Search Results for external-auditor

Abstract

The study dealt with diagnosing the quality of the external auditor's performance in view of international auditing standards and external environment variables. The study was based on a main hypothesis that states “the process of raising the quality of the external auditor’s performance and ensuring the fairness and objectivity of professional opinion within the auditor’s report that reflects the essence of control practices requires professional, technical and strict adherence to international auditing standards with consider the integrate with the external environment variables surrounding the entity subject to auditing" . In order to achieve the objectives of the study and test the validity of the hypotheses related to it, the researcher adopted the descriptive (correlational) approach, which aims to know the size and type of relationship between the variables, that is, to what extent the study variables are related to each other, sub-hypotheses were derived, which confirm the existence of a moral correlation with statistically significant between the international auditing standards and quality of the external auditor's performance, the external environment variables and quality of the external auditor's performance. This requires adoption a number of tools, including formulating and designing the questionnaire form in an accurate manner and making use of some previous studies in the process of designing that questionnaire in order to cover all study variables in a way that represents the study community correctly.
The study reached a set of conclusions and recommendations, the most important of which are , one of the most important determinants of the success of external audit practices and achieving quality in the auditing performance is that the task must assign to a professional and competent external auditor possessing a number of personal qualities , scientific and professional qualifications, including integrity, objectivity and transparency in expressing a professional opinion , as addressed by the international auditing standard that requires exercising professional care, availability of skill, competence and training in the external auditor, he must possess the ability to understand international auditing standards and the conditions for their application, possess impartiality in the process of gathering evidence, familiarity with the affairs of the entity subject to auditing and the nature of its relationship with other external bodies. He must also possess a tendency of professional skepticism, which indicates alertness to cases that may indicate the possibility of a misrepresentation due to an error or fraud and critical evaluation of evidence , In addition to these features, the external auditor requires accuracy in determining the entity to which the auditor’s report are directed and justice in formulating this report as it is considered a link between the auditor and the needs and requirements of many users, including senior management, investors and creditors, in order to contribute to strengthening corporate governance and facilitate the process of making decision.

Abstract

The study aims to shed light on the types of risks associated with the use of information technology in the audit process that face the external auditor, and to demonstrate the impact of these risks on the quality of the external auditor’s performance through the auditor’s academic and professional qualifications, rules of professional conduct, and consistency with field work standards. The study was based on the hypothesis The main principle is that the external auditor’s identification and evaluation of the risks that he may be exposed to when using modern techniques represented by auditing technology can result in a series of positive results, which in turn enhance the quality of his performance in the auditing process. In order to achieve the objectives of the study and examine and test its sub-hypotheses, it was adopted The study adopted a descriptive analytical approach through constructing and drafting a questionnaire that was distributed to the study sample consisting of a group of external auditors working in auditing offices and companies in the Republic of Iraq, and then analyzing the study data through the use of a number of statistical means and methods.

The study reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that the expansion and spread of the use of information technology in many professional works has placed the auditing profession on the need to keep pace with technical developments, as there has become an urgent need for the use of technology by the external auditor in his audit work. Information has provided many opportunities and provided many competitive advantages, but its use is associated with various risks that require the external auditor to recognize and evaluate them in advance to take the necessary precautions and procedures and thus will positively affect the quality of his performance when conducting the audit. The study also recommended the need for auditing offices and companies in Iraq Which uses technology in its work with all policies and procedures that ensure that all auditors are aware of the risks of technology and the extent of its impact on the quality of the external auditor’s performance

Abstract

The research aims to study and analyze the risks associated with the adoption of accounting information systems, particularly human, technological, environmental, and legal risks. It also addresses the literature related to the reliability of the external auditor’s report by highlighting the nature of these risks and explaining the extent to which they affect the quality and credibility of audit reports issued by local audit firms.

The research is based on the hypothesis that identifying the risks of adopting and operating accounting information systems by regulatory bodies, and relying on auditors who possess the professional capability to disclose such risks, will positively reflect on the reliability of the final audit report for stakeholders who rely on accounting information. To achieve the objectives of the study, a conceptual framework was developed that covers the accounting information system, its internal structure, and the risks associated with its adoption. In addition, the framework analyzes the dependent variable represented by the reliability of the external auditor’s report and the characteristics that this report must include. The study also clarifies the role that risk identification can play, especially risks related to human factors involving system designers and operators, and technological risks related to the information infrastructure of business organizations.The researcher concluded that the level of disclosure regarding the risks of adopting accounting information systems in audit reports is still limited and incomplete. A significant portion of audit outputs continues to focus on traditional financial tests, without expanding into the evaluation of risks associated with modern systems. It was also found that the lack of systematic identification of these risks directly affects the reliability of the audit report and reduces the ability of users of financial statements to rely on it.

