Assessment of the Role of Audit Firms in Reducing Fraud

No Thumbnail Available

Date

2017-06

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Addis Ababa Universit

Abstract

This study examines the roles of external auditors in fraud reduction in Ethiopia including the factors that influence external auditors' responsibility and expert performance in detecting fraud. The study adopts questionnaire data and depth interviews research approach by combining data gathering instruments of research questions, The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and correlations, and data from interview were interpreted qualitatively. The findings of the study show that, auditors are responsible for detection and uncovering fraud, and are legally liable for subsequently discovered misstatement in audited financial statements The results of the research result indicate that most of the private audit firms do not comply with professional ethics and lack independence from their client. This non-compliance came from self-interest, self-review and familiarity threats which results from having family, financial and personal relationship with their clients. Unwillingness to look for fraud because of fear of spoiling good relationship with clients, too much trust placed on the auditees, management and employees, auditor not giving enough emphasis to audit quality, management not having fraud policy; and, failure to focus on high-risk fraud areas. Fraudsters collusion, Absence of clear interpretation of tax law /proclamation, absence of wellorganized professional body in Ethiopia are listed among the most important challenges of auditors fail to detect fraud. The study also finds that the six variables which are, professional ethics, certification, practical experience, training, audit fee, and independence significantly influence the auditor’s expert performance to fraud detection

Description

Keywords

Reducing Fraud

Citation