Measuring Accounting Reporting Complexity with XBRL

66 Pages Posted: 6 May 2014 Last revised: 8 May 2020

See all articles by Rani Hoitash

Rani Hoitash

Bentley University - Department of Accountancy

Udi Hoitash

Northeastern University - Accounting Group

Date Written: April 20, 2017

Abstract

We propose a new measure of accounting reporting complexity (ARC) based on the count of accounting items (XBRL tags) disclosed in 10-K filings. The preparation and disclosure of more accounting items is complicated because it requires greater knowledge of authoritative accounting standards. This aspect of complexity can increase the likelihood of mistakes, incorrect application of GAAP, and can ultimately lead to less credible financial reports. Consistently, we find that ARC is associated with a greater likelihood of misstatements and material weakness disclosures, longer audit delay, and higher audit fees. In comparison to commonly-used measures of operating and linguistic complexity, the associations between ARC and these outcomes are more consistent, exhibit greater explanatory power, and have stronger economic significance. These and additional validation and robustness tests suggest that ARC more completely reflects accounting complexity. In addition, ARC exhibits several advantageous properties, including across- and within-firm variation, availability for the universe of SEC filers and a direct connection to accounting, inherent in its derivation from detailed accounting disclosures. Finally, because it relies on a comprehensive set of detailed accounting data, ARC broadly captures accounting complexity, while at the same time it can be disaggregated into account-specific measures of complexity.

Data Availability: Data are available from http://www.xbrlresearch.com

Keywords: Accounting Complexity, XBRL, Financial Reporting Quality, Restatements, Internal Controls, Audit Fees, Accruals

JEL Classification: M41, M43

Suggested Citation

Hoitash, Rani and Hoitash, Udi, Measuring Accounting Reporting Complexity with XBRL (April 20, 2017). The Accounting Review, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2433677 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2433677

Rani Hoitash (Contact Author)

Bentley University - Department of Accountancy ( email )

175 Forest Street
Waltham, MA 02452-4705
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.xbrlresearch.com

Udi Hoitash

Northeastern University - Accounting Group ( email )

360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
United States
671-373-5839 (Phone)

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