The researcher recommends that audit reports should include an annex or a dedicated section addressing risks related to accounting information systems, and that an evaluation methodology should be adopted encompassing human, technological, environmental, and legal risks, in addition to determining the impact of these risks on the fairness and credibility of financial data. The study further recommends enhancing the training of regulatory staff on mechanisms for evaluating risks associated with modern systems and integrating the results of such evaluations into the contents of the external auditor’s report, in a manner that strengthens its reliability and transparency for all stakeholders.

Abstract

Planning the audit process is one of the basic standards and one of the audit requirements that the external auditor must abide by in order to complete the audit profession and reach the expression of professional opinion and achieve audit quality. The examination of internal control for the entity subject to audit is the first steps taken by the external auditor in order to identify weaknesses and defects in Internal control, which affects the determination of the size, adequacy and suitability of the evidence by using the statistical sampling method and depending on his personal experience. In order to continue carrying out its normal business during the coming period, the external auditor must obtain and evaluate sufficient and appropriate evidence to reach the appropriate conviction, in addition to presenting a set of recommendations, the most important of which is the need to be completely accurate in the external auditor’s report, taking into account the audit risks that lead to expressing an opinion Inappropriate in the financial statements.

Abstract

The research aims to shed light on the importance and role of the external auditor's report in rationalizing the decisions taken by decision makers and to identify the most important basic contents of the external auditor's report as a concept, objectives and standards and the extent of their impact on credit decision-making in Iraqi banks. To achieve the goal of this research, an experimental study was conducted. It was subjected to a sample of credit officers working in (18) banks listed in the Iraq Stock Exchange, and their number reached (53) individuals, through the preparation of (4) hypothetical external audit reports, each of which includes one of the types of opinion expressed by the external auditor to measure the impact of the auditor’s opinion External factors on the elements of the credit decision represented in the size of the loan, the interest rate, the term of the loan and the size of the collateral required. ). The researcher concluded: "There is a statistically significant effect of the external auditor's report on the decision to grant credit."

Abstract

The study aims to diagnose and clarify the role of audit evidence in assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the accounting information system for the entities subject to audit. The study was based on a main hypothesis that states the adoption of the external auditor to obtain an integrated and comprehensive set of evidence in accordance with the requirements of international auditing standards in monitoring the operation of the accounting information system for business organizations can result in a set of benefits, including facilitating the task of evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the system’s outputs to the extent to which the characteristics of this system comply with the requirements of the beneficiaries on an ongoing, accurate and objective basis. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, examine and test its main hypotheses, the study adopted the descriptive analytical approach by constructing and formulating a questionnaire that was distributed to the study sample consisting of a group of external auditors serving in auditing offices in the Republic of Iraq, and then analyzing the study data through adopting a number of tools and statistical methods.

The study reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that one of the most important challenges facing the external auditor when practicing the tasks of collecting audit evidence its dealing with auditing technology, especially with regard to collecting electronic evidence along with its traditional counterpart. In addition to the weakness in level of accounting and auditing culture for the audited entities. The study also recommended the necessity of providing adequate support by the senior management for the entities subject to audit in relation to the external auditor when exercising the tasks of collecting evidence and taking into account the element of audit fees and wages in a manner that is commensurate with the size and complexity level of the company’s activities for which the accounting information system is audited.

Abstract

The research aimed to identify the role of governance in selecting appropriate accounting policies for companies listed on the Khartoum Stock Exchange in Sudan. This was achieved by exploring the possibility of finding a statistically significant relationship between audit committees and the selection of alternative accounting policies for companies listed on the Khartoum Stock Exchange, the possibility of finding a statistically significant relationship between internal audit information and the selection of accounting policies for economic companies listed on the Khartoum Stock Exchange, and the possibility of finding a statistically significant relationship between external auditor reports and the selection of alternative accounting policies for companies listed on the Khartoum Stock Exchange. The research followed a descriptive-analytical approach, and a sample was distributed to the study population, which consisted of companies listed on the Khartoum Stock Exchange. The sample was selected from individuals in a manner appropriate to their job titles. The researcher distributed (55) questionnaires to the target group, and (50) individuals responded, meaning that the questionnaire was returned at a rate of (90%). The data collected from the questionnaire was then analyzed. After the study and analysis, the research concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between audit committees and the selection of alternative accounting policies for companies listed on the Khartoum Stock Exchange, through the presence of a committee to review accounting policies and principles. The study, conducted in companies with the board of directors, focuses on selecting appropriate accounting policies for financial reporting and discussing with management how to choose accounting estimates. It also examines the statistically significant relationship between internal audit information and the selection of alternative accounting policies for companies listed on the Khartoum Stock Exchange. This is achieved through the contribution of internal audit information to governance, enhancing credibility and fairness for companies, and reducing the risks of administrative and financial corruption. The research recommends that companies and institutions increase their focus on the concept of governance and work to adopt and develop it to contribute to improving the financial and administrative performance of emerging, developing, and established companies.

