Interaction between internal and external auditors – insights from a developing country

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 840-861
Author(s):  
Grace Mubako ◽  
Susan Charowedza Muzorewa
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
E Mail ◽  
African Setting

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the nature and extent of interaction and the relationship between internal auditors (IAs) and external auditors (EAs) from the perspective of the IAs in a developing country, Zimbabwe. Design/methodology/approach This study was carried out by soliciting the opinions of chief audit executives (CAEs) in Zimbabwe through an online survey that was distributed via e-mail. Findings The study finds that the interaction between the IAs and EAs is limited and that EAs may not be making full use of the internal audit function (IAF). Findings also suggest that the relationship between the auditors is, in some instances, strained and that the actions of management do not always facilitate the fostering of a good, productive relationship between the auditors. Originality/value Results of this study contribute to the understanding of the nature and extent of interaction between the IAF and EAs in an African setting. The study also solicits qualitative data about the relationship between IAs and EAs where previous research has largely focused on objective measures, failing to take into account factors such as attitudes and biases, which can affect this relationship. Finally, the results of this study bring to light important, previously under-explored issues, which provide opportunities for future research.

Understanding the internal audit function in a digitalised business environment

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathanaël Betti ◽  
Gerrit Sarens
Keyword(s):  
Data Analytics ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to gain an in-depth understanding of how the internal audit function evolves in an increasingly digitalised business environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on 29 semi-structured interviews with members of management committees and internal auditors based in Belgium. Findings The analysis reveals that a digitalised business environment affects the internal audit function in three respects. First, it impacts its scope. The agility of the internal audit planning and the required digital knowledge are expected to increase and information technology (IT) risks gain importance, especially cybersecurity threats. Second, the demand for consulting activities performed by internal auditors is higher and third, digitalisation modifies the working practices of internal auditors in their day-to-day tasks. New technologies such as data analytics tools are being implemented progressively in internal audit departments and digital skills are considered a critical asset. Research limitations/implications This research was conducted in the European Union and gathers opinions of members of management committees and internal auditors. Future research could focus on other internal auditing stakeholders in other legal contexts. Practical implications The internal audit function needs to integrate IT and data analytics skills. In addition, the internal audit function should develop consulting activities to help organisations deal with the digitalisation of the business environment. Originality/value The impact of digitalisation on the internal audit function and its effect on internal audit practices is an underexplored area.

Can internal audit functions improve firm operational efficiency? Evidence from China

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1167-1188
Author(s):  
Ying Chen ◽  
Bin Lin ◽  
Lizhen Lu ◽  
Gaoguang Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Operational Efficiency ◽  
Alternative Measure ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of internal audit function (IAF) quality on the operational efficiency of Chinese firms. Design/methodology/approach The authors use regression models with a sample of Chinese listed companies to test their research hypotheses. Findings The authors find that IAF quality is positively associated with firm operational efficiency. The result is unchanged after correcting for endogeneity via the instrumental variable method and using an alternative measure of firm operational efficiency. The authors show that IAF competence improves firm operational efficiency, but the relationship between IAF independence and firm operational efficiency is insignificant. Additionally, they find that IAF quality can only significantly improve firm operational efficiency in the presence of effective corporate governance at the firm level and strong institutions at the province level. Using path analysis, the authors find that an IAF can improve firm operational efficiency directly or indirectly by promoting firm internal control quality. Practical implications The findings of this study suggest the need for a balance between IAF competence and independence to achieve the goals of IAF. Additionally, the authors study suggests that the effectiveness of IAF is contingent on corporate governance and market-based institutions. Originality/value The study’s findings contribute to the burgeoning literature on the relationship between IAF and firm operational performance and deepen the authors’ understanding of the role of IAF in an emerging economy whose government plays a major role in promoting and enforcing internal audits. The study also empirically support the Internal Audit Governance Maturity Model proposed by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Attributes of the internal audit function and effectiveness of internal audit services: evidence from local government authorities in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Athuman Kalokola Mahyoro ◽  
Pendo Shukrani Kasoga
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Audit Committees ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Internal Audit Function

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how the level of attributes of the internal audit function relates to the effectiveness of internal audit services in local government authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach Data have been collected through a survey whereby 510 respondents from LGAs in Tanzania through their Heads of Internal Audit Functions, Internal Auditors and Chairpersons of Audit Committees respond to the questionnaire. The data were subjected to principal component analysis and exploratory factor analysis to reduce the set of items and to provide continuous scores for use in multiple regression analyses. Findings The findings reveal that audit quality; organization setting and auditee attributes have a significant positive influence on the effectiveness of internal audit services in LGAs in Tanzania. Research limitations/implications The study covered only LGAs in Tanzania. Future research in this field should address the gaps identified in the study. Practical implications This paper highlights areas that need management attention on the improvement of the effectiveness of internal audit units. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature of both internal auditing and management studies by linking the level of attributes of internal audit function which are audit quality, organization setting, auditee attributes and effectiveness of internal audit services in Tanzania.

