Investigating audit quality among Big 4 Malaysian firms

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to contemplate the degree to which technical expertise in Malaysian Big 4 auditing practice survives periods of material regulatory inflexion sufficiently to underpin quality financial reporting outcomes. Design/methodology/approach - The adoption of IAS in Malaysia in 2006 introduced a highly technical standard (financial reporting standards – FRS 136) which impacted not only preparers but also auditors of financial statements. This transition period represents a unique opportunity to interrogate the content of financial statements drawn up under new and complex standards, with a view to gaining insight into the quality of oversight offered by the audit profession. Findings - Contrary to the view within the extant literature that there is homogeneity in audit quality among Big 4 firms, this paper reports substantial cross‐sectional variation among the sample of Big 4 Malaysian audit firms and reports on distinctly poor compliance levels. Research limitations/implications - The research focuses on compliance with various requirements under FRS 136 –Impairment of Assetsamong a sample of first‐time adaptors drawn from the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Index whose 2006 financial accounts have been audited by a Big 4 auditor. Practical implications - The results raise questions about audit quality among the sample firms and the robustness of regulatory oversight institutions operating within Malaysia. Originality/value - This research illustrates a novel approach to examining the issue of audit quality by introducing a compliance quality approach focusing on note‐form disclosures.