Internal Audit Quality: Insights from Audit Committee Members, Senior Management, and Internal Auditors

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 235-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Trotman ◽  
Keith R. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Audit Committee ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Stakeholder Perspective ◽  
Output Dimension ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

SUMMARY We investigate the concept of internal audit function (IAF) quality from a multi-stakeholder perspective through conducting 36 interviews with key IAF stakeholder groups: audit committee members, senior management, internal audit executives, and outsourced internal audit partners from the major accounting firms. We adapt established quality frameworks that suggest quality is a five-dimensional construct (including input, process, output, outcome, and contextual dimensions) to the internal audit context. We find that the various stakeholder groups focus on different quality dimensions in their evaluation of IAF quality. For example, the groups focus on the process dimension (internal audit executives), output dimension (audit committee members and internal audit partners), or outcome dimension (senior management and internal audit partners). We also find that the five dimensions comprise multiple indicators of IAF quality. We conduct six supplementary interviews with external audit partners to compare their insights on IAF quality to the focal IAF stakeholder groups. External auditors evaluate quality via the output dimension after an ex ante assessment focusing on the input dimension. Finally, we contribute to the IAF quality literature by developing a multi-stakeholder IAF quality framework.

scholarly journals A versenyképesség és a társaságok belső ellenőrzése (Competitiveness and corporate internal audit)

2012 ◽  
pp. 19-33
Author(s):  
Mária Bordáné Rabóczki
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Supervisory Board ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Mutual Dependency ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
External Auditor ◽  
The Impact

A cikk a belső ellenőrzésnek a hatékony társaságirányításhoz való hozzájárulását és ennek a versenyképességre gyakorolt hatását vizsgálja. A belső ellenőrzés és a társaságirányítás kölcsönös összefüggésben áll egymással. Nemcsak a belső ellenőrzés hat a társaságirányításra, hanem a releváns társaságirányítási struktúrák, emberi kapcsolatok és magatartásformák jelentős hatást gyakorolnak a belső ellenőrzés színvonalára és hatékonyságára. A cikk ezért különös figyelmet szentel a belső ellenőröknek az igazgatósággal, az auditbizottsággal/felügyelőbizottsággal, a menedzsmenttel és a könyvvizsgálóval való kapcsolatainak vizsgálatára. Rávilágít a belső ellenőrzés legfőbb funkciójára, amely objektív bizonyosságot nyújt az igazgatóság és a felső vezetők számára a kockázatok azonosítására, kezelésére és elfogadható szintre történő csökkentésére szolgáló kontrollfolyamatok megfelelőségéről és hatékonyságáról. A bemutatott belső ellenőrzési modell azt a szemléletet közvetíti, hogy a belső ellenőrzés által nyújtott objektív bizonyosság megszerzése nemcsak a jogszabályoknak vagy az ajánlásoknak való megfelelés, hanem a társaságok versenyképessége szempontjából is kiemelkedő jelentőségű. _________ The purpose of this paper is to consider the contribution of internal audit to the sound corporate governance and the impact of that on the competitiveness of the companies. There is a mutual dependency between internal audit and corporate governance. Not only the internal audit has impact on the corporate governance but the relevant governance structures, relationships and behaviour influence the level and effectiveness of the internal audit. Therefore the present paper is highly concerned with the internal auditors` relationships with the board, audit committee/supervisory board, senior management and the external auditor. It highlights the internal audit function, that provides objective assurance to the board and senior management about the adequacy and effectiveness of the processes by which risks are identified, managed, controlled and mitigated to acceptable levels. The internal audit model demonstrated represents an approach, according to that getting objective assurance provided by internal audit is important not only to be in line with laws and recommendations but to facilitate the corporate competitiveness.

scholarly journals The Effect of Competence, Objectivity and Internal Audit Quality The Effectiveness of Internal Audit with Senior Management Support As Variable Moderation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eki Novranggi ◽  
Sunardi .
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Moderating Variables ◽  
Audit Effectiveness