Effects of digitalisation of organisations on internal audit activities and practices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathanaël Betti ◽  
Gerrit Sarens ◽  
Ingrid Poncin
Keyword(s):  
Data Analytics ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Audit Planning ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Legal Contexts

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how the internal audit function (IAF) modifies its activities and practices in relation to the digitalisation the organisation. This paper specifically examines the use of data analytics and the performance of consulting activities by internal auditors. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a survey conducted with 82 chief audit executives based in the USA and members of the institute of internal auditors. Findings Results indicate a positive relation between the organisation’s level of digitalisation and the use of data analytics by internal auditors during their missions. Results also indicate that the organisation’s level of digitalisation has an indirect effect on the proportion of the internal audit planning dedicated to consulting activities. Specifically, the use of data analytics mediates the relationship between the organisation’s level of digitalisation and the proportion of the internal audit planning dedicated to consulting activities. Research limitations/implications This research was conducted amongst internal auditors based in the US Future research could investigate the insights of other internal audit stakeholders and investigate different legal contexts. Practical implications Results show that digitalisation increases the use of data analytics by internal auditors and the performance of consulting activities. The results, therefore, highlight the importance of these two aspects for the IAF to continue to bring value to organisations. Originality/value This research provides more insights on internal audit working practices. The digitalisation of the organisation leads the IAF to use more data analytics and perform more consulting activities.

Internal audit quality: perceptions of Tunisian internal auditors an explanatory research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Krichene ◽  
Emna Baklouti
Keyword(s):  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Quality Model ◽  
Internal Auditor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditor ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand how internal auditors perceive the internal audit quality and to highlight the different profiles of internal auditors based on their perception of internal audit quality determinants. Design/methodology/approach The authors’ methodological approach is based on the submission of a self-administered questionnaire. The final sample consists of 104 internal auditors. The first stage of the study is in the lead of a certified public accountants (CPA), which highlights seven factors of the internal audit quality. The second step is a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) that allowed the authors to validate the model proposed by the CPA. Finally, the authors carry out a typological analysis of the auditors according to their way of perceiving the factors extracted by the CPA. Findings The authors’ model, validated by the CFA, shows that the knowledge of the internal auditor, the independence of reporting, compliance with professional standards of internal audit, the relationship with the external auditor, the personal relationship of the internal auditor, the access to information and the field of intervention of the internal auditor have a positive association with the internal audit quality but with a different degree of significance. For example, the field of intervention of the internal auditor and the access to information explain better the internal audit quality. However, the knowledge of the internal auditor and the relationship with the external auditor are not significant to explain the internal audit quality. From the hierarchical cluster analysis, four groups of internal auditors emerged: the autonomous, the perfectionists, the rigorous ones and the objectives. Originality/value In offering these findings, the paper contributes to the existing internal audit literature by introducing evidence from an emerging country, namely, Tunisia, of the internal audit quality model. In addition, the authors proposed a new measure to the internal audit quality model which is the use of the work of the internal auditor by the external auditor. This study is also interesting to managers and professional internal audit organizations in recognizing the characteristics of the quality of the internal audit and advance reflections on the effectiveness of internal audit practices. The authors’ study proposes a typology of certified internal auditors through their perceptions of the quality of the internal audit while taking into account the specificities of the Tunisian audit market. This provides insights to managers and audit committees on the measures necessary to ensure the relevance of the internal audit work within their companies.

Characteristics of the internal audit and external audit hours: evidence from S. Korea

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 629-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho-Young Lee ◽  
Hyun-Young Park
Keyword(s):  
Internal Audit ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
External Audit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Audit Efficiency ◽  
Financial Statement Audit ◽  
Legal Expertise ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Using 5,055 sample firm-years in Korea between 2009 and 2013, this paper aims to examine the association between the characteristics of the internal audit and the number of external audit hours as a proxy for audit efficiency. Design/methodology/approach This study is motivated by the International Standard on Auditing No. 610: “Using the work of internal auditors”. This auditing standard guides external auditors in using the work of internal auditors to obtain audit evidence and consult internal auditors for direct assistance. The authors expect that external audit efficiency will increase when the work of competent internal auditors is used. Findings The authors find that the number of internal auditors relative to the number of employees is associated with the number of external audit hours. This result suggests that the greater the availability of internal auditors, the greater their contribution will be to the financial statement audit and the more efficient the audit. The authors find evidence that external auditors use the work of internal auditors with accounting and legal expertise to improve audit efficiency. They also find some evidence that the work of internal auditors with greater availability is more effective during initial external audit engagements. Originality/value This study adds to the extant literature on the contributions of internal auditors to external audits by using archival data and by measuring audit effort using a large database of audit hours. In addition, our findings have practical implications for firms and external auditors who are evaluating the role and value of using the work of internal auditors. The authors also believe that the findings will be of interest to regulators or auditing standards boards.

