Title

Auditor Independence in Fact: Research, Regulatory, and Practice Implications Drawn from Experimental and Archival Research

Authors

Authors

B. K. Church; J. G. Jenkins; S. A. McCracken; P. B. Roush;J. D. Stanley

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Account. Horiz.

Keywords

auditor independence; independence regulation; independence in fact; LARGE ACCOUNTING FIRMS; NONAUDIT SERVICE FEES; CONFLICTS-OF-INTEREST; CORPORATE GOVERNANCE; CLIENT RELATIONSHIP; EARNINGS MANAGEMENT; QUALITY; JUDGMENTS; COMMITTEE; OPINIONS; Business, Finance

Abstract

Notwithstanding various safeguards intended to enhance auditor independence in fact, regulators including the PCAOB have continued to express concerns that auditors, at times, are failing to maintain an appropriate level of independence. In this paper, we provide an analysis of selected academic studies related to auditor independence to offer readers a foundation on which to evaluate the substantial body of research in the area and to understand the mixed findings reported in experimental and archival studies. We discuss issues surrounding the research designs and methods used in prior work, highlighting challenges that face researchers. Subsequently, we take stock of what we have learned from our analysis and consider the research, regulatory, and practice implications of our conclusions. We also offer avenues for future research and highlight specific issues that warrant further investigation.

Journal Title

Accounting Horizons

Volume

29

Issue/Number

1

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

217

Last Page

238

WOS Identifier

WOS:000351648700010

ISSN

0888-7993

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