The formulation of the problem in this study was the Influence of Competence, Objectivity and Internal Audit Quality toward the Internal Audit Effectiveness with Senior Management Support as Moderating Variables (Empirical Study on Banking in Ogan Ilir and Seberang Ulu, Palembang City, South Sumatra Province). The Objective of This study was to analyze the the influence of Competence, Objectivity and Internal Audit Quality toward the Internal Audit effectiveness with Senior Management Support as a Moderating Variable. This study was an associative study. The population used in this study was banks that have internal auditors. The sample in this study were 34 respondents.Thetechniquesofcollectingthedatawasquestionnaires.Hypothesis test used were multiple linea rregression and moderated regression analysis.The results of this study showed partially that competence has a positive influence on internal audit effectiveness,theobjectivityhasapositiveinfluenceontheinternalauditeffectiveness and internal audit quality has a positive influence on internal audit effectiveness,the senior management support could moderate the influence of internal audit quality on the internal audit effectiveness.. Simultaneously competence, objectivity and audit quality have a positive influence on the of internal audits effectiveness.

Internal audit quality: a polysemous notion?

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 714-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Roussy ◽  
Marion Brivot
Keyword(s):  
Audit Committee ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
Archival Documents

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to characterize how those who perform (internal auditors), mandate (audit committee (AC) members), use (AC members and external auditors) and normalize (the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)) internal audit work, respectively make sense of the notion of “internal audit quality” (IAQ). Design/methodology/approach – This study is predicated on the meta-analysis of extant literature on IAQ, 56 interviews with internal auditors and AC members of public or para-public sector organizations in Canada, and archival documents published by the IIA, analyzed in the light of framing theory. Findings – Four interpretative schemes (or frames) emerge from the analysis, called “manager,” “éminence grise,” “professional” and “watchdog.” They respectively correspond to internal auditors’, AC members’, the IIA’s and external auditors’ viewpoints and suggest radically different perspectives on how IAQ should be defined and controlled (via input, throughput, output or professional controls). Research limitations/implications – Empirically, the authors focus on rare research data. Theoretically, the authors delineate four previously undocumented competing frames of IAQ. Practical implications – Practically, the various governance actors involved in assessing IAQ can learn from the study that they should confront their views to better coordinate their quality control efforts. Originality/value – Highlighting the contrast between these frames is important because, so far, extant literature has predominantly focussed on only one perspective on IAQ, that of external auditors. The authors suggest that IAQ is more polysemous and complex than previously acknowledged, which justifies the qualitative and interpretive approach.

scholarly journals Internal audit quality, audit committee independence, growth opportunities and firm performance

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Hutchinson ◽  
Mazlina Mat Zain
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Executive Directors ◽  
Firm Characteristics ◽  
Growth Opportunities ◽  
Internal Auditors

This study explores whether the relation between internal audit quality and firm performance is associated with firm characteristics of information asymmetry and uncertainty (growth opportunities) and certain governance controls (audit committee effectiveness). The results from this preliminary study of 60 Malaysian companies show that the association between internal audit quality and firm performance is stronger for firms with high growth opportunities and that this positive association is weakened by increasing audit committee independence. These findings demonstrate the internal auditors conflicting roles and question the governance recommendations that require all members of the audit committee to be non-executive directors.

The Role of Accounting Mechanisms for Corporate Governance in Reducing Creative Accounting Practices in Telecommunications Sector Companies in Riyadh City: An Empirical Study: دور الآليات المحاسبية لحوكمة الشركات في الحد من ممارسات المحاسبة الإبداعية في شركات قطاع الاتصالات بمدينة الرياض: دراسة ميدانية

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (15) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamis Jameel Banasser, Maha Faisal Alsayegh
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
Riyadh City ◽  
Creative Accounting ◽  
Telecommunications Sector

