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An analysis of attributes that impact information technology audit quality: A study of IT and financial audit practitioners

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  • Stoel, Dale
  • Havelka, Douglas
  • Merhout, Jeffrey W.

Abstract

The importance of information technology (IT) auditing has grown with increased reliance on IT for business operations and new regulations regarding the assurance of IT for these operations. Prior work on IT and financial auditing has suggested several general frameworks that may affect IT audit quality; however, the prior work has not provided measurable constructs nor has it considered whether these proposed constructs are the same or different. Building on prior work that has proposed frameworks of IT audit quality, we identify and evaluate potential constructs suggested by these frameworks as well as financial auditing literature. We develop a survey tool and ask IT and financial accounting practitioners to assess the impact of these items on IT audit quality. A factor analysis is used to refine the set of IT audit quality factors identified, and we are able to provide insight into the prioritized impact of each factor on IT audit quality. In comparison to prior research, we find that additional factors are significant for IT audit quality and that the relative importance of the factors for IT audit quality differs for IT versus financial auditors.

Suggested Citation

  • Stoel, Dale & Havelka, Douglas & Merhout, Jeffrey W., 2012. "An analysis of attributes that impact information technology audit quality: A study of IT and financial audit practitioners," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 13(1), pages 60-79.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ijoais:v:13:y:2012:i:1:p:60-79
    DOI: 10.1016/j.accinf.2011.11.001
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    3. Mohd Noor Azli, 2013. "A Study of Various Aspects of Internet Financial Reporting: A Case of Malaysian Auditors," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 5(6), pages 278-291.
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    6. Hoffman, Benjamin W. & Sellers, R. Drew & Skomra, Justyna, 2018. "The impact of client information technology capability on audit pricing," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 59-75.
    7. Hux, Candice T., 2017. "Use of specialists on audit engagements: A research synthesis and directions for future research," Journal of Accounting Literature, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 23-51.
    8. Steinbart, Paul John & Raschke, Robyn L. & Gal, Graham & Dilla, William N., 2018. "The influence of a good relationship between the internal audit and information security functions on information security outcomes," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 15-29.
    9. Mohd Noor Azli, 2013. "Perceptions of Auditors in Malaysia on the Important Items of Internet Financial Reporting," Journal of Education and Vocational Research, AMH International, vol. 4(5), pages 146-158.
    10. Claudiu BRANDAS & Dan STIRBU & Otniel DIDRAGA, 2013. "Integrated Approach Model of Risk, Control and Auditing of Accounting Information Systems," Informatica Economica, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 17(4), pages 87-95.
    11. Tung-Hsien Wu & Shi-Ming Huang & Shaio Yan Huang & David C. Yen, 0. "The effect of competencies, team problem-solving ability, and computer audit activity on internal audit performance," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-16.

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