REVIEW OF THEORIES ON AUDITORS’ ROTATION

Ogbeiyulu Felix Umanhonlen ()
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Ogbeiyulu Felix Umanhonlen: Department of Accounting, Management Sciences, Postal: University of Benin, Nigeria,, https://journal.citn.org/

Journal of Taxation and Economic Development, 2021, vol. 20, issue 2, 11-33

Abstract: A lot of debates have been evolved among theories of auditor’s rotation. Some theorists have argued that auditors should rotate on a specific basis, others refute these claims and assert that longer tenure audit engagement engender quality audit, while in other quarters narrow it down, emphasizing on other factors that could mitigate the effect of audit rotation such as audit tenure, fees and independence. Auditor rotation entails the auditor(s) rotate after a specific period. Audit quality reveals that the auditor has in-depth knowledge and experience on the clients’ specific job on a longer tenure. This assertion has relatively enhanced other factors. Rotation of external auditors requires audit firms to be rotated after a specific number of years despite the quality, independence of the audit firm, and the willingness of the shareholder and management to keep the audit firm. The aim of this study was to review theory of auditors’ rotation. The paper presents detailed analysis of auditor rotation, auditor independence, tenure, fees and audit quality. Specifically, it supervenes major inherent problems of audit firms and policy measures. Hence, the study demystifies credible and genuine reasons for or toward audit rotation. Therefore, the paper identifies basis for future research, expanded the scope of study and highlighted relevance arguments among related theoretical issues using a causal factor and conceptual approach involving qualitative survey of literature to bring relevant issues to the fore as oppose to the aforementioned nomenclatures. Essentially, various historical development ensuring countries that involved or adopted rotation were discussed. The study backs its assertions with relevant theories. It was revealed that auditors’ rotation also has a link with quality auditing, quality financial reporting and independence. Nevertheless, builds confidence on the ability of management to protect the interest of the stakeholders. However, concludes that rotation may create a balance among firms and give fair value to audit firms reporting. It proposes that in order to produce high level of audit quality require effort from both the professional bodies to provide a proper standard auditing procedure and the accounting firm to provide highly experienced staff with independent mental attitude.

Keywords: audit firms; auditors’ rotation; audit quality; fees; financial reporting; independence; tenure; quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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