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An Investigation of Auditors’ Judgments When Companies Release Earnings Before Audit Completion

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  • LORI SHEFCHIK BHASKAR
  • PATRICK E. HOPKINS
  • JOSEPH H. SCHROEDER

Abstract

The majority of U.S. public companies release annual earnings prior to the completion of audit fieldwork. We investigate this phenomenon in a controlled experiment with audit partners and senior managers. We find that releasing earnings before completion of the audit pressures auditors to adopt the goals of management, thereby reducing the likelihood of post‐announcement audit‐adjustment recommendations. We also examine the effect of audit committee (AC) strength in improving auditors’ judgments after annual earnings are released. When ACs are actively involved in accounting issues and proactively communicating with auditors—characteristics currently lacking in most ACs—the negative effects on auditors’ judgments are completely mitigated. Our study provides evidence on potential unintended consequences of early release of earnings and the importance of investing in high‐quality ACs to mitigate adverse effects of client pressures on audit judgment and financial reporting quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Lori Shefchik Bhaskar & Patrick E. Hopkins & Joseph H. Schroeder, 2019. "An Investigation of Auditors’ Judgments When Companies Release Earnings Before Audit Completion," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(2), pages 355-390, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:joares:v:57:y:2019:i:2:p:355-390
    DOI: 10.1111/1475-679X.12262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Noh, Suzie & So, Eric C. & Verdi, Rodrigo S., 2021. "Calendar rotations: A new approach for studying the impact of timing using earnings announcements," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(3), pages 865-893.
    2. Salman Arif & John D. Kepler & Joseph Schroeder & Daniel Taylor, 2022. "Audit process, private information, and insider trading," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 1125-1156, September.
    3. Kimball Chapman & Michael Drake & Joseph H. Schroeder & Timothy Seidel, 2023. "Earnings announcement delays and implications for the auditor-client relationship," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 28(1), pages 45-90, March.

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