The study aimed to identify the role of accounting mechanisms for corporate governance in reducing creative accounting practices in telecommunications sector companies in Riyadh city. A descriptive analytical approach was followed to conduct the field study. Sample of the study consisted of members of the audit committee, internal auditors, accountants from the surveyed telecommunications’ sector companies, and the external auditors in the audit offices that specialized on auditing the examined sample of companies. Questionnaire was used as a data collection method. Results showed that activating the role of accounting mechanisms for corporate governance can greatly contribute in limiting creative accounting practices. As they are controlling mechanisms that capable of protecting companies, shareholders and stakeholders from any manipulation or misleading information in the financial statements. Further, internal audit plays a major role in limiting creative accounting practices by examining and evaluating the effectiveness of the internal control system. Furthermore, the independence and competence of the external auditor and his commitment to the rules of conduct and ethics of the profession contribute greatly in limiting creative accounting practices in the examined companies. The study recommended the necessity of holding specialized training courses for members of audit committees, internal auditors and external auditors on methods of detecting creative accounting practices to combat and reduce them.

The impact of audit committee characteristics on internal audit professionalization: empirical evidence from Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Vadasi ◽  
Michalis Bekiaris ◽  
Andreas G. Koutoupis
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Audit Committees ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to provide empirical evidence of the association between audit committee characteristics and internal audit quality through internal audit professionalization. Design/methodology/approach The investigation of the research question was based on 45 usable responses that were received from a survey of chief audit executives from firms listed on the Athens Stock Exchange and combined with publicly available information from annual reports. Findings The results indicate that audit committee characteristics (independence, diligence through frequent meetings and interaction with internal audit through valuation) influence internal audit professionalization. In addition, they demonstrate that internal audit professionalization is also influenced by CEO duality and firm’s external auditor. Practical implications The findings of this study have implications for audit committees wishing to improve their overall effectiveness, by identifying areas with substantial impact on internal audit quality. Moreover, regulators of corporate governance bodies can also benefit from the results to strengthen audit committee’s efficiency regarding internal audit function oversight. Originality/value The results add to the literature on the discussion of internal audit professionalization and complement the work of other researchers in the field of audit committee’s impact on internal audit quality/effectiveness. This study attempts to fill a gap in the literature on the effect of audit committee characteristics on internal audit professionalization, an element introduced from an institutional theory perspective.

Corporate governance and internal audit: an institutional theory perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Vadasi ◽  
Michalis Bekiaris ◽  
Andreas Andrikopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Audit Effectiveness

Purpose This paper aims to explore internal audit effectiveness through its contribution to corporate governance. Namely, the authors attempt to investigate the impact of internal audit professionalization on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance. Design/methodology/approach Using a research framework informed by institutional theory, the authors predict that internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is associated with factors related to internal audit professionalization. To investigate the arguments, the authors combine data from a survey of 49 listed companies in the Athens Stock Exchange with publicly available information from annual reports. Findings Empirical results indicate that internal audit professionalization affects internal audit effectiveness, as internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is improved for organizations where internal audit function complies with internal auditing standards and internal auditors hold professional certifications. The findings also suggest that internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is shaped by some company-specific characteristics, namely, CEO duality and audit committee quality. Practical implications The results have implications for internal auditors who wish to increase the efficiency of their work, corporate governance mechanisms such as the board of directors and the audit committee, which can use the findings of this study to better respond to their responsibilities concerning internal audit and regulators who can also benefit to strengthen areas with substantial impact on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance. Originality/value This paper contributes to the academic discussion on the role of internal audit in corporate governance and complements the work of other researchers in the field of internal audit professionalization. This study tries to fill a gap in the literature on the effect of internal audit professionalization elements on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance.

Factors associated with security/cybersecurity audit by internal audit function

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Shariful Islam ◽  
Nusrat Farah ◽  
Thomas F. Stafford
Keyword(s):  
Audit Committee ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Security Breaches ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
Enterprise Risk