The Influence of Internal Audit on External Audit

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Ana Silva ◽  
Helena Inácio ◽  
Elisabete Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Significant Influence ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Audit Fees ◽  
External Audit ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
The Relationship

The main purpose of this chapter is to analyze the relationship between internal and external audit and its effect on external audit fees, through a questionnaire addressed to the external auditors of Portugal and Spain. It obtained 131 answers for Portugal and 149 answers for Spain. According to the results, the competencies and characteristics of internal auditors, as well as the type of activities performed by them and the communication between internal and external auditors, have a significant influence on the decision of using the internal audit work. However, the Portuguese external auditors do not consider this influence to be so significant that it affects the number of substantive tests, the quality of external audit, and external audit fees. However, for Spanish auditors using internal audits decreases the planned hours, the number of control and substantive tests, and improves external audit quality, but does not reflect in the fees to be charged to the client.

scholarly journals Investigating the relationship between perception of an organisation’s ethical culture and worker motivation

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1392-1408
Author(s):  
Beverly Colaco ◽  
Natasha M. Loi
Keyword(s):  
Distributive Justice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ethical Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Worker Motivation ◽  
Corporate Ethical Virtues ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to examine whether an individual’s perception of the ethical culture of their organisation could be used to predict their work motivation. Design/methodology/approach Using the corporate ethical virtues model as a foundation, the role of distributive justice was explored through the development of a composite measure for assessing ethical organisational culture. The resulting six-factor solution was then used. Australian employees (N = 330; Mage = 38.40) completed an online survey examining perceptions of ethical culture, distributive justice and work motivation. Findings Results indicated that higher work motivation was associated with a higher perception of an organisation’s ethical culture. Additionally, the six dimensions of ethical culture accounted for significant variance in worker motivation, with factors relating to congruency of peers, clarity and feasibility being the best predictors. Originality/value This study provides useful cues for future research and interventions enabling organisations to take a more targeted approach to influence their ethical culture and, consequently, an individual’s motivation to work.

Factors affecting the internal auditors’ effectiveness in the Jordanian public sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamza Mohammad Alqudah ◽  
Noor Afza Amran ◽  
Haslinda Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
The Public

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating effect of task complexity on external auditors’ cooperation (EAC), top management empowerment and internal auditors’ independence, which affect internal auditors’ effectiveness in the Jordanian public sector. Design/methodology/approach This paper utilised 117 usable questionnaires from financial managers and internal audit (IA) managers of the Jordanian public sector institutions. The collected data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings The results reveal that EAC, top management empowerment, and internal auditors’ independence are the factors which positively and significantly affect the internal auditors’ effectiveness, as supported by the resource-based theory, with incomplete support for the task complexity’s role as a moderator. Practical implications The findings are important for the decision-makers and regulators in introducing new legislation and regulation for the IA profession in the Jordanian public sector. Social implications It is shown that the factors affecting the internal auditors’ effectiveness can definitely enhance their ability to achieve the role of IA in protecting public funds and limiting financial and administrative corrupt practices, particularly in the public sector. Originality/value To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is one of the first studies that addresses task complexity as an interaction effect on the factors affecting internal auditors’ effectiveness in the public sector.

A synthesis of empirical internal audit effectiveness literature pointing to new research opportunities

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Lenz ◽  
Ulrich Hahn
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
New Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a synopsis of what academic literature says about internal audit (IA) effectiveness ten years after Bailey et al. (2003) presented research opportunities in IA. A new set of research questions that may help to bring the best out of IA is proposed. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical studies based on internal auditors’ self-assessments (“inside-out”) and empirical studies based on other stakeholders’ perspectives (“outside-in”) are reviewed through an “effectiveness lens”. The “outside-in” perspective is regarded as particularly valuable. Findings – First, common themes in the empirical literature are identified. Second, the main threads into a model comprising macro and micro factors that influence IA effectiveness are synthesized. Third, promising future research paths that may enhance IA's value proposition were derived. Practical implications – The “outside-in” perspective indicates a disposition to stakeholders’ disappointment in IA: IA is either running a risk of marginalization (IIA, 2013; PWC, 2013) or has to embrace the challenge to emerge as a recognized and stronger profession. The suggested research agenda identifies empirical research threads that can help IA practitioners to make a difference for their organization, be recognized, respected and trusted and help the IA profession in its pursuit of creating a unique identity. This paper wishes to motivate researchers to explore innovative research strategies and probe new theories, as well as benefit from cross-fertilization with other research streams. Originality/value – This paper summarizes the state of research on IA effectiveness and proposes a guide for future IA research. It provides pointed questions that may further advance the understanding of what constitutes IA and how IA can enhance its value proposition.

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