Are Audit Program Plans Risk-Adjusted?

Posted: 17 May 1999

See all articles by Theodore J. Mock

Theodore J. Mock

University of Southern California; University of California, Riverside

Arnold Wright

Northeastern University - Accounting Group

Abstract

Prior archival and experimental studies provide conflicting results regarding the extent to which audit program plans are responsive to client risks, as prescribed by the Audit Risk Model. The purpose of this study is to corroborate and extend archival research on this issue by considering a broader set of client risks and incorporating a number of methodological improvements. Data were gathered on risk assessments and evidential plans in the accounts receivable area from the working papers of 74 randomly selected manufacturing clients (42 general manufacturing and 32 high-technology manufacturing).

The results indicate a statistical association between the level of and changes in a limited number of assessed client risks (e.g., management aggressiveness and the inherent risk of an existence misstatement) and evidential plans. In addition, audit programs were found to change little over time with many tests done across a broad array of engagements. Overall, the responsiveness of evidential plans to risks, although limited, was found to be greater in the present study than prior research. These results, which generally replicate prior research, indicate the lack of a strong relationship between client risks and audit programs and thus raise a number of important questions for audit theory, practice and training.

JEL Classification: M49

Suggested Citation

Mock, Theodore J. and Mock, Theodore J. and Wright, Arnold, Are Audit Program Plans Risk-Adjusted?. Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Vol 18, No 1, Spring 1999, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=163216

Theodore J. Mock (Contact Author)

University of Southern California ( email )

Los Angeles, CA 90089-0441
United States

University of California, Riverside ( email )

Riverside, CA 92521
United States

Arnold Wright

Northeastern University - Accounting Group ( email )

406 Hayden Hall
United States

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