Internal Audit Quality and Financial Reporting Quality: The Joint Importance of Independence and Competence
53 Pages Posted: 13 Oct 2015
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Internal Audit Quality and Financial Reporting Quality: The Joint Importance of Independence and Competence
Internal Audit Quality and Financial Reporting Quality: The Joint Importance of Independence and Competence
Date Written: October 12, 2015
Abstract
In light of the growing importance of internal audit functions (IAF) and the limited archival evidence on internal audit quality, we examine an interactive model of IAF quality (comprised of competence and independence) to better understand the determinants of IAF effectiveness as financial reporting monitors. Our tests support the hypothesis that the joint presence of competence and independence is a necessary antecedent to effective IAF financial reporting monitoring. In sum our results show that the answer to “what is the effect of internal audit competence (independence) on financial reporting quality?” is “it depends on the independence (competence) of the internal auditor.” Our study extends the understanding of IAF quality determinants in the realm of financial reporting as it relates to ongoing discussions by researchers, standard setters, regulators, and practitioners.
Keywords: Internal Audit, Financial Reporting Quality, Auditor Independence, Auditor Competence
JEL Classification: M12, M42, M41, D83, G39
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation