Auditor independence and audit risk:a reconceptualisation

Fearnley, Stella and Beattie, Vivien and Brandt, Richard (2005) Auditor independence and audit risk:a reconceptualisation. Journal of International Accounting Research, 4 (1). pp. 39-71. ISSN 1542-6297

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Abstract

The principles-based UK regulatory framework for auditor independence (Chartered Accountants Joint Ethics Committee 1996), which was adopted in 1997, identifies threats to independence in fact, independence in appearance, and the safeguards that control these threats. These principles are incorporated in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC 2001) ethics framework. Drawing on six case studies of interactions involving significant accounting issues between audit engagement partners and finance directors in UK-listed companies, we analyze the threats and safeguards to auditor independence in fact that are relevant to the outcome of each interaction. Despite the UK's comprehensive regulatory framework for independence, audit quality control, and independent inspection of firms, not all the interactions have a fully compliant outcome. Independence in fact is compromised where the safeguards in the framework are insufficient defense against the threats, particularly regarding intimidation and bullying during the audit process. Further examples of existing threats are identified and additional threats emerge, in particular an urgency threat, and a loss of face threat. Management motivation is found to be a key driver of pressure. Threats to independence arising within audit firms are not recognized in the current UK audit risk model. An extended risk model incorporating within-firm risk is suggested. This study demonstrates the need for continual improvement to regulatory frameworks; in particular it supports the recent US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule on improper influence on the conduct of audits (Securities and Exchange Commission 2003a).

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of International Accounting Research
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1402
Subjects:
?? INDEPENDENCE RISK THREATS SAFEGUARDSBUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENTACCOUNTING ??
ID Code:
66331
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
17 Sep 2013 08:05
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
20 Sep 2023 00:33