The impact of mandatory IFRS adoption on audit fees : Theory and evidence

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

192 Scopus Citations
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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2061-2094
Journal / PublicationAccounting Review
Volume87
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2012

Abstract

This study examines the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption on audit fees. We first build an analytical audit fee model to analyze the impact on audit fees for the change in both audit complexity and financial reporting quality brought about by IFRS adoption. We then test the model's predictions using audit fee data from European Union countries that mandated IFRS adoption in 2005. We find that mandatory IFRS adoption has led to an increase in audit fees. We also find that the IFRS-related audit fee premium increases with the increase in audit complexity brought about by IFRS adoption, and decreases with the improvement in financial reporting quality arising from IFRS adoption. Finally, we find some evidence that the IFRS-related audit fee premium is lower in countries with stronger legal regimes. Our results are robust to a variety of sensitivity checks.

Research Area(s)

  • Audit complexity, Audit fees, IFRS adoption, Legal regime, Reporting quality