Abstract

The research aims to identify the role and procedures of external auditing in developing and enhancing the work of internal control in governmental institutions. It also seeks to determine the extent to which the adherence of government units to internal control components according to COSO contributes to strengthening their effectiveness. Furthermore, it explores the role of the external auditor in examining and evaluating internal control within governmental units and the extent to which external auditing relies on it.

To achieve the research objective, questionnaire data were analyzed using statistical methods, specifically Factor Analysis, to determine the relative importance of each factor. Weighted data were then obtained based on the importance determined by factor analysis, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, incorporating the mediator variable (internal control components according to COSO).

The research population was defined as the Federal Board of Supreme Audit employees working in the Ministry of Electricity under the Iraqi Federal Financial Supervisory Board. The research sample was limited to a governmental unit subject to the audit of the research population, specifically the headquarters of the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, due to the availability of the necessary data and their cooperation in scientific research.

The theoretical part of the research relied on collecting data from books, articles, theses, dissertations, scientific studies, and all research related to the topic, whether in Arabic or English, as well as online resources. The practical part depended on creating a questionnaire distributed to the sample individuals.

The research reached several conclusions, the most notable being the lack of awareness among government units and their staff, especially the sample, regarding professional publications related to internal control, such as international and local auditing standards. It also highlighted the failure to keep up with guidelines issued by the Federal Financial Supervisory Board (e.g., the 2007 Internal Audit Units Guidance Manual, Audit Manual No. 4, and the 2024 Internal Control Manual). This was confirmed by practical findings, where respondents agreed on the existence of a relationship and influence between external auditing and the effectiveness of internal control. This influence could be negative if external auditors fail to develop and update audit mechanisms. Additionally, relying on COSO internal control components in external auditing helps enhance the effectiveness of internal control, as shown by the analysis results, especially with the presence of the mediator variable. However, the lack of knowledge about these components has led to weak attention to internal control elements, ultimately weakening internal control in public sector units.

Among the key recommendations of the research is the need to familiarize employees within the unit with professional publications related to internal control, particularly the 2024 Internal Control Manual issued by the Federal Financial Supervisory Board. This manual emphasizes the importance of adhering to internal control components and principles and their impact on enhancing the effectiveness of internal control. This can be achieved through seminars, workshops, and conferences conducted by specialists, in addition to those organized by the Federal Financial Supervisory Board. Furthermore, it is essential to distribute all professional publications related to internal control to employees for review and awareness of their key provisions.

Abstract

The research aims to study and analyze the cognitive foundations of analytical procedures and the efficiency of external auditors, in addition to reviewing the relevant literature on the quality of financial reporting. It focuses on the extent to which analytical procedures are applied and on verifying the external auditor’s commitment to their implementation within a selected sample of Iraqi banks (Iraqi National Bank) The study is based on the hypothesis that adopting sound analytical procedures, supported by an audit team that is scientifically and professionally qualified, positively impacts the quality of financial reporting of the audited entity. To achieve the research objectives, the financial statements of the sampled banks were analyzed using financial ratios representing liquidity, activity, leverage, and profitability.

Through a comparison between the ratios used by the external auditors and those applied by the researcher, it was found that the auditors primarily focused on liquidity indicators, applying only the current ratio, without extending the analysis to other ratios related to activity, profitability, and leverage.

The findings revealed that the effective application of analytical procedures by competent external auditors enhances the quality of financial reporting, as each element reinforces the other’s effectiveness; any weakness in one dimension directly affects the reliability of financial reports.

The researcher recommends that analytical procedures and financial ratios be applied by auditors throughout all stages of the audit process, as they provide essential support in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests, while maintaining previous results for comparative and future evaluation purposes..