in financial reports.

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