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore the factors associated with the extent of security/cybersecurity audit by the internal audit function (IAF) of the firm. Specifically, the authors focused on whether IAF/CAE (certified audit executive [CAE]) characteristics, board involvement related to governance, role of the audit committee (or equivalent) and the chief risk officer (CRO) and IAF tasked with enterprise risk management (ERM) are associated with the extent to which the firm engages in security/cybersecurity audit. Design/methodology/approach For analysis, the paper uses responses of 970 CAEs as compiled in the Common Body of Knowledge database (CBOK, 2015) developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF). Findings The results of the study suggest that the extent of security/cybersecurity audit by IAF is significantly and positively associated with IAF competence related to governance, risk and control. Board support regarding governance is also significant and positive. However, the Audit Committee (AC) or equivalent and the CRO role are not significant across the regions studied. Comprehensive risk assessment done by IAF and IAF quality have a significant and positive effect on security/cybersecurity audit. Unexpectedly, CAEs with security certification and IAFs tasked with ERM do not have a significant effect on security/cybersecurity audit; however, other certifications such as CISA or CPA have a marginal or mixed effect on the extent of security/cybersecurity audit. Originality/value This study is the first to describe IAF involvement in security/cybersecurity audit. It provides insights into the specific IAF/CAE characteristics and corporate governance characteristics that can lead IAF to contribute significantly to security/cybersecurity audit. The findings add to the results of prior studies on the IAF involvement in different IT-related aspects such as IT audit and XBRL implementation and on the role of the board and the audit committee (or its equivalent) in ERM and the detection and correction of security breaches.

Internal audit function, audit committee effectiveness and accountability in the Ugandan statutory corporations

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juma Bananuka ◽  
Stephen Korutaro Nkundabanyanga ◽  
Irene Nalukenge ◽  
Twaha Kaawaase
Keyword(s):  
Audit Committee ◽  
Sampling Error ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
Correlational Data ◽  
Finance Officers

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of internal audit function and audit committee effectiveness on accountability in statutory corporations (SCs). Design/methodology/approach This study is cross sectional and correlational. Data have been collected through a questionnaire survey of 52 SCs in Uganda through their Chief Internal Auditors and Chief Finance Officers. Data have been analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Findings The internal audit function significantly contributes to accountability of SCs in Uganda and audit committee effectiveness is not where effective internal audit is present in such organisations. However, audit committee effectiveness significantly contributes to accountability when an internal audit function is not present. Research limitations/implications The use of hierarchical regression is prone to problems associated with sampling error. However, the likelihood of these problems is mitigated by the interface with data. Originality/value Whereas hitherto both internal audit function and audit committee effectiveness had been viewed as explanations of accountability, this study only confirms the internal audit function as a significant predictor of SCs’ accountability relative to audit committee effectiveness.

scholarly journals The Effect of Audit Committee Characteristics on Audit Quality: The Moderating Role of Internal Audit Function

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine Kuan Pei See ◽  
Anwar Allah Pitchay ◽  
Yuvaraj Ganesan ◽  
Hasnah Haron ◽  
Ratih Hendayani
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Listed Companies ◽  
Internal Audit Function ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

The purposes of study are to examine the effect of audit committee characteristics namely gender, frequency of meetings, independence member in audit committee and audit committee size on audit quality and the moderating role of internal audit function in the relationship between audit committee characteristics and audit quality. The objective is to contribute to the new evidence on the role of audit committee characteristics plays towards the audit quality with internal audit function as moderator. This research applied a quantitative approach and secondary data as the main source of information for analysis. Stratified random sampling techniques are being used in this study. Further, the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach via SmartPLS was utilized to achieve the research purpose by evaluating the data collected from 250 public listed companies in Malaysia. The results reveal that only three of the audit committee characteristics, namely presence of female members in the audit committee, frequency of meetings and independence of directors, are positively influencing the audit quality for listed companies in Malaysia. Surprisingly, this study also found that internal audit function did not play the moderating effect in the relationship between audit committee characteristics and audit quality. The findings will facilitate researchers and scholars to enhance the understanding of audit committee characteristics particularly the gender, frequency of AC meetings and independence members in the audit committee played in improving overall audit quality. The companies’ stakeholders like professional accountancy body and governments may use the outcomes from this research study to improve existing rules and government regulations and code of conducts of its members to improve the quality of their works. This study contributes to the relatively new discussion on the effect of audit committee characteristics on audit quality by adding internal audit function as a moderator in Malaysia. The outcome from this study may assist the companies’ stakeholders like professional accountancy body and governments in determining improved methods to enhance audit committee characteristics in improving audit quality.

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